Merlyn Lugo
Bogota,NJ
Summary
Dynamic and experienced Bartender with over 11 years of success in high-volume establishments across New York City. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I excel at delivering exceptional customer service to a diverse clientele in fast-paced environments. Proven ability to craft a wide range of cocktails, manage bar operations efficiently, and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Adept at handling high-pressure situations with professionalism and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and organization. Passionate about mixology and committed to enhancing the overall guest experience.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Industry Kitchen
10.2021 - 07.2024
- Crafted and served a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beers, and soft drinks, tailored to customer preferences and industry standards
- Provided exceptional hospitality and customer service by engaging with guests, taking drink orders, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere, creating rapport and my personal regulars
- Maintained a clean, organized, and well-stocked bar area, ensuring efficient service and adherence to health and food safety regulations
- This restaurant is very high in volume in the summer season and required a skilled bartender that can handle service bar on a day with over 1000 covers
- Managed cash and credit transactions accurately, processed payments, and maintained a balanced cash drawer
- Adhered to legal regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, including verifying guest identification and managing responsible beverage service
- Collaborated with bar staff and other team members to ensure smooth operations and efficient service during peak hours
- Monitored inventory levels, communicated restocking needs to management, and assisted with ordering supplies as well as help concoct seasonal cocktail menus
- Handled customer complaints and resolved issues promptly, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Assisted in training new bartenders and supported the development of team skills and knowledge.
Daytime Manager
The Jane Ballroom/Old Rose Restaurant
03.2018 - 05.2020
- Mostly administrative duties
- Process payroll for 80 employees for both the restaurant and the nightclub/bar
- Collect all tip and cash revenue data on a day to day basis
- Count and replenish all bartender’s banks and cash drops
- Deposit all weekly revenue at the bank/make change for the week
- Answer emails about private events, as well as quoting and getting a contract to and from the client
- Handle all maintenance for The Ballroom, working closely with the engineering department and the porters to ensure that the venue is ready for day to day operations
- Ensure that the building is up to DOH code
- Receive all liquor and dry good deliveries, with help of the porters to make sure that we receive all orders made that week
- Handle working with the back office of Micros Solutions to find chargebacks and send copies of receipts/backup to the accounting department.
Cocktail Server
The Park NYC
01.2018 - 08.2019
- Interacting with customers by taking their orders, making recommendations, providing them with accurate bills, serving them food and drinks, processing payments, and supplying them with whatever they need in a timely manner
- Handling multiple tables and tasks in an efficient manner
- Cleaning and clearing tables
- Assisting with opening and closing duties, such as preparing ingredients and restocking items, such as straws, napkins, etc
- Learning about food and beverages, such as wine, beer, and cocktails
- Taking inventory of supplies and ingredients
- Checking identification to ensure customers are the proper age to purchase alcoholic beverages
- Standing, walking, and carrying heavy trays of food and drinks.
Server/Bartender
Amity Hall Uptown
03.2017 - 12.2017
- Take drink and food orders for tables as well as bar
- Set up restaurant with table settings/outside board
- Fill all server stations with roll ups, carafes and high balls for use
- Build rapport with every single person that I came across
- Work the service bar when short staffed
- Prepare alcoholic beverages for patrons at the bar
- Close out tabs by credit card or cash through Aloha POS
- Maintain bank on me while working as a server
- Bus and replenish tables after customers are finished with their meals/beverages
- Run food from the line to table/bar whenever it is needed
- Perform close out at the end of my shift.
Bartender
Havana N.Y
09.2016 - 01.2017
- Greet customers and take their food and drink orders
- Mix ingredients of drinks to make preferred cocktails
- Responsible for making sure the bar is always properly stocked and up to health code
- Prepare all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for dining area and bar
- Maintain productive relationships with customers
- Upsell on daily specials whether lunch or dinner shift
- Take payment for open tabs on bar and dining area using Micros POS system.
Bartender/Floor Manager
Locksmith Burger Bar
03.2013 - 07.2016
- Work in fast-paced environment, serving alcohol and comfort food to customers
- Making sure that the bar runs without a hitch
- Managing stock levels
- Recruiting, training and motivating staff
- Ensuring beer and wine are kept in good condition and are delivered on time
- Enforcing health and safety rules
- At locksmith we strived on separating service from hospitality, making it a memorable and family-like experience for our patrons
- As their bartender we are patrons’ therapist and best friend
- Making cocktail drinks as well as pouring beer for customers
- Take food orders, run food and bus tables
- Receive/handle payment transactions by cash and credit card
- Take inventory of alcohol and make order to beer/liquor distributors
- Close out bartender on shift; count money for bank drop, close register/bar.
Education
Nursing
Long Island University
06.2013
Skills
- Food handler’s certification
- TIPS certified
- Excellent hospitality and customer service
- Strong sense of ethics
- Bilingual in both Spanish and English, with the ability to read and write both languages
- Proficient with Max Solutions POS, Twin Oaks POS, Aldelo POS, Micros POS and Toast
- Ability to learn things quickly and efficiently
- Order taking/compliance
- Bar maintenance and supplies ordering
- Bill generation and beverage mixing
- Fluent with ADP
- Beverage Preparation
- Health codes compliance
- Menu Memorization
- Responsible Alcohol Service
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Bartender
Industry Kitchen
10.2021 - 07.2024
Daytime Manager
The Jane Ballroom/Old Rose Restaurant
03.2018 - 05.2020
Cocktail Server
The Park NYC
01.2018 - 08.2019
Server/Bartender
Amity Hall Uptown
03.2017 - 12.2017
Bartender
Havana N.Y
09.2016 - 01.2017
Bartender/Floor Manager
Locksmith Burger Bar
03.2013 - 07.2016
Nursing
Long Island University
Similar Profiles
João Jonas MontessoJoão Jonas Montesso
Server at Industry KitchenServer at Industry Kitchen
Kristen LloydKristen Lloyd
Bartender and Restaurant Server at Industry Kitchen and BarBartender and Restaurant Server at Industry Kitchen and Bar
Baoling YangBaoling Yang
Hotel Cleaner & Stewarding at Stewarding Industry & Hotel IndustryHotel Cleaner & Stewarding at Stewarding Industry & Hotel Industry