Leo Chappell

Part time work at a historic Chicago queer bar. Incredibly community driven with regulars that have been with us for nearly 40 years. This work is for my personal enjoyment as I find great pleasure in being able to maintain a safe space and friendly environment through hospitality for the queer community.

I have been working events with Private Chef, Stephanie Johnston, leading Front of House for her larger private events. Over the years we have hosted many dinners together for groups as large as 50 in homes and event spaces. I am in charge of guest relations, bartending, wine service, and captaining. This has been a rewarding creative endeavor as the two of us get to create the menus and beverage for each event.

I was able to participate in a large restaurant groups opening of a new concept. I fell in love with Floor Managing here as I was able to lead a team of 15 servers, runners, and server assistants with an average of 250 covers a night. Steps of service, gracious hospitality, knowledge driven food and beverage for Japanese Cuisine were the backbone of the skills I instilled in our team.

I had the privilege to join the Alinea team for the Alinea x Olmsted pop-up. Fast paced, psychedelic gastronomy, detail oriented, choreographed floor movements, and otherworldly service made this the most unforgettable and intense professional experience. Being able to pour wine to guests while they were moved through the 15 course procession with wine pairings taught me innumerable lessons in hospitality.

The time and skills I learned here are some of my most precious memories. French wine and cuisine will always be a passion of mine. I ran payroll, created staff schedules, helped to train new hires, and worked very closely with our Wine Director to perform the most intimate and heart warming hospitality I have ever had the pleasure to experience.

This was a creative outlet for me as I was able to serve and create craft cocktails at a members club. I learned how to order within pars and under budget, while creating multiple rotating cocktail menus.