Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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ADAM ABDIRIZAK

Baltimore,MD

Summary

Born in Maryland, raised in Nairobi, formerly based in Richmond, recently moved to Baltimore. I'm Adam! A bartender with a couple years of bartending experience, in a casual dining setting, with a passion for people, camera work, live music and being active. Being raised in a multi-cultural background has encouraged me to value diverse interpersonal working relationships, adaptability, being thorough in any task, and respectful communication to be of utmost importance. I pride myself in customer relations and my ability to thrive under pressure. Quick learner with a positive can-do attitude eagerly looking for a new team to join and grow with!

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Bartender

Bar Solita
Richmond, VA
12.2023 - 08.2025
  • Full-service casual dining tapas restaurant, typically catering to a younger crowd. Averaged 150-200 covers on weekend dinner shifts
  • Often worked service well, taking on multiple drink tickets consisting of typically 4-6 different drinks each.
  • Regularly workshopped signature cocktails and added input on cocktail specials and seasonal menu ideas, often in collaboration with fellow bartenders.
  • Experience working on buyout events at the restaurant, including wedding receptions, fundraisers, birthdays, and corporate gatherings.
  • Counted cash, processed payments, and balanced the register with accuracy. Familiar with Toast POS systems as a means of ringing up customers.
  • Mixed and served both house cocktails and classics, while keeping consistency and speed during service.
  • Learned guest preferences and made recommendations that encouraged repeat visits.
  • Stayed up to date on seasonal menus as well as new wine, beer, and spirits to better answer questions at the bar.
  • Handled busy shifts without losing accuracy or quality of service.
  • Followed alcohol laws and house policies to ensure safe service.
  • Kept the bar clean, stocked, and organized in line with health and safety regulations.
  • Helped train new bartenders and barbacks on daily routines and drink builds.
  • Monitored stock levels, tracked pours, and cut down on product waste.

Barista

Stella's Grocery
Richmond, VA
08.2023 - 03.2024
  • Small neighborhood Greek style Cafe/Grocery store. Serving espresso drinks, pre-packaged meals, souvenirs, and basic grocery items.
  • Prepared coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and seasonal beverages to order, consistently meeting customer preferences.
  • Provided friendly, personalized service to regulars and new customers, creating a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
  • Operated the cash register and POS system for both café and grocery purchases.
  • Assisted with stocking shelves, rotating products, and checking inventory to keep the store organized and well-supplied.
  • Maintained the cleanliness of the coffee station, seating area, and store floor, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
  • Balanced multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, shifting seamlessly between barista work and grocery duties.
  • Answered customer questions about products, from coffee beans and pastries to household staples, providing knowledgeable recommendations.
  • Opened and closed the café section, including equipment setup, cleaning, and daily prep for smooth operations.
  • Collaborated with a small team to support day-to-day store needs, fostering teamwork in a community-centered environment.

Server Assistant

Bar Solita
Richmond, USA
03.2022 - 12.2023
  • Held Busser, Food Runner, and Barback positions.
  • Monitored food quality before serving, ensuring all dishes met establishment standards.
  • Maintained supplies such as napkins, silverware, glassware, and plates throughout the shift.
  • Provided assistance with pre-bussing and clearing plates from tables after meals were completed.
  • Genera as bar required: beer taps, wine bottles, liquor bottles, and garnishes.
  • Delivered food promptly to tables, ensuring accurate orders.
  • Set up tables and chairs for parties and large groups.
  • Responded promptly to requests from servers or other staff members.
  • Collaborated with servers, kitchen staff, and management to provide smooth, coordinated service.
  • Food and Beverage Service as needed.

Voluntary School Basketball Coach

International School Of Kenya
Kenya, Kenya
09.2018 - 03.2020
  • Overlooked the coaching of children aged 7-11 in Basketball on weekends at the International School of Kenya
  • Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to younger children
  • Created engaging, fun and smooth-running practice sessions
  • Uphold culture of good sportsmanship, cooperation and responsibility among athletes and coaching staff.
  • Communicated rules and expectations to student athletes and performed necessary corrective actions.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage and motivate students.
  • Mentored and encouraged youth to develop strong work ethic by being positive role model and regularly practicing skills.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Photography And Film

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
05.2025

High School Diploma - Nairobi, Kenya

International School of Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
05.2021

Skills

  • High-volume drink service
  • Classic cocktail knowledge & mixology techniques
  • Craft cocktail creation & recipe development
  • Common espresso drink recipes committed to memory
  • Menu development
  • Toast POS
  • Possesses ServSafe De-Escalation Training
  • Inventory management
  • General Photography and Film work
  • Component with Adobe Creative Suite
  • First-Aid (Padi CPR Certified)
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptive Learning
  • Welcoming Demeanor
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Customer Relations
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration
  • Conflict Resolution

Accomplishments

  • Bar Solita Employee of the Month September 2024

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Bartender

Bar Solita
12.2023 - 08.2025

Barista

Stella's Grocery
08.2023 - 03.2024

Server Assistant

Bar Solita
03.2022 - 12.2023

Voluntary School Basketball Coach

International School Of Kenya
09.2018 - 03.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Photography And Film

Virginia Commonwealth University

High School Diploma - Nairobi, Kenya

International School of Kenya
ADAM ABDIRIZAK