Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin Kootman

Saint Charles,MO

Summary

Dynamic bar manager with proven expertise at PF Changs Restaurant, enhancing customer satisfaction through exceptional service and innovative cocktail menus. Skilled in inventory management and staff training, I successfully improved onboarding efficiency by 30%, fostering a motivated team and driving revenue growth through strategic promotional initiatives.

Work History

Bar Manager

PF Changs Restaurant
  • Managed bar operations, maintaining service standards, cleanliness, and readiness during peak dining hours.
  • Trained bar staff on cocktail execution, product knowledge, and guest service procedures.
  • Monitored inventory levels, ordered spirits and supplies, and controlled waste through accurate stock rotation.
  • Enforced alcohol safety policies, age verification, and responsible service compliance.
  • Coordinated bar schedules to support coverage, efficiency, and smooth shift transitions.
  • Maintained POS accuracy, reconciled sales, and resolved guest concerns promptly.
  • Prepared signature beverages according to recipe standards and presentation guidelines.
  • Collaborated with kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver consistent dining experiences.
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
  • Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
  • Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
  • Handled conflict resolution among staff members promptly and professionally, maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Handled conflict resolution among staff members promptly and professionally, maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Introduced new cocktails to the menu based on market research that became popular choices amongst customers.
  • Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
  • Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
  • Enhanced team productivity through effective scheduling and task delegation.
  • Increased revenue with creative marketing initiatives and promotional events.
  • Guaranteed optimal beverage stock by assessing inventory and collaborating with owners for corrective action planning to limit expenses.
  • Safeguarded compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations in all operations.
  • Recruited, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards, and productivity strategies, providing [Number]% improvement over prior onboarding process.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Improved customer service rankings by resolving issues quickly and accurately.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.

Server Trainer

O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
  • Trained new servers on guest service standards, menu knowledge, and POS order entry.
  • Demonstrated side work procedures, table setup, and closing duties to ensure shift readiness.
  • Reinforced proper food handling, sanitation, and safety practices during floor training.
  • Coached team members on suggestive selling, allergy awareness, and upselling techniques.
  • Monitored trainee performance and provided real-time feedback to improve service consistency.
  • Supported managers with onboarding, scheduling readiness, and role-specific training coordination.
  • Modeled efficient station management during high-volume shifts and busy dining periods.
  • Resolved guest concerns by guiding staff on communication, pacing, and recovery steps.
  • Mentored new hires through the training process, ensuring they became productive team members quickly and efficiently.
  • Mentored new hires through the training process, ensuring they became productive team members quickly and efficiently.
  • Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.

Assistant General Manager

Black Bear Diner

Server

First Watch Daytime Cafe
  • Managed bar operations, maintaining service standards, cleanliness, and readiness during peak dining hours.
  • Trained bar staff on cocktail execution, product knowledge, and guest service procedures.
  • Monitored inventory levels, ordered spirits and supplies, and controlled waste through accurate stock rotation.
  • Enforced alcohol safety policies, age verification, and responsible service compliance.
  • Coordinated bar schedules to support coverage, efficiency, and smooth shift transitions.
  • Maintained POS accuracy, reconciled sales, and resolved guest concerns promptly.
  • Prepared signature beverages according to recipe standards and presentation guidelines.
  • Collaborated with kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver consistent dining experiences.
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
  • Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
  • Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
  • Handled conflict resolution among staff members promptly and professionally, maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Handled conflict resolution among staff members promptly and professionally, maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Introduced new cocktails to the menu based on market research that became popular choices amongst customers.
  • Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
  • Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
  • Enhanced team productivity through effective scheduling and task delegation.
  • Increased revenue with creative marketing initiatives and promotional events.
  • Guaranteed optimal beverage stock by assessing inventory and collaborating with owners for corrective action planning to limit expenses.
  • Safeguarded compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations in all operations.
  • Recruited, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards, and productivity strategies, providing [Number]% improvement over prior onboarding process.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Improved customer service rankings by resolving issues quickly and accurately.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.

Education

High School Diploma -

Parkway North
St Louis, MO
05-2010

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Staff training

Health and safety

Training and mentoring

Responsible alcohol service

Bar management

Inventory management

Staff scheduling

Health codes compliance

Conflict resolution

Customer relationship building

Guest interaction

Outgoing personality

Inventory control

Safety awareness

Customer relations

Issue resolution

Supply ordering

Sales promotion

Relationship building

Shift scheduling

Supervisory experience

Mixology expertise

Quality control

Quality control

Verbal and written communication

Menu updating

Service-oriented mindset

Vendor management

Strategic planning

Foodservice management

Cost control

Group reservations management

Restaurant management

Legal compliance

Vendor relationship management

Equipment maintenance

Timeline

Bar Manager

PF Changs Restaurant

Server Trainer

O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar

Assistant General Manager

Black Bear Diner

Server

First Watch Daytime Cafe

High School Diploma -

Parkway North
Benjamin Kootman