Legacy Special Edition
Making Every Event Royal
Maître D’s
Tracey Retas Maître D
Tracey Retas began with Russo’s On The Bay at the age of 16. For 22 years, she has been a team member in some capacity, working first as a cocktail waitress and later gaining experience as a server, captain, bartender, and assistant Maître’ D before becoming a Maître’ D. At 18, Tracey joined the office team as a Banquet Sales Consultant while attending school to receive her degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management. From the experience in nearly all positions in the front of the house, Tracey has developed a well-rounded set of skills that has helped her to excel in her position as Maître’ D; helping each and every client to manage the perfect event from the moment their guests enter the doors.
Dara Grombliniak Maître D
Like many of our management members, Dara began working at Russo’s On The Bay twelve years ago while attending high school and then while attending college to complete her BA in Communications (Advertising/ PR) and MA in Broadcast Journalism. While the position started as a part time job, it quickly turned into a second career due to her love of the Russo’s On The Bay culture and team and her commitment to assisting our clients with making each event spectacular. Dara’s strong commitment to the parties she manages ensures that every event will be an incredible success.
Jason McMilleon Maître D
Jason began his career with Russo’s On The Bay at the age of 17. As a senior in high school, he worked part time in several positions from food runner to busboy. Upon graduating with his Associate Degree in Hospitality from Queens Borough Community College, Jason joined the Russo’s team full time. His skill and dedication quickly moved him through the ranks from busboy to server and then captain. He began working as a Maitre’ D twelve years ago and has found his passion in coordinating and managing events for clients. As part of the Russo’s on the Bay family for 18 years, Jason understands the high standards that the guests have come to expect from and always goes above and beyond for each and every guest to ensure that their expectations are met.
Joe Vacca Maître D
Joe Vacca is a Maître’ D at Russo’s On The Bay and has worked at this establishment for over 22 years. Joe has worked his way up, touching most departments such as Waiter, Captain, and Marketing Consultant to name just - a few. This experience has allowed him to become a well-rounded individual who has familiarity not only in the front of the house but behind the scenes as well. Joe’s dedication, personality, hard work, love of people and his wonderful sense of humor helps ease of our clients events. Joe has also worked at Vetro Restaurant and Lounge, the newest project of Russo’s On The Bay. Bringing to the table years of experience and technique in the catering and restaurant business has afforded Joe the success he is so proud of has one of Russo’s On The Bay’s Maître’Ds. Joe holds himself to the same high standards Russo’s On The Bay and Vetro Restaurant and Lounge are so elegantly known for.