Jai Knowles
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced and dynamic hospitality professional with over 8 years of expertise in beverage operations, staff training, and inventory management. Proven success in curating innovative drink menus, driving revenue growth, and enhancing customer engagement through creative events. Strong leadership skills, a passion for fine beverages, coupled with a commitment to operational excellence, and compliance with industry regulations. Seeking to leverage my expertise as an Assistant Food and Beverage Director to contribute to the continued success of a high-end hotel team.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Bar Manager
Loulou Santa Monica
Santa Monica
02.2023 - Current
- Creation and implementation of seasonal drink menus while incorporating industry trends and customer preferences.
- Supervise and train a team of bartenders and servers, ensuring high standards of service, product knowledge, and safety protocols.
- Conduct inventory control, ordering, and tracking of all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minimizing waste, and optimizing stock levels.
- Work closely with the kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure timely and accurate beverage service during peak hours.
- Develop promotional events and beverage pairings to increase customer engagement and boost sales.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding alcohol service and consumption.
- Budgeting and cost analysis for the beverage department, consistently meeting or exceeding profit targets.
- Work with suppliers to negotiate pricing and secure favorable contracts for beverages and supplies.
Lead Bartender
Del Frisco's
Santa Monica, CA
01.2022 - 04.2023
- I became a staff trainer within the first two months of employment.
- Provided high-quality bar service, created custom cocktails, and provided recommendations based on customer preferences.
- Managed the bar area, ensuring cleanliness and organization during high-volume service.
- Built strong relationships with regular patrons, contributing to the establishment's reputation for excellent customer service.
- Assisted with inventory management and ordering of supplies.
Bartender
Hilton Hotel Springfield
Springfield, MO
04.2014 - 08.2016
- Worked collaboratively with hotel staff to coordinate beverage service for banquets, conferences, and special events, ensuring smooth execution and guest satisfaction.
- Provided exceptional guest service in a fast-paced hotel bar, ensuring a memorable experience for guests by offering personalized drink recommendations, and engaging conversation.
- Collaborated with hotel management to develop seasonal beverage menus, incorporating guest preferences, trends, and hotel branding, to enhance the guest experience.
- Handled VIP guest requests and large group bookings, delivering personalized service and customized beverage offerings to ensure guest satisfaction.
Education
B.A. - Mass Media
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO12-2017
Skills
- Beverage Menu Creation and Innovation
- Staff training and development
- Inventory Control and Cost Management
- Event planning and execution
- Knowledge of wine, spirits, and cocktails
- Budgeting and Profit Margin Analysis
- Customer Service Excellence
- Liquor law and safety compliance
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- POS and beverage management software proficiency
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Bar Manager
Loulou Santa Monica
02.2023 - Current
Lead Bartender
Del Frisco's
01.2022 - 04.2023
Bartender
Hilton Hotel Springfield
04.2014 - 08.2016
B.A. - Mass Media
Missouri State University
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