Gary Shamblen
Land O' Lakes,FL
Summary
Professional hospitality leader with significant experience in managing high-energy bar environments. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering consistent results, adapting seamlessly to evolving needs. Expertise in inventory management, staff training, and creating inviting atmosphere. Reliable and goal-oriented, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Bar Manager
Haiku Tampa
Tampa, FL
10.2024 - 12.2025
- Supervised daily bar operations, ensuring exceptional service and adherence to health standards.
- Developed innovative cocktail menus, enhancing guest experience and driving customer engagement.
- Trained and mentored staff on mixology techniques and customer service best practices.
- Managed inventory control processes, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste effectively.
- Implemented promotional events that increased foot traffic and elevated brand awareness within the community.
- Established vendor relationships to negotiate competitive pricing and maintain quality supplies consistently.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
- Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
- Created effective employee schedules, maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
- Streamlined inventory management for optimal stock levels and reduced waste.
- Reduced beverage cost from 29% to 19% monthly
Bartender Supervisor
Hilton
Tampa, FL
08.2020 - 10.2024
- Fostered strong relationships with regular patrons through personalized service that encouraged repeat business.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and safety, ensuring compliance with local health regulations.
- Trained 10+ new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Oversaw and monitored cash drawers and reconciled drawers against cash register reports at close of business.
- Supervised and trained staff on preparing and delivering drinks, handling food, and money and setting up bar at beginning of shift and breaking down at end of shift to facilitate operations.
- Increased overall revenue by 15% with creative drink promotions and themed events.
- Contributed to menu development by suggesting innovative cocktail recipes based on market trends and customer preferences.
- Coordinated private events at the venue by working closely with clients to understand their requirements and deliver outstanding experiences.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Created new recipes, outlined steps, and training staff on correct preparation.
Bartender
Hilton
Tampa, FL
03.2019 - 08.2022
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Trained 10+ new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
Bartender
Self-employeed
Tampa, FL
07.2016 - 03.2019
- Built a business through one client with 15 other clients regularly booking throughout the year by word of mouth
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Managed inventory to prevent shortages, conducting weekly stock checks and placing timely orders.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Contributed to event success, planning beverage menus and efficiently serving large groups.
Education
High School Diploma -
Land O Lakes Highschool
Land O' Lakes, FL05-2003
Skills
- Task delegation
- Employee scheduling
- Menu development
- Workplace safety
- Team motivation
- Customer engagement
- Alcohol awareness
- Sanitation standards
- Brand representation
- Supply ordering
- Bartending expertise
- Bar equipment maintenance
Timeline
Bar Manager
Haiku Tampa
10.2024 - 12.2025
Bartender Supervisor
Hilton
08.2020 - 10.2024
Bartender
Hilton
03.2019 - 08.2022
Bartender
Self-employeed
07.2016 - 03.2019
High School Diploma -
Land O Lakes Highschool