Katrina Younkin
Lowell
Summary
Results-driven Food and Beverage Industry Professional with 22 years in hospitality. Specialized in crafting exceptional guest experiences and enhancing staff training and development. Skilled in team leadership, organizational problem-solving, and elevating customer service outcomes through strategic engagement and performance initiatives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Rogers
11.2024 - 11.2025
- Directed team of over 75 employees, fostering operational efficiency through guidance and support.
- Managed daily operations, overseeing inventory management, scheduling, and customer service initiatives.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance productivity and streamline processes.
Beverage Manager
21c Museum Hotels
Bentonville
12.2021 - 11.2024
- Managed beverage operations for restaurant and banquets, improving service efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Curated specialty cocktails and designed event menus, elevating guest experience and driving repeat business.
- Developed seasonal drink menus to elevate guest experience.
- Collaborated with culinary team to create beverage pairings with food offerings.
- Conducted training sessions for staff on proper handling and service of alcoholic beverages.
- Ordered inventory and executed beverage program, ensuring consistent quality and availability of offerings.
- Streamlined processes to minimize waste and improve profit margins.
Bar Lead
The Five6
Rogers
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Led bar team in delivering exceptional customer service and experiences.
- Trained staff in cocktail preparation and customer service, improving service quality.
- Created venue-specific cocktail menu, enhancing bar concept and guest experience.
- Trained new staff on bar operations and cocktail preparation techniques.
Manager/Bartender
Moonbroch
Rogers
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Led bartending operations, enhancing customer experience through quality service and innovative drinks.
- Planned and executed large-scale events, designing event-specific cocktails and targeted marketing strategies to drive attendance.
- Collaborated with team members to create tailored cocktail and food menus that aligned with venue branding and customer preferences.
- Redesigned food and cocktail menus to enhance guest satisfaction and support operational recovery post-COVID.
Bartender/Server/Barista
Pressroom
Bentonville
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Created multiple alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for the restaurant.
- Delivered beverage service during high-volume restaurant shifts, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated customer orders, ensuring timely service and adherence to high quality standards.
- Worked with team members to streamline operations during peak hours, fostering a collaborative environment.
Bartender and Server
Bonefish Grill
Rogers
11.2010 - 06.2019
- Bartender, Server, Trainer
- Crafted cocktails and beverages to meet standard recipes and customer preferences, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Served in fast-paced, high-volume dining establishment, supporting training initiatives for corporate management.
- Implemented food and drink safety procedures as well as creating checklists that are used nationally brand-wide.
- Improved operational efficiency through adherence to protocols in a corporate management training store.
Key Holder, Bartender
Outback Steakhouse
Springdale
07.2006 - 07.2010
- Managed key holder duties, including store opening and closing procedures.
- Trained and supervised staff, enhancing customer service standards.
- Facilitated effective communication among team members to enhance service quality.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure compliance with company policies.
- Developed training programs for new hires, fostering service excellence.
- Conducted performance evaluations to improve team efficiency and morale.
- Monitored inventory levels to maintain stock availability.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly, ensuring satisfaction.
Banquet Server/Bartender
Radisson Hotel Group
Fayetteville
10.2005 - 06.2006
- Executed banquet setup and teardown to meet event specifications and enhance overall guest satisfaction.
- Arranged tables and chairs to create inviting atmosphere and improve guest experience during events.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to facilitate timely food service based on customer needs.
- Modified service methods based on kitchen readiness and guest requests to ensure seamless dining experience.
- Prepared cocktails according to established recipes and served wine and beer efficiently.
Education
Science -
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, AR01.2017
Skills
- Restaurant operations management
- Guest experience enhancement
- Beverage program management
- Cocktail formulation and drink menu development
- Menu pricing
- Cost control
- Inventory control and management
- Cash handling and POS systems
- Sales strategies
- Event coordination
- Project oversight
- Training program development
- Team leadership dynamics
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Kitchen staff coordination
- Kitchen staff coordination
Certification
• BarSmarts Certified, 04/01/20, Present
• ServSafe Alcohol Certification
• CPR Certification
• ServSafe Food Handler Certification
• ServSafe Alcohol Certification
• CPR Certification
• ServSafe Food Handler Certification
Timeline
Manager
Ruth's Chris Steak House
11.2024 - 11.2025
Beverage Manager
21c Museum Hotels
12.2021 - 11.2024
Bar Lead
The Five6
08.2021 - 11.2021
Manager/Bartender
Moonbroch
08.2020 - 08.2021
Bartender/Server/Barista
Pressroom
07.2019 - 07.2020
Bartender and Server
Bonefish Grill
11.2010 - 06.2019
Key Holder, Bartender
Outback Steakhouse
07.2006 - 07.2010
Banquet Server/Bartender
Radisson Hotel Group
10.2005 - 06.2006
Science -
NorthWest Arkansas Community College