Not all leaders wear a suit and tie, some wear an apron, keep a clipboard in hand, and greet every team member with a smile. Andrew Gantner Krienke is one of those leaders.
He’s not flashy. He doesn’t chase attention. But over the years, he’s built a career defined by consistency, humility, and heart. From teaching and coaching to managing a busy restaurant, Andrew’s path hasn’t followed a straight line — but it’s always followed his values.
From Lodi to Leadership
Andrew grew up in Lodi, California, a small city in the Central Valley. His family has deep roots there. His father, Calvin Krienke Jr., was a well-known teacher and basketball coach. His mother, Cynthia, worked as a nurse. Both passed down the importance of hard work, kindness, and showing up for others.
“My dad was calm and steady. He led by example,” Andrew says. “I try to follow that same path every day.”
Those early lessons stayed with him as he moved through life. In school, he played sports, joined theater productions, and earned awards. He later studied History at CSU Sacramento and got his teaching credential from National University.
“I always thought I’d be a teacher forever,” he admits. “And for a while, I was.”
Andrew worked as a substitute and full-time teacher in the Lodi Unified School District. He also coached youth and high school sports — mostly basketball and football. His focus wasn’t just on wins, but on helping kids grow.
“I loved seeing students become more confident,” he says. “That’s still the best part of any job — helping people believe in themselves.”
A Shift to Hospitality
Eventually, Andrew made a career change. He moved from classrooms to restaurant floors. It wasn’t a sudden shift, but a gradual one. He worked in hospitality to help pay the bills — first as a server at Hyatt Regency Sacramento, then at Disneyland Resort, and later as a bartender and assistant manager at Chili’s (Brinker International).
At first, hospitality was just another job. But over time, he saw something more.
“Restaurants are like classrooms and locker rooms. Fast-paced, full of energy, lots of moving parts,” he explains. “But what really clicked for me was the chance to lead a team and create a strong culture.”
Today, Andrew is the General Manager at CE Restaurant & Bar (Bella Bru Cafe) in Carmichael, CA. He’s been in that role since 2022. Every day brings a new challenge — and a new chance to make a difference.
Leading from the Front
Andrew believes in showing up — not just being present, but really being there for his team.
“I greet every team member when I walk in. I ask how they’re doing. Sometimes it’s about work, sometimes it’s about their kid’s soccer game,” he says. “That’s how trust is built.”
Trust is a big theme in how Andrew manages people. He says it’s the most important part of leadership.
“If your team trusts you, they’ll work hard for you. But you have to earn that trust every day.”
Andrew doesn’t stay in the back office. If the kitchen’s in the weeds, he’s there to help. If the front of house is swamped, he’s greeting guests.
“Leadership isn’t about giving orders,” he says. “It’s about rolling up your sleeves and doing the work.”
Culture Matters
One of Andrew’s biggest priorities is creating a good culture at work. That means celebrating wins, learning from mistakes, and making sure everyone feels heard.
“I check in with my team often — not just about performance, but about their goals, frustrations, and ideas,” he says. “Sometimes the best ideas come from the dishwasher or the barback.”
He also believes in keeping communication open. He encourages feedback, even when it’s tough.
“You can’t grow if you’re afraid to hear the truth.”
Knowing the Numbers
While Andrew Gantner Krienke loves the people side of the job, he knows that good leadership also means understanding the business. That includes labor costs, sales goals, food costs, and more.
“In the beginning, I focused so much on service that I ignored some of the financial side,” he admits. “But I learned that great service and smart business go hand in hand.”
Now, he balances both. He uses tools like Google Keep to stay organized. It helps him track shift notes, specials, and reminders on the fly.
“It’s my digital clipboard,” he says.
Calm in the Chaos
Working in a restaurant means dealing with the unexpected. A last-minute party, a broken freezer, a no-show cook — it’s all part of the job.
Andrew’s advice? Stay calm.
“If you panic, your team will panic. If you stay steady, they will too,” he says. “Take a breath, assess the situation, and move forward.”
He learned that mindset from coaching, and from watching his parents handle stress with grace.
“I try to be the person others can count on when things get tough.”
Never Stop Learning
Despite years of experience, Andrew still sees himself as a student. He reads, watches, listens, and asks questions. He believes that learning is a lifelong habit.
“I’ve worked in hotels, chains, and now a local restaurant,” he says. “Every place taught me something new.”
His background as a teacher still shapes how he thinks. He breaks big problems into small steps and helps others do the same.
“I want to leave people better than I found them — that’s what leadership is to me.”
A Legacy of Service
More than anything, Andrew is guided by the legacy of his family. His grandfather served in World War II. His great-uncle died a hero at Pearl Harbor. His parents gave their lives to helping others.
“I carry their stories with me,” he says. “I want my son to know where we came from and why it matters.”
Andrew and his son are the last in their family to carry the Gantner name. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously.
“It’s not about fame or titles,” he says. “It’s about doing right by the people who came before you — and helping those who come after you.”
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