Jillian Gray
Pearland,TX
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with over ten years of experience bartending in high-volume environments and specializing in beverage mixing and service excellence. Proven ability to manage bar inventory effectively while ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction through attentive service and a collaborative team approach. Recognized for adaptability and reliability, consistently thriving in high-pressure situations while maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Committed to creating positive experiences for patrons and achieving outstanding results in all aspects of service delivery.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bartender/Barista
Aramark
Houston, TX
03.2026 - Current
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Crafted and served a diverse range of beverages to enhance guest experiences.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Operated espresso machines and commercial coffee brewers to create beverages.
Co Owner
SpaceCity Smokehouse
Houston, TX
01.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Managed inventory control systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust menu offerings accordingly.
- Established strong vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for quality supplies at competitive rates.
- Implemented marketing initiatives that increased community engagement and brand visibility.
- Streamlined processes to improve service speed during peak hours, enhancing overall customer experience.
- Managed day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Collaborated with co-owner on strategic planning initiatives for long-term business success.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
- Oversaw financial management tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow optimization.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping for financial transactions, maintaining organized documentation for easy reference during audits or other inquiries.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements through diligent oversight of business practices.
- Developed a strong company culture, fostering teamwork and collaboration among staff members.
- Networked with other businesses and customers to increase sales opportunities and contacts.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Lead Bartender/Supervisor
Sunset Rooftop Lounge
Houston, TX
01.2021 - 02.2026
- Led bar operations, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored junior bartenders on beverage preparation and cocktail techniques.
- Developed innovative drink menus, enhancing guest experience and driving repeat business.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through efficient stock control practices.
- Streamlined bartending processes, improving workflow efficiency during peak hours.
- Enforced compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a safe work environment.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving issues promptly to maintain guest loyalty.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving positive relationships between the business and its clientele.
- Trained new bartenders on company policies, drink recipes, and customer service best practices to maintain consistent performance across the team.
- Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Maintained a clean and well-organized bar area, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and enhancing guest experience.
- Managed cash handling procedures accurately, reducing discrepancies in daily financial reports.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Assisted in menu development, incorporating seasonal flavors and trends into popular craft cocktails.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Safeguarded legal compliance by enforcing responsible alcohol consumption policies and verifying age requirements as needed.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Increased sales with innovative cocktail creations and upselling techniques, leading to improved overall revenue.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Built relationships with vendors to manage orders and negotiate costs.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Implemented inventory control measures to minimize waste and enhance profitability.
- Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures to increase effectiveness.
- Maintained high safety standards to ensure secure workplace for all employees and visitors.
- Reduced conflict incidents significantly, fostering cohesive team environment through effective conflict resolution strategies.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
Bartender
Loch Bar
Houston, TX
11.2018 - 03.2020
- Crafted innovative cocktails and curated beverage menus to enhance guest experiences.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Developed strong relationships with regular patrons, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Fostered culture of teamwork, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operation during high-traffic periods.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Mixed unique and interesting cocktails for customers, including bar specials.
- Applied knowledge to create innovative cocktails, enhance flavor profiles and expertly pair food and drinks.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
Bartender
Reserve 101
Houston, TX
10.2018 - 09.2019
- Crafted signature cocktails using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques.
- Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guest needs and preferences.
- Trained new staff on bar operations, drink preparation, and service standards.
- Managed inventory through regular stock assessments and ordering processes.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
Bartender
House of Blues
Houston, TX
03.2010 - 11.2018
- Delivered exceptional service to high-volume clientele in fast-paced environments.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to ensure optimal stock levels during peak hours.
- Streamlined drink preparation processes to increase efficiency and reduce wait times.
- Implemented cleanliness standards and maintained bar area, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, fostering a positive dining experience and loyalty.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper handling of payments and tips.
- Streamlined drink preparation processes for faster service during peak hours.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service in a high-volume environment.
- Handled difficult situations calmly and professionally, resolving customer complaints while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
- Consistently met or exceeded sales targets through proactive promotion of offerings to customers at the bar or tableside.
- Implemented time-saving techniques for preparing garnishes and mixing cocktails efficiently during busy shifts.
- Coordinated special event bartending, working closely with event planners to create customized drink menus and ensure a memorable experience for guests.
- Adhered to strict sanitation guidelines when handling food items such as fruit garnishes or straws.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising quality or customer satisfaction in a fast-paced setting.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
Bartender
Bayou Music Center
Houston, TX
08.2015 - 04.2017
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Implemented efficient workflow processes during peak hours, improving service speed and overall efficiency.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Boosted beverage sales, designing and promoting range of signature cocktails.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, routinely checking and documenting bar cleanliness and equipment functionality.
- Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pearland High School
Pearland, TX5 2000
Skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong multitasking
- Team player attitude
- Engaging personality
- High volume experience
- Point of sale systems
- Anticipating guest needs
- Fast learner
- Bar operations management
- Advanced mixology skills
- Reliable and punctual
- Excellent communication
Certification
TABC certified with a food handler certification as well.
Timeline
Bartender/Barista
Aramark
03.2026 - Current
Co Owner
SpaceCity Smokehouse
01.2021 - Current
Lead Bartender/Supervisor
Sunset Rooftop Lounge
01.2021 - 02.2026
Bartender
Loch Bar
11.2018 - 03.2020
Bartender
Reserve 101
10.2018 - 09.2019
Bartender
Bayou Music Center
08.2015 - 04.2017
Bartender
House of Blues
03.2010 - 11.2018
High School Diploma -
Pearland High School