Dynamic Sommelier and Food and Beverage Hospitality professional with over 6 years of diverse experience. Expertise in developing innovative beverage programs that enhance profitability while implementing effective cost-reduction strategies. Extensive knowledge of wine and cuisine pairings, complemented by a dedication to exceptional guest experiences through genuine hospitality. Strong work ethic and adaptability foster a collaborative team environment.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server Trainer /Sommelier
Jeune et Jolie
Carlsbad, CA
04.2023 - Current
Maintained high standards of one Michelin star cuisine in every tasting menu execution.
Guided nine new servers through comprehensive training covering service norms, culinary methods, beverage programs and restaurant ethos.
Curated evening pairings and selections from diverse French bottles for superior guest enjoyment.
Earned advancement to server trainer position within eight weeks of joining.
Demonstrated proficiency in French cuisine and culinary techniques via company training.
Sommelier / Wine Buyer / Food & Beverage Manager
Alila Marea Beach Resort & Spa
Encinitas, CA
02.2021 - 04.2023
Advanced wine program to enhance overall hotel service quality.
Oversaw day to day operations of main restaurant & In room dining, monitor and analyze financials for wine program, work with management staff to forecast material and labor needs, develop shift standards, address and resolve HR issues among team
Appointed by management to leverage expertise in Forbes and Relais & Châteaux standards for improving Front of The House operations.
Led redesign of wine menus, mini-bar options, and experiential programs while driving profit growth over previous year.
Facilitated training sessions on leadership, service excellence, beverage skills, and operational procedures while offering customized coaching for performance improvement.
Created a sequence for 10-day new hire and monthly ongoing trainings.
Spearheaded performance assessments to uphold Forbes Five-Star quality.
Exceeded financial targets through consistent application of BTG margin optimization strategies, keeping program expenses within 21.7%.
Secured optimal pricing to support beverage objectives through strategic relationships.
Head Server / Sommelier
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
05.2017 - 02.2021
Presented high-level summary of Forbes Five-star, Five Diamond Relais & Chateaux establishment.
Collaborated with restaurant management to pinpoint operational and training enhancements.
Worked as a sommelier across all restaurant venues, assisting guests with choices from an extensive Grand Award Spectator list of over 1,000 selections.
Supported the formation of updated 10-day instruction booklets for FOH staff to sustain Forbes awards.
Advanced to room service captain within 6 months, enhancing AM and PM shift services.
Collaborated on overall wine program development through training initiatives and inventory support.
Contributed to achieving Forbes 5-Star and AAA 5-Diamond accolades for the resort.
Contributed to maintaining elite hospitality standards for Forbes Five-Star and Five-Diamond recognition.
Assistant Beverage Manager
Valley View Casino & Hotel
01.2015 - 05.2017
Directed daily operations and supervised a team of 25 staff members, including bartenders, cocktail servers, and barbacks.
Oversaw procurement and optimization of beverage product inventory levels.
Performed spot checks and daily reports to verify responsible alcohol service by front-of-house staff.
Reduced staff turnover by implementing constructive feedback and aligning team goals.
Directed services in diverse dining establishments on property handling up to 900 guests per day at cafes, steakhouses and multiple bars.
Monitored beverage cost trends through precise purchasing and adherence to service protocols.
Restaurant Server
Valley View Casino & Hotel
03.2013 - 01.2015
Served guests in a professional and efficient manner to provide them an enjoyable dining experience
Promoted 4 times during my first 2 years
I serviced as a restaurant server for all 3 restaurants on property, led as lead server in Black and Blue steakhouse, eventually promoted to Assistant Beverage manager
Exceeded Management expectations by overachieving in guest reviews, overall product knowledge, & attention to detail in my performance
Server Assistant & Expo
La Cocina Bar and Grill
06.2010 - 03.2013
Maintained service areas cleaned to insure proper sanitation & cleanliness of all restaurant stations
Rehearsed and educated myself on proper ingredient preparations, food allergies, & proper service of food delivery to exceed guests' expectations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
San Diego, CA
08.2014
Skills
Hospitality Operations Management
Leadership Development
Profit and Loss Management
Inventory Management
Comprehensive Beverage Understanding
Strategic Wine Education for Staff
Menu Design
Programming of Micros & Oracle Systems
Certification
Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommelier, 03/19
Certified Specialist of Spirits, Society of Wine Educators, 03/20
Languages
English, Native or Bilingual
Spanish, Native or Bilingual
Languages
Spanish
Advanced (C1)
C1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Server Trainer /Sommelier
Jeune et Jolie
04.2023 - Current
Sommelier / Wine Buyer / Food & Beverage Manager
Alila Marea Beach Resort & Spa
02.2021 - 04.2023
Head Server / Sommelier
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
05.2017 - 02.2021
Assistant Beverage Manager
Valley View Casino & Hotel
01.2015 - 05.2017
Restaurant Server
Valley View Casino & Hotel
03.2013 - 01.2015
Server Assistant & Expo
La Cocina Bar and Grill
06.2010 - 03.2013
Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommelier, 03/19
Certified Specialist of Spirits, Society of Wine Educators, 03/20
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
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