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
02.2024 - 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
10.2023 - 02.2024
- 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 - 06.2023
- 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
07.2022 - 02.2023
- 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
04.2021 - 06.2022
- 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
09.2018 - 04.2021
- 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 09.2014 - 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
02.2024 - Current
General Manager
Cherry Circle Room/ Milk Room
10.2023 - 02.2024
Beverage Director
The Viceroy Chicago
07.2022 - 02.2023
Beverage Manager
The Langham Chicago
04.2021 - 06.2022
Food and Beverage Supervisor
The Langham Chicago
09.2018 - 04.2021
Bachelor Of Applied Arts And Science - Food Services Management
Johnson & Wales University
09.2014 - 2018.07
Director of Outlets
The Viceroy Chicago
2 2023 - 06.2023
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