GREGG ELZINGA
Chicago,IL
Summary
Driven Beverage Director with 10 years of experience. Adept at bartending and trained in leadership skills with innovative ideas for excellent beverage departments. Committed to top-of-the-line drinks and profitable customer service.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT MANAGER
Kuma's Corner
09.2019 - Current
- Responded to customer complaints, addressing concerns, and distress with amicable interactions.
- Drafted beverage purchasing plan, aligning inventory needs with budgetary constraints by applying historical data.
- Verified staff compliance with accepted food and drink safety regulations, suggesting remedial training where necessary.
- Trained food and beverage service personnel, confirming staff to provide recommendations and answer questions.
- Planned service for special events by developing drink lists and inventories.
- Managed and scheduled bartenders and drink servers.
- Held beverage area and workers to high standard of cleanliness and service.
- Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and alcohol program.
- Managed bar and wait staff and directed hiring program.
- Designed beverage menus.
- Selected wine, beer and alcohol products based on customer feedback and local product availability.
- Purchased beverage stock and handled all inventory needs.
- Developed ongoing training initiative to improve beverage knowledge of serving employees.
OWNER/OPERATOR
METAL VINYL WEEKEND
01.2016 - Current
- Provide Chicago's best metal/punk/hardcore analog DJ services at events with up to 15,000 guests (and counting)
- Setup and maintain equipment
- Market DJ services, work with partners and agencies
- Highlights include spinning at: 3 Floyds Dark Lord Day, Munster IN, 2017-2019; Soundgrowler Brewing Black Mass, Tinley Park IL, 2018; One Tail at a Time Benefit, Chicago, 2018; Scorched Tundra Festival, Chicago, 2017-2018; WarPigs Brewing Launch Parties, Chicago + Minneapolis, 2017
- Co-founded the Metal Movie Nights screening series at the Music Box Theatre Chicago.
ASSISTANT BAR MANAGER
3 FLOYDS DISTILLERY
01.2018 - 08.2019
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
- Designed special drink and cocktail offerings on monthly basis as part of seasonal offerings.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
SERVER/BARTENDER
3 FLOYDS BREWPUB
01.2008 - 01.2018
- Worked the busy restaurant at a craft brewery consistently ranked as one of the world's best
- Maintained high standards of service in a fast-paced environment
- Shared beer and food knowledge to build great rapport with guests
- Handled transactions quickly and accurately
- Helped develop the venue's unique analog music program; acquired, installed and maintained audio equipment.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
Education
Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia Skills
Westwood College
Skills
- Brand Promotion
- Staff Training and Development
- Marketing expertise
- Menu Planning
- POS System proficiency
- Product sourcing
- Beverage pricing
- Promotions planning
- Wine Knowledge
- Marketing
- Inventory Management
- Customer Engagement
Timeline
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT MANAGER
Kuma's Corner
09.2019 - Current
ASSISTANT BAR MANAGER
3 FLOYDS DISTILLERY
01.2018 - 08.2019
OWNER/OPERATOR
METAL VINYL WEEKEND
01.2016 - Current
SERVER/BARTENDER
3 FLOYDS BREWPUB
01.2008 - 01.2018
Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia Skills
Westwood College
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