JUAN ROBLEDO
Chicago,IL
Summary
Hospitality professional with extensive experience in high-volume dining, specializing in wine-driven service. Expertise in enhancing guest experiences through tailored wine pairings and strategic upselling, contributing to increased revenue and repeat clientele.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Captain
Fioretta
Chicago, IL
03.2023 - Current
- Elevated dining experiences in high-end steakhouse, emphasizing wine and beverage service
- Drive wine sales through pairing-focused recommendations aligned with premium menu offerings
- Guide guests through a curated wine program, translating wine knowledge into approachable and confident suggestions
- Acted as a wine resource on the floor, assisting team members in wine sales and recommendations
- Engaged in vendor-led wine education tastings to enhance product knowledge
- Received Employee of the Year recognition for excellence in service, teamwork, and guest engagement
Server
Siena Tavern
Chicago, IL
07.2014 - Current
- Increased average check totals by strategically upselling wine, cocktails, and premium menu items
- Drive wine sales through tailored pairing recommendations and guest-focused service
- Guide guests through a curated wine program, translating wine knowledge into approachable, confident recommendations
- Leveraged knowledge of Old World and New World wines to enhance guest experiences and foster trust at the table
- Acted as a wine resource on the floor, providing guests and team members with pairing suggestions and product knowledge.
- Participated in vendor-led and formal wine tastings to continuously expand wine knowledge
- Build strong guest relationships, contributing to repeat clientele and consistently high satisfaction
Bartender
Uncle Julio’s
Chicago, IL
10.2007 - 06.2015
- Delivered high-quality beverage service in a fast-paced hospitality environment
- Oversaw bar operations, ensuring efficient preparation, batching, inventory management, and service execution
- Trained and mentored new and promoted bartenders on service standards and bar procedures, enhancing team competency
- Executed financial reconciliation and daily reporting with precision, ensuring accurate financial oversight
Head Waiter / Server
Uncle Julio’s
Boca Raton, FL
03.2009 - 03.2011
- Provided attentive, knowledgeable service in high-volume dining environment to enhance guest experience
- Supported maintenance of service standards and front-of-house operations to ensure smooth service delivery
- Executed financial transactions and completed end-of-day reconciliation to maintain accurate financial records
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL05-2007
Skills
- Wine pairing and guest education
- Wine sales and upselling
- Old world and new world expertise
- Curated wine program navigation
- Fine dining service standards
- Team leadership and mentorship
- High-volume service execution
- Guest relationship management
- Wine Program Management
Hobbies and Interests
- Wine tasting
- Soccer
- Programming
Wine Development
- Regular participant in vendor-led and formal wine tastings
- Strong understanding of Old World vs New World wine styles, structure, and balance
- Familiar with key regions across France, Italy, and California
- Currently studying for Court of Master Sommeliers – Level 1 Certification
- Continuously developing knowledge of grape varietals, terroir, and food pairings
Timeline
Captain
Fioretta
03.2023 - Current
Server
Siena Tavern
07.2014 - Current
Head Waiter / Server
Uncle Julio’s
03.2009 - 03.2011
Bartender
Uncle Julio’s
10.2007 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Lake Forest College