David Kubiak
Houston
Summary
Passionate and knowledgeable hospitality professional with extensive experience in wine selection, customer education, and sales. Certified in wine (Sommelier, Entry-Level) and skilled in curating and managing wine lists for fine dining establishments. Proven track record of building strong relationships with distributors and suppliers, optimizing wine offerings, and enhancing revenue through strategic wine sales and pairing recommendations. Adept at educating both staff and customers about wine regions, varietals, and pairings, driving customer satisfaction and repeat business. Experienced in upselling and product presentation, with a keen ability to communicate wine features and benefits to a diverse clientele. Ready to leverage expertise in wine and service to represent and promote top-tier wine brands as a Wine Representative.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Giacomo's Cibo E Vino
3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
02.2025 - Current
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
Cocktail Program Creator & Bar Manager
Brossa's Cibo E Vino
Brenham, TX
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Designed and implemented the restaurant's mixed beverage program
- Developed the mixed beverage menu, which consists of 30 classic cocktails
- Establish and uphold standards of quality and consistency for the bar
- Train and mentor staff on bartending etiquette and techniques, service standards, and customer interaction
- Manage bar inventory, which includes hand selecting each spirit
Bartender/Server
Julep Bar
Houston, Texas
09.2021 - 09.2023
- Created signature cocktails for seasonal menus, which contributed to the bar’s recognition in national food and beverage publications (i.e. Imbibe Magazine, March 2023)
- Provided exceptional bartending and serving services in a high-volume, fine-dining environment, contributing to the bar’s reputation as a recipient of a James Beard Award - World's 50 Best Bars North America 2022
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of wines, spirits, and beers, providing recommendations and pairings to guests to enhance experience
- Maintained a deep understanding of the bar’s extensive drink menu
- Contributed to training and mentoring new staff members in bartending and customer service best practices
- Built and maintained relationships with patrons and delivered exceptional service in a fast-paced, high-end environment, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Worked charity events for organizations such as No Kid Hungry (2023) and Southern Smoke (2022)
General Manager/Manager
Enoteca Rossa/Candelari's
Houston, Texas
08.2016 - 08.2021
- Oversaw daily operations of a high-end Italian restaurant ensuring a seamless guest experience from arrival to departure
- Led and managed a team of front-of-house staff, including servers, bartenders, hosts, and bussers, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
- Implemented introductory sommelier knowledge to guide guests through the menu, providing detailed explanations of dishes and wine pairings, resulting in increased sales and customer satisfaction
- Developed and maintained restaurant's wine menu
- Trained staff in knowledge of wine varieties, wine regions, and proper pairing with Italian cuisine
- Assisted owner in price setting and inventory purchasing
- Applied knowledge of food and wine gained traveling throughout Italy to assist in product selection and menu development
- Compiled and evaluated weekly data to ensure that restaurants was meeting financial goals
- Oversaw restaurant accounting practices including balancing cash registers, reconciling transactions and processing deposits
Education
Abeka Academy -
Abeka Academy
Houston08-2008
Skills
- Restaurant Management & Operations
- Customer Service & Guest Relations
- Supplier Relations & Purchasing
- Upselling & Sales Techniques
- Inventory & Cost Control
- Performance Monitoring
- Team Leadership & Staff Management
- Training & Development Programs
- Multitasking & Time Management
- Strong Work Ethic & Professionalism
Certification
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, 06/01/23
- Texas Food Manager Certificate, 07/01/20
- Introductory Sommelier Certificate, 12/01/19
Timeline
Server
Giacomo's Cibo E Vino
02.2025 - Current
Cocktail Program Creator & Bar Manager
Brossa's Cibo E Vino
09.2023 - 01.2025
Bartender/Server
Julep Bar
09.2021 - 09.2023
General Manager/Manager
Enoteca Rossa/Candelari's
08.2016 - 08.2021
Abeka Academy -
Abeka Academy