Jason Levens
Bartender
Chicago,IL
Summary
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
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Divan
2024.02 - Current
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Consistently met or exceeded sales targets by upselling premium products without compromising guest satisfaction.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
General Manager
Cherry Circle Room/ Milk Room
2023.10 - 2024.02
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Upheld company and industry standards for cleanliness and sanitation.
- Improved overall guest satisfaction by implementing increased service standards.
Director of Outlets
The Viceroy Chicago
2 2023 - 2023.06
- Oversee the daily operations of a 3-meal period restaurant, rooftop pool & bar, and In-Room Dining.
- Maintain and update all POS software and hardware
- Maintain and streamline training programs for all new colleagues hourly and salaried.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Create and uphold service standards and positive workplace culture.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
Beverage Director
The Viceroy Chicago
2022.07 - 2023.02
- Drafted beverage purchasing plan, aligning inventory needs with budgetary constraints by applying historical data.
- Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and alcohol program.
- Oversaw proper disposal of unused and tainted beverage stock, adhering to related health and safety guidelines.
- Held beverage area and workers to high standard of cleanliness and service.
- Planned service for special events by developing drink lists and inventories.
- Implemented a BIN system to control wine inventory and assist colleagues in locating and serving the correct wine
- Realigned pricing throughout the hotel to match our compset
Beverage Manager
The Langham Chicago
2021.04 - 2022.06
- Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and spirits.
- Managed bar and wait staff and directed hiring program.
- Enacted progressive disciplinary measures for staff, managed work zones and oversaw opening and closing duties.
- Managed all day-to-day operations within budgeted guidelines.
- Complied with health and safety regulations.
- Designed beverage menus.
- Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
- Built stronger wine list aligned with trends, improved credibility of restaurant's program and raised profitability per glass.
- Developed ongoing training initiative to improve beverage knowledge of serving employees.
- Coordinated daily and nightly shift safety and sanitation procedures for bar areas and entire restaurant.
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing discounts and availability.
Food and Beverage Supervisor
The Langham Chicago
2018.09 - 2021.04
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflows for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction.
- Worked with qualified chef to diversify menu with new offerings.
- Set and oversaw weekly and special event menu plans.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
Education
Bachelor Of Applied Arts And Science - Food Services Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI 2014.09 - 2018.07
Skills
Health codes compliance
undefinedAccomplishments
- Achieved effective communication by completing POS reprogramming with accuracy and efficiency.
- Servsafe Food Service Manager Certification
- eTIPS on premises certification
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Collaborated with team of bar managers in the development of seasonally and culturally relevant cocktail menus
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets, and cost alignment procedures.
Timeline
Bartender
Divan
2024.02 - Current
General Manager
Cherry Circle Room/ Milk Room
2023.10 - 2024.02
Beverage Director
The Viceroy Chicago
2022.07 - 2023.02
Beverage Manager
The Langham Chicago
2021.04 - 2022.06
Food and Beverage Supervisor
The Langham Chicago
2018.09 - 2021.04
Bachelor Of Applied Arts And Science - Food Services Management
Johnson & Wales University
2014.09 - 2018.07
Director of Outlets
The Viceroy Chicago
2 2023 - 2023.06
Similar Profiles
Daniel CroweDaniel Crowe
Kitchen Hand at Divan Persian RestaurantKitchen Hand at Divan Persian Restaurant
Yusuf BagduYusuf Bagdu
Housekeeper at Divan Otel MersinHousekeeper at Divan Otel Mersin
Adem AçaAdem Aça
Restaurant Manager at Divan Brasserie Fuaye / Koç HoldingRestaurant Manager at Divan Brasserie Fuaye / Koç Holding