Kendra Matson
Talia
Harmony,PA
14
years of professional experience
Dynamic hospitality professional with a strong work ethic, recognized for enhancing wine programs at The PA Market, including their educational and retail programs. Expert in Italian wine with a strong background curating and managing Italian wine programs in various restaurants. Seeking a position to continue to highlight my passion for wine, spirits, and hospitality.
Work History
Assistant General Manager
2 Years 2 Months- Coordinated daily operations to maintain service standards and smooth front- and back-of-house workflow.
- Trained new team members on procedures, safety expectations, and customer service standards.
- Reviewed sales, inventory, and cash handling processes to maintain accuracy and control losses.
- Communicated goals and expectations clearly to align staff with daily business priorities.
- Collaborated with the General Manager on marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain proper stock levels and minimize spoilage or waste.
- Trained new team members on POS use, drink recipes, and responsible alcohol service.
- Coordinated opening and closing routines, ensuring cleanliness, cash reconciliation, and readiness.
- Monitored sales trends and adjusted product mix to support profitability and menu performance.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
Wine Librarian / Wine Director / Wine and Spirit Educator
6 Years 2 Months- Curated wine program aligned with menu concept, seasonality, and guest preferences.
- Directed wine list development, pricing, and inventory controls to support profitability.
- Evaluated vendor selections and negotiated purchases with distributors and wineries.
- Coordinated wine pairings for special events, tasting menus, and private dining experiences.
- Set up wine tastings to bring in business and promote special offerings.
- Coordinated wine selection and restocking for cellar with over 300 bottles.
- Assisted guests in selecting appropriate wines based on their personal tastes and meal choices, elevating their dining experience.
- Organized successful wine tasting events, attracting new clientele and generating additional revenue streams.
- Worked closely with marketing team to promote special events featuring winemakers or themed tastings that attracted targeted demographics.
- Developed strong relationships with wine distributors, ensuring access to exclusive bottles and competitive pricing.
- Managed wine inventory effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing profitability.
- Monitored market trends to stay informed about emerging producers, regions, styles, and vintages shaping the industry landscape.
Restaurant General Manager
1 Year 5 Months- Investigated and integrated enhanced service and team management strategies to boost business profits.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Purchased and selected all wine and spirits and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Created and implemented FOH training programs.
- Instituted and taught staff educational programs to increase knowledge of wine, service, and traditional Italian cuisine.
Bar Manager, Assistant General Manager
2 Years- developed all wine, beer, and cocktail menus seasonally
- maintained inventory and all alcohol ordering
- controlled and improved cost by an 11% overall decrease
- interviewed, selected, and trained staff
- payroll (ADP)
- all FOH scheduling
- worked closely on all operations during transition from G&G to BRGR
- work directly with Marketing on restaurant events and promotions
- proactive, hands on management style
Bartender, Bar Manager
3 Years 1 Month- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff
- Improved wine and liquor sales and costs
- Created new wine and cocktail menus
- Implemented staff training programs to improve service and wine knowledge
- Successfully tracked inventory, COGs, and profit and loss for FOH and BOH
- Maintained scheduling for bar staff
- Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Service-oriented
Inventory control and record keeping
Staff scheduling
Strong work ethic
Passion for customer satisfaction
Natural leader
Results-oriented
Strong wine knowledge
with expertise in Italian varietals
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
Talia
09.2024 - CurrentRead More
Wine Librarian / Wine Director / Wine and Spirit Educator
The PENNSYLVANIA MARKET
09.2020 - 2024Read More
Restaurant General Manager
Della Terra
04.2018 - 09.2019Read More
Bar Manager, Assistant General Manager
G&G Noodle Bar/ BRGR
04.2016 - 04.2018Read More
Bartender, Bar Manager
Pizzaiolo Primo
03.2013 - 04.2016Read More
Slippery Rock Area High School
High School Diploma
Read More