JOHN HARDIN
Summary
Versatile hospitality professional with an MBA, excelling in operations management, financial oversight, and team development across hotels, restaurants, and large-scale events. Successfully launched award-winning beverage concepts and restored profitability through effective labor management and service enhancements.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Bar Issi
Palm Springs
2025 - Current
- Led daily operations of one of Palm Springs' highest-volume hospitality concepts, overseeing staffing, labor management, guest experience, inventory controls, purchasing, and financial performance to ensure seamless service.
- Managed hiring, coaching, performance management, and accountability initiatives, fostering a high-performing team.
- Developed and launched complete beverage program from concept to execution, enhancing guest offerings and satisfaction.
Beverage Director
DUSK Bar at Drift Hotel
- Opened and launched award-winning cocktail and raw bar concept, earning recognition as Santa Barbara's Best New Cocktail Bar.
- Developed 100+ tequila and mezcal program, establishing supplier partnerships, creating SOPs, and building opening teams, with a cocktail featured in Margarita Time.
Restaurant General Manager
Mar Monte Hotel
- Stabilized struggling post-pandemic concept, restoring profitability through operational restructuring, labor controls, service standard enhancements, and financial oversight.
- Oversaw staffing and budgeting to enhance guest experience.
Food & Beverage Director
Santa Barbara Polo Club
- Directed food and beverage operations across premium hospitality venues and eight satellite bars, ensuring high-quality service and guest satisfaction.
- Managed teams of over 50 employees during luxury events for more than 1,000 guests, enhancing VIP experiences and operational effectiveness.
Beverage Director / F&B Manager
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Palm Springs
- Directed beverage operations at one of Palm Springs' top resort destinations, enhancing guest experience and service delivery.
- Developed Coachella Valley's Best Beer Program, established partnerships with Russian River, introduced draft cocktail systems, resulting in over 30% increase in beverage sales.
Bartender
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
Craft Beverage Specialist
Craft Los Angeles
Sales & Brand Development
Escape Craft Brewery
Education
MBA - Global Business & Marketing
University of Redlands
BA - Psychology
University of Redlands
Career Highlights
- $40M+ Revenue Oversight
- 1,000+ Guest Events
- 50+ Employee Leadership
- Multiple Concept Openings
- 30%+ Beverage Growth
- Best New Cocktail Bar
- Featured in Margarita Time
Timeline
Beverage Director
DUSK Bar at Drift Hotel
Restaurant General Manager
Mar Monte Hotel
Food & Beverage Director
Santa Barbara Polo Club
Beverage Director / F&B Manager
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Bartender
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
Craft Beverage Specialist
Craft Los Angeles
Sales & Brand Development
Escape Craft Brewery
Assistant General Manager
Bar Issi
2025 - Current
MBA - Global Business & Marketing
University of Redlands
BA - Psychology
University of Redlands