Joseph Rivera
Cicero,IL
Summary
Motivated Server and Bartender with engaging personality and flexible approach to cross-training. Enthusiastic and reliable professional that takes pride in providing excellent guest service and creating memorable dining experiences for said guests. Upbeat, friendly and anticipating guests' needs to facilitate enjoyable dining experiences. Maintains service standards, timing, focus and positive attitude in stressful situations and high-volume environments. Extensive knowledge of classic and neo-classic cocktails as well as an eager approach to improvising on classics and creation of new drinks per guests request.
Fluent in both English and predominantly Spanish.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Bar Manager/Server/Bartender
Mirella's Tavern and Gondola
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
- Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
- Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
- Guaranteed optimal beverage stock by assessing inventory and collaborating with owners for corrective action planning to limit expenses.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
Bartender/Server
Formento's Italian
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- 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.
Server/Bartender
Citrine Cafe
08.2020 - 08.2023
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to guest needs.
- Worked with POS (specifically Toast) system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items, including but not limited to end-of-dinner limoncello shots, birthday/anniversary desserts, and dessert/port wine pours.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular guests.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers, mixed drinks, and high priced wines to enhance sales numbers.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for guests and staff alike.
- Trained new serving staff in steps of service, wine bottle service, traditional mise en place for plates and drinks alike, as well as food and beverage product.
- Curated, crafted, and cultivated large format syrups and batch cocktails.
- Maintained and help curate cocktails for the Cocktail of The Week program, implemented by the Bar Manager.
- Maintained adequate timing and service to bar guests while handling server drink tickets as well as table service.
Dishwasher/Prep Cook/Head Barback/Bartender/Server
Celeste/Disco
11.2019 - 07.2022
- Maintained dish and bar areas, as well as kitchen and prep areas to clean and sanitary standards set by the Chef de Cuisine and Bar Managers.
- Cultivated, crafted, and batched large format syrups, craft cocktails, infusions, and garnishes including but not limited to dehydrated fruit, fruit leathers, cooked garnishes, foams, etc.
- Catered to large parties in the form of bottle service reservations, private events, and general guest services.
- Produced cocktails at a fast pace while upholding service standards set forth by our Beverage Directors, Assistant and General Managers, and Owners.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, miscellaneous bar inventory, liquors, batched cocktails, etc.
- Arranged bottle services and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations while serving alcohol.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
Head Prep/Lead Barback
Cindy's Rooftop
04.2015 - 08.2019
- Coordinated with servers and bartenders to maintain smooth operation of bar area as well as communal service areas, folding stations, and liquor and batch backstock.
- Restocked glassware, cleaned tables and organized supplies to meet demanding trading periods throughout shift.
- Replaced empty kegs and soda syrups.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down bar area and service area for special and private events.
- Cultivated, crafted, and batched large format syrups, craft cocktails, and infusions as well as basic garnishes such as but not limited to dehydrated fruit, cut citrus garnishes, herbal garnishes, etc.
- Assisted Bar Managers with organization of inventory stock as well as ordering shrubs, herbs, spices, and perishable stock.
Busser/Foodrunner
ROOF At TheWit
05.2010 - 09.2015
- Reset and cleaned tables quickly to prepare for new guests.
- Worked quickly, communicated with other staff and always looked for better ways of completing tasks to improve productivity and keep tables ready for incoming guests.
- Transported dirty utensils, dishes, and trays to kitchen to help team stay on top of cleanliness.
- Kept close eye on customers to quickly spot leaving guests and clear tables for future patrons.
- Worked well in diverse team settings by partnering with others to complete tasks.
- Developed excellent relationships with managers and fellow team members to support team success and positive work environment.
- Trained new staff in bussing and cleaning procedures.
Busser/Runner/Server
Ketel One Club At The United Center
08.2009 - 09.2014
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Developed and maintained up-to-date knowledge of menu items and daily specials to accurately respond to customer queries.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go stations.
- Maintained a fast pace service without compromising guests experiences in a short time span.
- Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
- Promoted business loyalty by fostering positive customer relationships.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
Education
No Degree -
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art
Chicago, IL09.2014
High School Diploma -
J Sterling Morton East High School
Cicero06.2009
Skills
- Food and Beverage Pairings
- Wine Pairings
- Wine and Liquor Service
- Workflow Coordination
- Patron Rapport
- Food Sales and Promotion
- Menu Presentation
- Cocktail Knowledge
- Cash Handling
- Identification Requirements
- Server Training
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Bilingual
Timeline
Bar Manager/Server/Bartender
Mirella's Tavern and Gondola
11.2023 - 11.2024
Bartender/Server
Formento's Italian
08.2023 - 05.2024
Server/Bartender
Citrine Cafe
08.2020 - 08.2023
Dishwasher/Prep Cook/Head Barback/Bartender/Server
Celeste/Disco
11.2019 - 07.2022
Head Prep/Lead Barback
Cindy's Rooftop
04.2015 - 08.2019
Busser/Foodrunner
ROOF At TheWit
05.2010 - 09.2015
Busser/Runner/Server
Ketel One Club At The United Center
08.2009 - 09.2014
No Degree -
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art
High School Diploma -
J Sterling Morton East High School
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