Kathy Nissen
Port Orchard
Summary
Highly skilled, efficient, and productive professional Bar and Food Service Manager with a solid background in all aspects of bar and restaurant operations. Proven ability to manage and motivate teams while ensuring high-quality customer service. Expertise in inventory management, cost control, staff training, and development, driving operational efficiency, and revenue growth. Thriving interpersonal and multitasking skills honed in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Known for exceptional problem-solving abilities and effective communication, contributing to increased patron loyalty and profitability.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bar Manager/Head Bartender
New Leaf Pho
Poulsbo
02.2020 - 05.2024
- Directed daily bar operations in a fast-paced Asian fusion restaurant.
- Enhanced patron experiences through exceptional customer service practices.
- Fostered a welcoming environment to build strong client relationships.
- Resolved customer inquiries swiftly to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed recruitment, training, scheduling, and oversight of bar staff.
- Maintained accurate records of liquor inventory and purchases for budgeting purposes.
- Conducted inventory assessments weekly to maintain stock levels and profitability.
- Developed relationships with vendors for quality beverage sourcing.
- Executed cash balancing and daily deposit preparations for financial accuracy.
- Reviewed monthly sales reports to identify areas of improvement and growth opportunities.
- Crafted specialty drinks and organized promotional events to drive traffic.
- Studied industry trends to inform planning of bar menu and development of new drink recipes.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in the bar area.
Restaurant Shift Lead
Proper Fish
Bainbridge Island
07.2019 - 03.2020
- Ensured operational efficiency by overseeing opening and closing shifts in compliance with procedures.
- Coordinated staff schedules to maximize coverage during peak periods.
- Supervised daily operations, enabling a seamless service experience.
- Managed guest seating, order processing, and phone inquiries for front-of-house functions.
- Facilitated cash handling and financial reconciliations at the end of each shift.
- Promptly resolved customer complaints to improve dining satisfaction.
- Trained staff on the menu, policies, and service standards, enhancing overall performance.
- Monitored inventory levels to secure sufficient food and beverage supplies.
Bartender/Server
Phoenix Orchard
Poulsbo
03.2018 - 06.2019
- Provided outstanding customer service by engaging patrons, addressing their needs, and ensuring they feel welcome.
- Mixed and served cocktails according to standard recipes and patrons' preferences.
- Taking food and beverage orders.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff for efficient food service.
- Maintained bar cleanliness, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Managed inventory to guarantee availability of popular beverages.
- Created seasonal drink menus and bar specials to enhance customer engagement.
- Planned and coordinated special events, karaoke, Sunday Fun-day, bar bingo, to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Effectively multitasking within fast-paced environment.
- Monitored customer behavior and intake of alcohol to ensure their safety, and promote a safe atmosphere.
- Checking guests' identification and following state laws.
Bartender/Server
Sian Palace
Poulsbo
06.2016 - 01.2018
- Provided exceptional customer service by engaging with patrons in friendly conversation, addressing their needs, and creating a welcoming environment.
- Mixed and served cocktails according to standard recipes and patrons' preferences.
- Created specialty cocktails and jello shots up-selling to patrons.
- Managed bar inventory to maintain stock of popular beverages.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food service and ensure that orders are correct.
- Processed transactions accurately using the POS system, kept track of tabs, managed the cash drawer, and prepared daily deposits.
- Maintained cleanliness of bar area, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication, handling intoxicated guests, and underage drinking.
- Effective multitasking during busy periods while remaining calm and poised ensuring exceptional customer service.
Sales Associate
JCPenney
Silverdale
10.2009 - 05.2015
- Facilitated customer merchandise selection and addressed inquiries with expertise.
- Maintained store presentation through strategic merchandising techniques.
- Processed transactions accurately via point-of-sale systems.
- Collaborated with team members for efficient inventory restocking.
- Trained new associates on customer service standards and procedures.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to ensure stock accuracy.
- Participated in promotional events to enhance customer engagement.
Education
Certificate - Chemical Dependency Professional
Olympic College
Bremerton, WA07-2019
Associate in Arts - Associate in Arts DTA
Olympic College
Bremerton, WA06-2019
Associate Degree - Professional Technical - Associate in Technical Arts - Chemical Dependency
Olympic College
Bremerton, WA06-2019
Certificate - Human Services-Case Aide
Olympic College
Bremerton, WA06-2019
Skills
- Customer experience management
- Bar operations oversight
- Specialty drink creation
- Inventory management and control
- Vendor relations and negotiation
- Staff training and mentoring
- Revenue analysis and forecasting
- Communication skills
- Time management strategies
- Problem solving and decision-making
- Cash handling and financial reconciliation
- Team leadership and performance monitoring
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Promotional strategy development
- Mixology expertise and upselling techniques
- Hospitality and accommodation services
- Safety awareness and compliance
- Customer relationship building strategies
- Staff scheduling and shift management
- Supply ordering processes
- Service-oriented mindset
Affiliations
- Kayaking
- Line Dancing
- Playing Bingo
- Refinishing Furniture
Accomplishments
- As part of Housing Kitsap Mutual Self Help Housing Program myself along with nine future neighbours spent from February 2024 through May 2025 building our own homes from the ground up. I officially became a first time homeowner on May 16th 2025. It was arguably the hardest 16 months of my life, but also my proudest and biggest aaccomplishment.
Certification
- Class 12 Mixologist Permit Expires 07/01/2027
- Washington State Food Worker Card Expires 09/25/2027
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Bar Manager/Head Bartender
New Leaf Pho
02.2020 - 05.2024
Restaurant Shift Lead
Proper Fish
07.2019 - 03.2020
Bartender/Server
Phoenix Orchard
03.2018 - 06.2019
Bartender/Server
Sian Palace
06.2016 - 01.2018
Sales Associate
JCPenney
10.2009 - 05.2015
Certificate - Chemical Dependency Professional
Olympic College
Associate in Arts - Associate in Arts DTA
Olympic College
Associate Degree - Professional Technical - Associate in Technical Arts - Chemical Dependency
Olympic College
Certificate - Human Services-Case Aide
Olympic College