GABRIEL DAVID SIMPSON
Madison,GA
Summary
Solution focused food and beverage and front-of-house operations manager with over twenty years of bar & restaurant management experience; able to execute metric driven systems and processes while enhancing performance, improving processes and quality, reducing costs, and generating sustainable revenue. Strong leader with a focus on creating guests for life through engagement and elevated service standards.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Partner
The Glenwood Gastropub and Wine Bar, Atlanta, GA
10.2007 - 04.2024
- Created concept, handled all permitting requirements, designed and executed Phase I & II build-out
- Created beverage program, and worked directly with Chef Ryan Stewart to create culinary program
- Hired, trained, scheduled, and supervised all employees
- Conceived Phase II concept and executed build-out
- Handled ordering, inventory, and cost analysis for all beverage products
- Created policy and procedures for best practice standards
- Awarded Atlanta Magazine’s “Best Gastropub” 2008, “Best of Atlanta” 2008, 2009, and 2010, “Top Fifteen New Restaurants” 2008
- Creative Loafing’s Critics Pick “Best Bar Food” 2008
- Zagat’s “New and Noteworthy” and “Key Newcomer”
Lead Bartender
Table at The Lake
04.2023 - 05.2023
- Member of the opening team
- Designed and implemented the beverage program
- Designed and selected equipment for bar program for efficient execution
- Created and began training all front of house staff on beverage program and customer service best practices
Lead Bartender
The National Tavern, Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Assigned as a trainer for bar staff
- Created seasonal specialty drink menu
- Executed daily bartender duties
Lead Bartender
Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
05.2010 - 04.2021
- Winner of local Ritz-Carlton bartending competition 2015
- Assigned as a trainer for bar staff
- Created seasonal specialty drink menu
- Executed daily bartender duties
- Through genuine engagement and customer service best practices cultivated and retained guests for life
Restaurant Manager, Gaby’s by the Lake
Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
01.2018 - 05.2019
- Managed all aspects of food and beverage operations in restaurant, pool and beach
- Launched Key Improvement Project – The Sand Bar
- Designed The Sand Bar outlet
- Redesign of Gaby’s by the Lake bar
- Assisted in the management of a $650,000 renovation
- Spearheaded the organization and implementation of the first J1 program
- Oversee day-to-day operations of front and back of house staff
- Monitor revenue and expense forecasting
- Interviewed, scheduled, trained and developed all front of house staff
- Responsible for monthly beverage and retail inventory
- Highest volume Ritz-Carlton outlet in the US
- #1 pool in the Ritz-Carlton brand
- #4 overall food and beverage team in the Americas – highest Guest Voice responses
- Highest service scores in the history of Gaby’s by the Lake
Managing Partner
Blu Culina Fusion Bistro, Eatonton, GA
01.2014 - 04.2015
- Created the concept and developed the business plan
- Negotiated agreements with all vendors and landlord
- Designed, managed and executed the build out of restaurant
- Executed all permitting (local, state, and federal)
- Recruited, trained, and coached staff
- Wrote the employee manual and created best practice standards
- Developed the beverage program, inventory controls, and executed the marketing plan
- Managed all aspects of food and beverage operations
- Managed supplies, food orders, inventory replenishment, and suppliers’ payment
- Sold for 150% ROI
Bartender, Learning Coach
Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
08.2005 - 07.2007
- Assigned as a trainer for bar staff
- Executed daily bartender duties
- Created seasonal specialty drink menu
Bar Manager
Mr. C’s Bar and Grill, Atlanta, GA
11.2003 - 08.2005
- Received multiple awards from Creative Loafing, Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Stomp and Stammer
- Directed three special events breaking 30-year sales record three times
- Created Singer-Songwriter series with Kahle Davis
- Executed daily bartender and managerial duties
General Manager
Dark Horse Tavern & Grill, 10 High, Lot 21, Atlanta, GA
05.2003 - 11.2003
- Received three “Best of Atlanta” awards from Creative Loafing and free radio promotions from 99X, 96ROCK, Z93, 96.7 the BUZZ for a $2MM+ annual revenue bar, restaurant, and live music venue
- Created special events and negotiated sponsorships, including a Halloween event that surpassed highest one-day sales record for the year of 2003
- Negotiated with brands and distributors of liquor, draft and package beer, and wine
- Initiated and oversaw the redesign and rebranding of 10 High bar for higher efficiency
- Lowered and maintained overall costs in food, bar, labor, linen, paper, and small wares
General Manager
The E.A.R.L., Atlanta, GA
02.2000 - 03.2003
- Oversaw daily operations for neighborhood bar, restaurant, and live music venue in East Atlanta that received 22 “Best of Atlanta” awards from Creative Loafing and Atlanta Magazine
- Increased gross revenue by 150% for a three-year period, including doubling the all-time one-day sales record
- Redesigned front and back bars, including beverage systems to increase sales
- Handled ordering, inventory, and cost analysis for all beverage products, including liquor discounts with distributors
- Hired, trained, scheduled, and supervised all front-of-house employees
- Created policy and procedures for best practice standards
- Negotiated monetary and product sponsorships with leading bands for live music shows
- Served as liaison with bands and their management, including hospitality and payment disbursements
Head Bartender, Bar and Floor Supervisor and Lead Trainer
Planet Hollywood, Atlanta, GA
05.1996 - 11.1999
- Responsible for bar patrons, bar tables, and service bar for floor wait personnel and/or managed employees
- Handled scheduling of bar staff, training of employees, ordering of all beverage products, maintaining inventory, including cost analysis with management team
Skills
- Strong background in business operations management with a focus in optimizing operation efficiency
- Experienced in talent selection, onboarding, training and professional development
- Experienced in enhancing guest and associate experiences through effective problem-solving
- Effective motivator of staff with a focus on team building and salesmanship
- Strong resilience in high-pressure situations while maintaining a positive attitude
- Superior oral and written communication skills
- Ability with crisis handling and emergency procedures
- Considerable legal knowledge related to business issues and employment law
- Extensive knowledge of spirits, wine, and craft beer and success in creating cost effective and high revenue generating beverage programs that complement the food and business concept
Certification
• Sommelier Level 1
• Cicerone Beer Server
• Certified Bourbon Steward
• TiPS Certification
• ServSafe Certification
Timeline
Lead Bartender
Table at The Lake
04.2023 - 05.2023
Lead Bartender
The National Tavern, Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
04.2021 - 04.2023
Restaurant Manager, Gaby’s by the Lake
Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
01.2018 - 05.2019
Managing Partner
Blu Culina Fusion Bistro, Eatonton, GA
01.2014 - 04.2015
Lead Bartender
Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
05.2010 - 04.2021
Managing Partner
The Glenwood Gastropub and Wine Bar, Atlanta, GA
10.2007 - 04.2024
Bartender, Learning Coach
Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
08.2005 - 07.2007
Bar Manager
Mr. C’s Bar and Grill, Atlanta, GA
11.2003 - 08.2005
General Manager
Dark Horse Tavern & Grill, 10 High, Lot 21, Atlanta, GA
05.2003 - 11.2003
General Manager
The E.A.R.L., Atlanta, GA
02.2000 - 03.2003
Head Bartender, Bar and Floor Supervisor and Lead Trainer
Planet Hollywood, Atlanta, GA
05.1996 - 11.1999
Similar Profiles
Robert GordonRobert Gordon
Line Cook/Bartender at Wine & Beer 101 GastropubLine Cook/Bartender at Wine & Beer 101 Gastropub
WILLI DANIELSWILLI DANIELS
Receptionist at CANON BUSINESS SERVICES/ AON RISK SERVICES, ATLANTA, GAReceptionist at CANON BUSINESS SERVICES/ AON RISK SERVICES, ATLANTA, GA
Monica D. StevensMonica D. Stevens
Underwriting Standards Specialist II Credit at Fannie Mae Atlanta, GaUnderwriting Standards Specialist II Credit at Fannie Mae Atlanta, Ga
Derrick GreenDerrick Green
Independent Contractor at Self-EmployedIndependent Contractor at Self-Employed
Charles LewisCharles Lewis
Cafe Manager at Fonte BarCafe Manager at Fonte Bar