Liz Smith
Summary
Dynamic beverage professional prepared for leadership roles in the hospitality sector. Extensive experience in developing and managing beverage programs, ensuring high standards and customer satisfaction. Focused on fostering team collaboration and adapting to changing demands to achieve outstanding results. Known for leadership, cost control, and unwavering commitment to quality.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Beverage Director
Papi Portland
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented prep systems to support a menu of 15 signature cocktails with an average of 1,000 signature cocktails sold weekly in addition to other cocktails.
- Collaborated with beverage director to conduct monthly inventory and purchasing to maintain a COGS of under 20% with an average weekly beverage sales of $20,000.
- Oversaw daily bar and floor operations including: completing and developing cash out protocols, updating POS, maintaining inventory for supplies needed for restaurant operations, replying to voicemails, confirming reservations, and managing the staff.
- Trained bartenders on drink making techniques, ensuring consistent and high-quality beverages across the establishment.
- Educated staff on beverage and kitchen offerings ensuring product knowledge and superior service standards.
- Studied Puerto Rican history, language, and culture outside of work to further connect with guests.
Beverage Director
Black Cow
07.2020 - 01.2023
- Developed and implemented a low waste seasonal beverage program working alongside the kitchen to decrease product loss.
- Responsible for selecting and ordering all products needed for bar operations while maintaining a quarterly beverage cost of 16-18%.
- Mentored and trained new bartenders on beverage preparation techniques establishing quality control measures to maintain consistency in drink preparation.
- Conducted monthly staff training sessions to improve knowledge of wine, spirits, and craft cocktails.
- Optimized bar layout to improve workflow productivity without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
- Improved employee retention through: scheduling management, developing comprehensive training materials, scheduling management, and ongoing staff development in product knowledge and bartending techniques.
- Designed beverage menus and POS structure.
Education
Baking & Pastry Arts And Beverage Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI05-2015
Skills
- Staff training and development
- Proficiency in Excel
- Quality control
- POS system proficiency
- Menu Engineering
- Event planning
- Inventory management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service in fine dining
- Product sourcing
Certification
Certified Sommelier
Certified Specialist of Wine
Certified Specialist of Spirits
Timeline
Assistant Beverage Director
Papi Portland
01.2023 - 06.2025
Beverage Director
Black Cow
07.2020 - 01.2023
Baking & Pastry Arts And Beverage Management
Johnson & Wales University
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