Grant Ferguson
Portland,OR
Summary
Talented Wine Director exceeding demanding guest expectations and business targets. Successful at developing strong business reputations built on knowledgeable and professional service. Performance-oriented and driven to continuously increase customer base and revenue. Driven leader with strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Dedicated to providing highest level of service to customers and creating pleasant work environment for staff. Knowledgeable in food safety and sanitation protocols.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Wine Director
Woodlark Hotel
09.2022 - Current
- Managed cellar and beverage storage maintenance to prevent inventory spoilage.
- Conducted regular staff trainings on wine knowledge, resulting in improved service quality and increased sales.
- Streamlined ordering processes by implementing efficient systems for tracking inventory levels, reordering stock when necessary while avoiding stockouts or excess supplies.
- Set up wine tastings with wine reps and attend portfolio tastings.
- Implemented new promotional strategies, dramatically increasing business.
- Assisted guests in selecting appropriate wines based on their personal tastes and meal choices, elevating their dining experience.
- Managed wine inventory effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing profitability.
GENERAL MANAGER
ARDEN WINE BAR + KITCHEN
01.2021 - Current
- Interview, hire, and train staff
- Keep staff up to date and educated on new menu items and changes
- Conduct pre-shift meetings to inform staff on service and guest notes including dietary restrictions and special occasions
- Develop and maintain menus using InDesign and printing the appropriate amount for each service
- Consistent communication with the Chef to stay on top of ordering inventory and restaurant supply
- Overseeing nightly service and picking up tables/bartending when needed
- Responsible for FOH staffing and scheduling
- Keeping record of all of income and expenses
- Daily motivation for all staff.
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR/SERVER CAPTAIN
ARDEN WINE BAR + KITCHEN
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Create seasonal cocktails that match the bright, rustic style of the restaurant
- Calculate the cost of ingredients that go into cocktails and create a price point for the menu
- Weekly wine cellar inventory
- Order liquor, wine and beer
- Scheduling and conducting tastings
- Featuring both local and international wines that pair well with the cuisine.
HARVEST INTERN
FLÂNEUR WINES
09.2020 - 10.2020
- Assisted the wine maker
- Cleaned barrels, floors, walls, tanks, hoses, etc
- Became certified to operate a forklift in order to pick up grape crates, move heavy equipment, etc
- Tested pH and sugar levels in the grapes and wine itself throughout the winemaking process
- Worked the sorting line pulling out bad grapes, twigs, insects, etc.
SERVER/BARTENDER
PALEY'S PLACE
06.2016 - 03.2018
- Responsible for setting up the dining room before service- polishing silverware/glassware and properly spacing tables
- Guide guests through the menu and the specific style of dining
- Write out the seven course tasting menus and pick wine pairings
- Bartending- ordering liquor, creating cocktails and batching when necessary.
SERVER
EP & LP
05.2014 - 05.2016
- Guiding guests through a very unique menu
- Our chef was from Fiji and used a lot of foreign ingredients that most were not familiar with
- Proper communication to the chef regarding a large range of dietary restrictions guests had
- Set tables with the appropriate silverware specific to guests' orders.
Education
LEVEL 3 WSET SOMMOLIER CERTIFICATION -
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
01.2018
KENNET HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE -
Conway, NH
01.2006
Skills
- Team Oriented
- Organized
- Problem Solving
- Verbal/Interpersonal Communication
- Efficient Under Pressure
- Multi-Tasking
- Enthusiastic
- Creative
- Record Keeping
- Profitable Thinking
- Scheduling
- CPR trained
- Heartsaver CPR AED (CPR AED)
Timeline
Wine Director
Woodlark Hotel
09.2022 - Current
GENERAL MANAGER
ARDEN WINE BAR + KITCHEN
01.2021 - Current
HARVEST INTERN
FLÂNEUR WINES
09.2020 - 10.2020
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR/SERVER CAPTAIN
ARDEN WINE BAR + KITCHEN
01.2018 - 01.2021
SERVER/BARTENDER
PALEY'S PLACE
06.2016 - 03.2018
SERVER
EP & LP
05.2014 - 05.2016
LEVEL 3 WSET SOMMOLIER CERTIFICATION -
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
KENNET HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE -
Conway, NH
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