Blake W. Gaffney
Portland,OR
Summary
To secure a position as Bartender that will provide opportunities to learn and grow with a high-quality restaurant, bar/lounge, or nightclub committed to superior service.
Diligent [Desired Position] with solid background in managing daily operations and driving team performance. Successfully led various projects, ensuring seamless execution and improved operational efficiency. Demonstrated strategic planning and effective communication skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano
06.2021 - 12.2024
- Responsible for the day-to-day management of a 240-seat fine dining Italian restaurant which included supervising a staff of 6-8 servers, bartenders, bussers, and kitchen staff
- Open/close restaurant settling all transactions nightly
- Recruit, train, and supervise wait staff and bussers
- Assisted with payroll
- Order supplies from vendors including wine/beer and spirits, dry goods, and food
- Private party/banquet sales, planning, and execution
- Waited tables as server and managed private parties/banquets
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels for uninterrupted operations.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Bartender/Server
Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano
04.2016 - 06.2021
- Working full-time, serving tables for lunch and dinner averaging 12 hours daily, 6 days a week
- Served as Bartender supporting a 10-seat bar and 12 table lounge area, created custom cocktails, inventory management/ordering supplies and stocking of the bar
- Lead Server supporting private parties/banquets such as baptisms, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals ranging from 30 to 190 guests
- Supervised front desk and take-out orders, including management of all online orders working with providers such as Door Dash & Grubhub
- Utilized Aldelo POS
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
Server
Vergina Restaurant
12.2015 - 04.2016
- Began working in 2015 as understudy/bar back to a 30-year veteran 5th Avenue bartending professional who showed me the way
- Spent time as an Expeditor, Restaurant Host, Server Assistant, and Server
- Responsibilities included: Served food & beverages that exceeded customer expectations
- Assisted guests with menu decisions/suggestions
- Anticipated and addressed the needs of our guests, ensuring an unforgettable experience
- Utilized Aloha POS
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
Education
High school diploma - College Preparatory Curriculum
Naples High School
Naples, Florida05.2015
Skills
- Passion for the Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, and Nightclub industry
- Highly Organized and Reliable
- Educated and Presentable
- Outstanding Customer Service Skills
- Experience with Open Table
- Experience with Aloha
- Experience with Aldelo
- Experience with Toast POS
- Leadership and team building
- Team player
- Operations management
- Problem resolution
- Efficient multi-tasker
Timeline
General Manager
Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano
06.2021 - 12.2024
Bartender/Server
Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano
04.2016 - 06.2021
Server
Vergina Restaurant
12.2015 - 04.2016
High school diploma - College Preparatory Curriculum
Naples High School
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