Chris DiPietro
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Accomplished General Manager and Lead Bartender recognized as 2024 Knox News Sentinel Bartender of the Year. Instrumental in achieving three consecutive titles for Fountain City Social as Knoxville's best cocktail bar. Expert in mixology and cocktail development, enhancing customer loyalty through engaging service. Experienced in bar operations, management, event planning, and social media strategy to drive profitability and team success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Bartender
Fountain City Social
Knoxville, Tennessee
10.2023 - Current
- Develop and implement new monthly and b iannually cocktail recipes using seasonal ingredients.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders and names to enhance loyalty.
- Hired and trained new bartenders, fostering skill development and teamwork while creating weekly schedules.
- Oversaw daily bar operations, including product ordering and pricing to meet margin targets.
- Manage inventory levels, optimizing stock control to reduce waste and costs.
- Coordinated engaging events to attract customers and enhance their experience to draw in repeat business and create a new customer base
- Fostered a positive work environment, boosting team morale and enhancing collaboration. and fun work environment.
General Manager
Bearden Beer Market
Knoxville, Tennessee
02.2017 - 09.2022
- Oversaw daily operations of bar, market and brewery
- Managed budget, inventory, and margins to achieve profitability while maintaining competitive pricing.
- Trained staff on operational procedures, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Led regular staff meetings that set business goals, address opportunities, and celebrate achievements.
- Developed new beer concepts based on current trends and consumer demand.
- Ordered new products to enhance inventory selection. and educating staff and consumers about it.
- Created fun and exciting events with the use of social media to enhance customer experience.
Lead Bartender
Carolina Ale House
03.2013 - 01.2017
- Served high customer volumes during special events, enhancing guest experiences and fostering repeat business.
- Cultivated loyal customer base through exceptional service and relationship building.
- Facilitated staff training, sharing bartending techniques and customer service best practices to elevate team performance.
- Opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers.
Head Bartender
Sidesplitters Comedy Club
07.2009 - 02.2013
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, contributing to consistent service quality.
- Maintained a presentable and well-stocked bar to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Opened and closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring optimal readiness for each shift.
Skills
- Proficient in mixology
- Cocktail recipe development
- Classic cocktail knowledge
- Craft beer expert
- Bar operations management
- Bar equipment maintenance
- Event coordination
- Relationship building
- Clear and effective communication
- Social media marketing
Accomplishments
- 2024 Bartender of the year- Knox News Sentinel
Timeline
Lead Bartender
Fountain City Social
10.2023 - Current
General Manager
Bearden Beer Market
02.2017 - 09.2022
Lead Bartender
Carolina Ale House
03.2013 - 01.2017
Head Bartender
Sidesplitters Comedy Club
07.2009 - 02.2013