BRIAN JOHNSTON
Summary
Seasoned hospitality professional with extensive acumen in operations practices, natural leadership and top-notch planning abilities. Focused on profit maximization through improved cost controls and strategic promotions. Talents include building strong teams and training employees in customer service and sales. Alongside the aforementioned, delivering efficiency in payroll, scheduling, spreadsheet creation and maintenance, P&L reports, cultivating marketing plans,promotional events and customer outreach.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Bartender/Restaurant Floor Manager
Community Tavern
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Reduced inventory losses and moved older products by creating new drink menu items.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
- Designed special drink and cocktail offerings on monthly basis as part of seasonal offerings.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Assistant Manager
Garfield's Beverage
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Coordinated and negotiated purchases with the general manager to develop a unique in-store selection best suited for the neighborhood
- Spearheaded training of new employees and maintained an ongoing program for continual knowledge growth for existing employees
- Managed the social media accounts via Facebook and Instagram for all of the Chicago stores
- Tracked daily cash handling, reconciled sales and prepared bank deposits.
- Implemented strategies focused on increasing store sales and customer satisfaction.
Assistant Manager/Lead Bartender
Broken Barrel Bar
04.2019 - 05.2020
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks and customer-focused events
- Reduced labor costs by improving employee schedules and workflows to capitalize on individual strengths and better meet forecasted customer demands
- Work with general manager to improve profits through bi-weekly inventory analytics and vendors for better cost options
- Trained staff to improve product handling, improving LBW cost from 22% to 15%
Lead Bartender
Slightly Toasted
09.2017 - 04.2019
- Worked with staff and owners to create new cocktails monthly, including seasonal menus and weekly focus specials
- Trained employees on product knowledge, improved bar technique, guest relations and inventory control
- Applied excellent organizational and multitasking abilities to handle simultaneous customer, team and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors
Bar Manager/Floor Manager
Bernie's Lunch and Supper
09.2015 - 11.2017
- Managed purchasing, costing/inventory and product control, maintaining a 15-18% LBW cost on a monthly basis
- Assisted in promotions of new menu placements, special events and promotions with the public relations team
- Managerial duties including safe audits, end of night closing reports, P&L reports, and daily purchase invoice reports
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks and customer-focused events
- Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising Art Direction
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL03.2008
Associate of Arts - Computer Graphics
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Cincinnati, OH03.2004
Skills
- Training and Development
- Inventory Control and Costing
- Customer Service
- Conflict Resolution
- Menu Development
- Public Relations
- Graphic Design
- Microsoft Office
- Staff Scheduling
- Marketing and Advertising
Certification
Certified Specialist of Spirits, Society of Wine Educators
Timeline
Lead Bartender/Restaurant Floor Manager
Community Tavern
06.2021 - 09.2023
Assistant Manager
Garfield's Beverage
09.2020 - 05.2021
Assistant Manager/Lead Bartender
Broken Barrel Bar
04.2019 - 05.2020
Lead Bartender
Slightly Toasted
09.2017 - 04.2019
Bar Manager/Floor Manager
Bernie's Lunch and Supper
09.2015 - 11.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising Art Direction
Columbia College Chicago
Associate of Arts - Computer Graphics
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
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