Jonathan Matthews
Chicago,IL
Summary
I entered hospitality in 2021 after spending half a decade doing sales and consulting in the corporate world. I entered the industry out of a passion for serving others along with a love for creativity. I worked my way up from barback to bartender, gaining proficiency both rapid and high quality service. Beauty Bar and Time Out Market allowed me to experience a high-volume work environment, often pushing $30k+ in sales per day. I have spent the past three years at The Berkshire Room pushing myself to learn as much as I can regarding spirits, recipe development, and as my friend playfully calls it, "legendary service."
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
The Berkshire Room/Bunny Slope/Bodega
06.2023 - Current
- I am responsible for maintaining a very high standard of hospitality with all guests
- I have a vast knowledge of spirits, with a focus in whiskey
- We have a cocktail-driven program with a focus on dealer's choice. This requires me to understand flavor pairings and how to tailor cocktails to each guest
- I assist with r&d for each new menu, and contribute cocktails, tinctures/bitters, and syrups
- I work a range of private events, including weddings, large business gatherings, birthdays, etc. These often exceed 100 guests
- I cultivate long term relationships with guests. We often have businesses bring clients here, and I have regulars who return every time they are in Chicago for work
- I teach cocktail and spirit classes
Server
The Berkshire Room
12.2022 - Current
- Assist guests in having the best possible experience at The Berkshire Room, guiding them through our menu
- Use spirits knowledge to assist guests in making dealer’s choice cocktail selections
Bartender - Seasonal
Homestead on the Roof
05.2023 - 11.2023
- Prepared cocktails, beer, and wine for a 140-seat restaurant
- Worked private events with 150+ guests
Bartender
Time Out Market
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Created and served cocktails, mixed drinks, beers, etc in a high volume environment
- Worked private events exceeding 600 guests
- Contributed to cocktail R&D for seasonal menus
Barback
Time Out Market
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Maintained stock for 5 bars (8 wells) simultaneously
- Batched cocktails and prepared garnish for service
Barback
Beauty Bar
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Maintained product levels for the bar
- Cleared/replenished glassware and supported bar staff
Barback
The Darling
06.2021 - 11.2021
- Maintained product levels for three bars simultaneously
- Batched cocktails and prepared garnish for service
Education
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
Chicago, ILHigh School Diploma - undefined
WAYLAND ACADEMY
Beaver Dam, WI01-2012
Skills
- Nearly five years of experience in both high volume and upscale service settings
- Strong knowledge of spirits and classic cocktails
- Experience developing seasonal cocktail menus, including making most ingredients in house from scratch
- Deep understanding of how to pair flavors and tailor drinks to each guest I have
- Excellent multitasking, often building upwards of six cocktails simultaneously
- Highly reliable
- Hospitality service expertise
- I happen to be an avid home cook
Timeline
Bartender
The Berkshire Room/Bunny Slope/Bodega
06.2023 - Current
Bartender - Seasonal
Homestead on the Roof
05.2023 - 11.2023
Server
The Berkshire Room
12.2022 - Current
Bartender
Time Out Market
03.2022 - 12.2022
Barback
Time Out Market
03.2022 - 12.2022
Barback
Beauty Bar
12.2021 - 05.2022
Barback
The Darling
06.2021 - 11.2021
High School Diploma - undefined
WAYLAND ACADEMY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
Pronouns
He/Him