Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Gabriel Fuqua

Seattle,WA

Summary

Accomplished Bartender and Sommelier with over 10 years of experience in the fine dining industry, specializing in creating innovative, high-quality cocktails and curating exceptional wine experiences. Adept at blending creativity with technical expertise, offering guests personalized beverage recommendations that elevate their dining experience. Proven track record of delivering impeccable service, maintaining an extensive knowledge of spirits, wines, and cocktail trends, while cultivating a welcoming and refined atmosphere.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Bartender

Paju
02.2025 - Current
  • Established standard operating procedures for bar efficiency, improving team workflow and service speed.
  • Participated in local community events as a representative of the establishment, promoting brand visibility and fostering new business opportunities.
  • Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock control practices.
  • Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
  • Developed a loyal customer base by fostering an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
  • Assisted in menu development, incorporating seasonal flavors and trends into popular craft cocktails.
  • Reduced overall bar costs from 28% to 18% by optimizing speed rail organization and minimizing waste. I enhanced the guest experience with unique infusions while maintaining cost efficiency on premium cocktails.
  • Reduced waste and improved cost efficiency with careful monitoring of liquor usage and optimal ordering practices.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Sourced and adapted authentic recipes from South Korea, ensuring cocktails complement the cuisine and align with Paju’s unique vision.
  • Fostered an enjoyable, welcoming and respectful environment for all guests and fellow team members at all times.
  • Trained eight new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.

Bartender & Sommelier

Carrello & Altura
09.2023 - 02.2025
  • Provided personalized cocktail and wine recommendations, along with pairing suggestions that aligned with guests’ preferences and complemented the curated menu, enhancing their dining experience.
  • Coordinated effectively with the culinary team to ensure timely, well-paced service, optimizing the flow of dishes and drinks to maintain a sophisticated yet efficient service.
  • Regularly engaged in trend analysis, keeping current with innovative bartending techniques and fine dining trends to ensure the beverage program aligned with contemporary tastes.
  • Thrived in a high-volume, luxury setting, balancing speed and precision to deliver consistent, top-quality service under high demand without compromising guest engagement.
  • Guided guests through multi-course tasting menus, providing detailed descriptions and ensuring seamless pacing.
  • Fostered a positive, collaborative environment, leading by example and contributing to the overall success of the team.
  • Successfully leveraged my experience in fine dining and sommelier knowledge to curate wine dinners and strategic pairings, resulting in a 12% increase in overall wine sales over a three-month period.
  • Set up wine tastings to bring in business and promote special offerings.
  • Curated wine lists to align with seasonal menus and enhance guest experiences.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms for beverage procurement.
  • Trained service staff on wines, spirits and cocktails to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.

Lead Bartender & Cocktail Waitress

Peacock Room Lounge, The Davenport Autograph Collection
11.2019 - 09.2023
  • Maintained high personal standards and a dedication to excellence, consistently crafting and cultivating exceptional guest experiences.
  • Possessed comprehensive food and beverage knowledge, enabling seamless guidance for guests through an informed, sophisticated approach.
  • Regularly upsold, averaging individual sales between $2,000–$3,500 Sunday–Thursday, and $3,500–$4,300 on weekends, while enhancing the guest experience with unique infusions and cost-efficient premium cocktails.
  • Demonstrated composure and refined etiquette during high-pressure service.
  • Supported team members during high-volume service, ensuring smooth operations and collaborative teamwork.
  • Anticipated guest needs proactively, ensuring a personalized and intuitive dining experience that exceeded expectations.
  • Managed bar inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste through efficient ordering practices.
  • Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
  • Maintained a clean and well-organized bar area, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and enhancing guest experience.
  • Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
  • Built relationships with vendors to manage orders and negotiate costs.

Lead Bartender

Magnolia American Brasserie
09.2018 - 11.2019
  • Developed and implemented targeted training programs to elevate performance standards, ensuring team members mastered essential skills and maintained the efficiency required in a high-paced, luxury dining environment.
  • Managed weekly and bi-weekly scheduling for both bar and floor teams, ensuring seamless coordination and preparedness for high-volume service.
  • Oversaw bar inventory, strategically ordering products and supplies to sustain a high-volume operation while maintaining the premium quality expected by guests.
  • Provided prompt, solution-oriented service at each guest touch point, embodying a guest-first approach and adapting swiftly to address guest needs and preferences.
  • Maintained composure, precision, and attention to detail during peak service times, delivering the same high level of service and sophistication expected in a fine dining setting.
  • Communicated proactively with servers on stock updates, rotating taps, seasonal cocktails, and wine selections to enhance guest interactions and service fluidity.
  • Demonstrated a strong work ethic by continuously refining skills, staying updated on menu changes, and seeking opportunities for professional growth.
  • Managed bar inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels through proactive ordering practices.

Fine Dining Server & Bartender

Beverly’s – Coeur d’Alene Resort and Spa
05.2016 - 09.2018
  • Elevated service by recalling guest preferences and dietary needs for personalized experiences.
  • Excelled in up-selling premium offerings with engaging menu descriptions tailored to guests.
  • Worked closely with kitchen team to ensure timely, quality order delivery in fine dining.
  • Maintained professionalism in high-pressure situations, managing large guest volumes gracefully.
  • Ensured optimal pacing of multi-course service, presenting dishes at perfect temperatures.
  • Performed detailed inspections to keep service areas impeccably clean and ready.
  • Consistently anticipated guest needs, creating seamless and memorable dining experiences.
  • Created signature cocktails, diversifying the menu and enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Skillfully juggled multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining calm under pressure during busy shifts.

Server

The Red Lobster
09.2014 - 05.2016
  • Guided guests through menu and beverage selections while providing pairing suggestions that matched culinary vision and guest preferences.
  • Engaged in unobtrusive conversation with guests to foster a warm, upscale atmosphere in the dining setting.
  • Showcased adaptability in accommodating last-minute changes to reservations or dietary needs, ensuring every guest felt valued.
  • Utilized advanced POS skills to manage orders and billing accurately with a guest-centric focus.
  • Acted as liaison between guests and culinary team for special requests, ensuring precision in communication and guest satisfaction.
  • Maintained adherence to health, safety, and presentation standards, reinforcing commitment to excellence at every service point.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced restaurant environment while managing multiple tables efficiently.
  • Supported colleagues during peak hours, promoting collaboration that enhanced overall productivity.

Education

Certificate of Technical Studies - WSET Level 2/Wine Spirit Education Trust

Spirited Grape
Issaquah, WA
02-2024

AA - Business Administration

Spokane Falls Community College
Spokane, WA
06-2019

Skills

  • Adaptable and Reliable

  • Advanced Wine Knowledge

  • Craft Cocktail Innovation

  • Exceptional Guest Service

  • Ongoing Education and Trend Awareness

  • Precise and Efficient

  • Refined Presentation Skills

  • Skilled Navigator of High Volume

  • Strong, Guest-Centric Mindset

  • Expert Mixology

  • New Hire Training

  • Clear and effective communication

Certification

  • MAST
  • 2023-03 – 2028-03 Washington State
  • Food Handlers Permit
  • 2025-05 – 2028-05 WA State
  • Level 2 WSET
  • 2023-11 – 2024-02 Spirited Grape-Issaquah
  • Bar Smarts
  • 2019-02 – 2019-03 Bar Smart/Mixologist

Timeline

Lead Bartender

Paju
02.2025 - Current

Bartender & Sommelier

Carrello & Altura
09.2023 - 02.2025

Lead Bartender & Cocktail Waitress

Peacock Room Lounge, The Davenport Autograph Collection
11.2019 - 09.2023

Lead Bartender

Magnolia American Brasserie
09.2018 - 11.2019

Fine Dining Server & Bartender

Beverly’s – Coeur d’Alene Resort and Spa
05.2016 - 09.2018

Server

The Red Lobster
09.2014 - 05.2016

Certificate of Technical Studies - WSET Level 2/Wine Spirit Education Trust

Spirited Grape

AA - Business Administration

Spokane Falls Community College

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