Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Christian Shaum

Chicago,IL

Summary

As a seasoned professional in the hospitality and beverage industry, I possess a diverse range of skills that span from in-depth beverage expertise to strong leadership and customer service abilities. My experience includes the development and management of comprehensive beverage programs, effective team leadership, and a proven track record in enhancing customer experiences. I am adept in operational efficiency, strategic planning, and possess strong technical proficiencies.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Wine and Beverage Director

Jose Andres Group LLC / Gibsons Restaurant Group
Chicago, IL
06.2021 - Current

Oversee comprehensive inventory management of over $1 million across multiple outlets, including Bazaar Meat, Bar Mar, Cafe By the River, and Gibsons Italia generating $7.4 million in yearly wine sales. Developed and maintained expansive wine lists and pairing menus, featuring over 2000 selections, to enhance guest experience. Collaborated with senior beverage directors for strategic program development at future locations. Led hiring and training initiatives for new sommeliers, fostering a knowledgeable and effective team. Pioneered and directed beverage education programs with a focus on European regions, elevating staff expertise and customer engagement.

Beverage Director

B. Hospitality
Chicago, IL
01.2020 - 06.2021

Managed a diverse beverage inventory worth $400,000 across Formento's, The Bristol, Swift and Sons, and Nonna's. Curated wine lists encompassing 750+ selections and generating $4 million in yearly wine sales. Orchestrated comprehensive beverage training at all locations and spearheaded cocktail program initiatives ensuring high service standards. Played a pivotal role in recruiting and training sommeliers and beverage managers. Administered a monthly wine club, overseeing email marketing, product selection, pricing, and member support. Effectively managed large-scale to-go operations for wine, cocktails, and beer.

Sommelier/Bar Director

Cunningham Restaurnat Group
Indianapolis, IN
04.2019 - 01.2020

Managed wine inventories for Nesso and Vida, 500 selection and $200,000 in inventory generating $1.2 million in yearly wine sales. Developed seasonal cocktail lists and maintained an in-house fermentation program. Conducted all beverage training, elevating staff knowledge and service capabilities. Performed floor sommelier duties in both Nesso (120 seats) and Vida (90 seats), enhancing guest dining experiences

Service Manager/Head Sommelier

St. Elmo Steakhouse
Indianapolis, IN
04.2017 - 04.2019

Supervised over 100 front-of-house staff, ensuring top-tier service quality in a James Beard award-winning, 420-seat establishment. Directed comprehensive beverage education for the restaurant group. Maintained a prestigious 1000-label wine list with a $500,000 inventory and generating $4.4 million in yearly wine sales. Curated cocktail offerings for St. Elmo Steakhouse and 1933 Lounge. Conducted training for new servers and bartenders, fostering professional growth and service excellence.

Wine Director

Bacco Ristorante
Southfield, MI
05.2015 - 04.2017

Oversaw a 600-label Italian wine list with a $400,000 inventory, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection. Developed seasonal cocktail menus and managed an in-house fermentation program. Managed a retail wine operations adjacent to the restaurant. Conducted staff beverage education, improving service knowledge and customer interactions. Crafted nightly pairings for tasting menus, enhancing the culinary experience. Led floor service in a 95-seat James Beard nominated restaurant generating $850,000 in wine sales yearly.

Sommelier/Assistant General Manager

The London Chophouse
Detroit, MI
01.2014 - 04.2015

Managed a 450+ selection $200,000 inventory generating $900.000 in yearly wine sales, handling all aspects of ordering, purchasing, and organizing. Developed cocktail lists and curated cigar pairings for the upstairs cigar bar. Executed floor sommelier services in a 100-seat James Beard Award Winning restaurant. Assisted the General Manager with financial management and staff scheduling. Trained new servers and bartenders, enhancing team proficiency and service quality.

Cellar Manager/Assistant Sommelier

Coach Insignia
Detroit, MI
04.2011 - 12.2014

Assisted in managing and cataloging a 1000-label wine list/$500,000 inventory generating $3 million in yearly wine revenue. Engaged in staff education and training, improving team knowledge and service skills. Contributed to the development of new cocktail lists. Provided floor sommelier services in a 300-seat restaurant, ensuring an exceptional guest experience. Supported nightly wine pairings, contributing to a sophisticated dining ambiance.

Education

Advanced Sommelier Certification

Court of Master Sommeliers
St Louis, MO
2022

Bachelor of Arts - Music Composition

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
2015

FOH/Wine Team Stagier

Steireck (Michelin 2 Star)
Vienna, AUS
05-2014

FOH/Wine Team Stagier

Noma (Michelin 2 Star)
Copenhagen, DK
05-2013

Skills

  • Beverage Program Development: Expert in crafting extensive wine, cocktail, and spirits programs, with a focus on quality and diversity
  • Inventory Management & Wine Education: Skilled in managing large-scale inventories and conducting educational wine sessions
  • Team Leadership & Training: Proven ability in leading and training teams to achieve excellence in service and operations
  • Strategic Planning & Operational Efficiency: Proficient in strategizing for business growth and optimizing operational processes
  • Customer Experience Management: Exceptional at creating memorable customer experiences and building strong client relationships
  • Technical Proficiencies: Competent in various POS systems and Microsoft Office Suite, enhancing operational effectiveness

Affiliations

  • Judge for Sommelier's Choice Awards 2019-2023
  • Chaîne des Rôtisseurs 'Best Young Sommelier - USA' finalist - placed 4th 2021
  • Jean Banchet Awards finalist "best Sommelier" - awaiting awards ceremony in Jan '24
  • Best Short Wine List in North America - World of Fine Wines 2020-'21 "The Bristol"

Timeline

Wine and Beverage Director

Jose Andres Group LLC / Gibsons Restaurant Group
06.2021 - Current

Beverage Director

B. Hospitality
01.2020 - 06.2021

Sommelier/Bar Director

Cunningham Restaurnat Group
04.2019 - 01.2020

Service Manager/Head Sommelier

St. Elmo Steakhouse
04.2017 - 04.2019

Wine Director

Bacco Ristorante
05.2015 - 04.2017

Sommelier/Assistant General Manager

The London Chophouse
01.2014 - 04.2015

Cellar Manager/Assistant Sommelier

Coach Insignia
04.2011 - 12.2014

Advanced Sommelier Certification

Court of Master Sommeliers

Bachelor of Arts - Music Composition

Wayne State University

FOH/Wine Team Stagier

Steireck (Michelin 2 Star)

FOH/Wine Team Stagier

Noma (Michelin 2 Star)
Christian Shaum