James Austin Walters
Nashville,TN
Summary
Lead bartender and bar team trainer with a track record in high-volume programs, menu creation, and fast, organized service. Experience includes batching cocktails for speed, leading private events, mentoring new hires, and helping develop house drinks and competition entries that support consistent guest service and bar operations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Mother's Ruin
12.2026 - Current
- As a bartender at Mother's Ruin, I contributed to a high volume bar program spanning 3 different bars and 6 different wells. Honed skills to deliver exceptional speed and effectively engage the crowd, enhancing overall guest experience. Learned batching techniques for high volume service and led coordination of private events, ensuring seamless execution. Competed in cocktail competitions, collaborating with bar leads and managers to create award-winning drinks.
- Mixed cocktails using bar recipes and house standards at Mother's Ruin.
- Provided prompt and friendly table and bar service to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Verified guests' IDs to comply with alcohol service laws and maintain responsible service.
Bartender
Pearl Diver
11.2025 - 11.2026
- Bartended at Pearl Diver, high-volume cocktail program specializing in sugarcane and agave spirits, Polynesian and classic Tiki drinks, and innovative house cocktails, contributing to a vibrant bar atmosphere.
- Provided attentive service to guests in a fast-paced dining environment. with friendly hospitality and fast table and bar service
- Executed transactions using POS system to maintain accurate tabs and payments. for drink orders, tabs, and payments
Lead Bartender
Pinewood Social
03.2022 - 11.2025
- Supervised bar service across cocktail, coffee, and social dining spaces at Pinewood Social.
- Oversaw order management and delivered prompt service at the bar. Trained new hires on cocktail preparation and service standards to ensure consistent quality. Created house cocktail menus to elevate customer experience and engagement.
- Designed seasonal cocktails to enhance the drink menu and attract customers. following Pinewood Social beverage recipes and presentation standards.
- Trained bartenders on guest service, POS use, and bar workflow.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Arts Management & Music Industry, Minor in Historic Preservation
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC05-2018
Skills
- Innovative mixology
- Beverage preparation
- Cocktail batching
- Menu development
- Point of sale systems
- Bar operations
- Staff training
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
Certification
- TABC Server Permit
- ServSafe
Timeline
Bartender
Mother's Ruin
12.2026 - Current
Bartender
Pearl Diver
11.2025 - 11.2026
Lead Bartender
Pinewood Social
03.2022 - 11.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Arts Management & Music Industry, Minor in Historic Preservation
College of Charleston