Kayla Sanders
Denver,CO
Summary
Experienced Bartender with extensive hands-on expertise in precise drink preparation and measurement techniques. Strong creative skills combined with up-to-date knowledge of menu offerings. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service to foster customer loyalty.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender/Bar Consultant
MILE HIGH SPIRITS
Denver, CO
06.2025 - Current
- Supported venue's transition from party bar to event space.
- Created effective systems for organization and service to optimize event execution.
- Advanced to Lead Bartender position, prioritizing bar standards and positive guest experiences.
- Acted as intermediary between management and bar team, advancing communication and hospitality standards.
Bartender/ Operations Lead
THE BANSHEE HOUSE
Denver, CO
03.2023 - 05.2025
- Co-managed bar operations and event logistics to drive efficient service delivery.
- Collaborated with Outer Range Brewing, Condesa Gin, and other partners on branded events.
- Designed and organized bar setups and tailored cocktail menus for events of up to 300 guests.
- Led teams during events to ensure seamless execution and guest satisfaction.
Bar Manager & Bartender
ZODIAC HAUSE
Denver, CO
03.2022 - 02.2025
- Supervised 10+ staff during weekly events hosting over 400 guests in unconventional venues.
- Managed end-to-end logistics for over 50 annual events, covering procurement and inventory setup.
- Resolved challenges promptly to ensure 100% bar uptime during nine events in seven days at Crypto-Week.
- Delegated responsibilities to maintain rigorous cleanliness and safety standards.
Bar Manager & Bartender
INVISIBLE CITY
Denver, CO
10.2019 - 12.2024
- Managed service and staffing for over 50 events, ensuring seamless operations.
- Curated specialty cocktails for various themed events and client functions.
- Oversaw bar operations for Itchy O's Hallowmass, serving approximately 500 guests nightly for three nights.
- Built mobile bars and prepared batch cocktails for up to 500 guests at each event.
- Supervised teams of six to ten staff members during activations and launches.
Main Stage Bar Manager
UNDERGROUND MUSIC SHOWCASE
Denver, CO
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Supervised 24 staff across five bars during festival attended by over 30,000 guests.
- Managed stock levels and staffing needs using Square POS and radio communications.
- Ensured continuous service and efficient breakdowns throughout three-day event.
Lead Bartender
POSTINO BROADWAY
Denver, CO
09.2019 - 02.2021
- Selected for opening team at new location.
- Executed bar setup and initiated guest service operations.
- Completed advanced wine education to enhance sales and improve pairing recommendations.
Bartender
CITY O' CITY
Denver, CO
04.2018 - 05.2019
- Co-directed bar operations at a high-volume vegetarian restaurant, enhancing service efficiency.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to improve task execution and increase staff productivity.
- Prepared house-made ingredients, including tamarind syrup and bloody mary mix, to support cocktail preparation.
Bartender
PIZZA REPUBLICA
Greenwood Village, CO
02.2016 - 03.2019
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area to create inviting atmosphere for guests.
- Trained new bartenders on drink recipes, equipment usage, and customer service protocols.
- Executed efficient service during peak hours, managing multiple drink orders with precision.
English Teacher
YEONGJU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Yeongju, South Korea
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Cultivated positive learning environment through proactive classroom management strategies.
- Designed interactive lesson plans to boost student participation and language development.
- Developed comprehensive teaching materials for English grammar, reading comprehension, and creative writing.
- Instructed over 600 students weekly in diverse language skills.
Education
BFA - Creative Writing & English
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON
Wilmington, NC05-2010
Skills
- Wine and cocktail expertise
- Event logistics management
- Bar operations and inventory
- Staff training and leadership
- Crisis management and resolution
- Effective communication and relations
- Time management and organization
- Attention to detail and problem-solving
- POS operation and setup
Timeline
Bartender/Bar Consultant
MILE HIGH SPIRITS
06.2025 - Current
Bartender/ Operations Lead
THE BANSHEE HOUSE
03.2023 - 05.2025
Main Stage Bar Manager
UNDERGROUND MUSIC SHOWCASE
07.2022 - 07.2023
Bar Manager & Bartender
ZODIAC HAUSE
03.2022 - 02.2025
Bar Manager & Bartender
INVISIBLE CITY
10.2019 - 12.2024
Lead Bartender
POSTINO BROADWAY
09.2019 - 02.2021
Bartender
CITY O' CITY
04.2018 - 05.2019
Bartender
PIZZA REPUBLICA
02.2016 - 03.2019
English Teacher
YEONGJU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2013 - 05.2014
BFA - Creative Writing & English
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON