Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jelena Prodan

Chicago ,IL

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Wine and Beverage Director

SMG Restaurants
05.2021 - Current
  • Curating wine, cocktails, spirits, and other beverage lists.
  • Creating food and beverage pairings to elevate overall dining experience.
  • Managing costs on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis
  • Developing strong relationships with wine distributors, ensuring access to exclusive products and competitive pricing.
  • Continuously evaluated staff performance to provide constructive feedback that fostered professional growth and enhanced service quality.
  • Conducting staff trainings based on performance evaluation.

Winery Harvest Intern

DuMol
08.2023 - 10.2023
  • Gained hands-on experience with various winemaking equipment, including pumps, presses, and filtration systems for streamlined processes.
  • Assisted in the completion of winery and vineyard projects as needed, ensuring tasks were executed efficiently and accurately.
  • Developed a comprehensive understanding of grape varietals, regional terroir, and winemaking styles through hands-on experience in the field.
  • Performed laboratory analysis on grape samples, aiding in the determination of optimal harvest timing for best fruit quality.

Server

S.K.Y. Restaurant
09.2019 - 05.2021
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.

Assistant Sommelier

Temporis Restaurant
05.2018 - 09.2019
  • Implemented an efficient system for tracking bottle sales, reducing discrepancies in revenue reporting.
  • Maintained a clean and organized wine cellar, adhering to proper storage conditions to preserve the quality and integrity of each bottle.
  • Regularly attended industry events such as trade shows or conferences, expanding professional networks and staying informed about new releases or emerging trends in the wine world.

Prep Cook

Roister Restaurant
10.2017 - 04.2018

Education

Singidunum University, Psychology
Belgrade, Serbia

Skills

    Customer Relations

    Product sourcing

    Menu development

    Beverage Pairing

    Cost Control

    Supplier Negotiations

    Brand Promotion

    Wine Knowledge

    Wine service

    Wine Education

    Sommelier certification

    Tasting Events

    Inventory Management

    Beverage Preparation

Certification

> Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits (WSET Level 3)

Timeline

Winery Harvest Intern

DuMol
08.2023 - 10.2023

Wine and Beverage Director

SMG Restaurants
05.2021 - Current

Server

S.K.Y. Restaurant
09.2019 - 05.2021

Assistant Sommelier

Temporis Restaurant
05.2018 - 09.2019

Prep Cook

Roister Restaurant
10.2017 - 04.2018

Singidunum University, Psychology
Jelena Prodan