MARCEL LEZAMA BARCENAS
Miami
Summary
Professional bartender with extensive experience in prestigious luxury hotels and top-rated properties across Miami, as well as fine dining restaurant environments. Proven ability to deliver elevated guest experiences in high-end hospitality settings, consistently meeting Forbes-level service standards. Recognized for strong attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, luxury-driven environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Lead Bartender
Le Specialità
Design District Miami
04.2026 - Current
- Supervised daily bar operations, ensuring high standards of service and quality.
- Trained and mentored bartending staff to enhance skill sets and improve service efficiency.
- Designed innovative cocktail menus, incorporating seasonal ingredients to elevate guest experiences.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and crafting high-quality beverages.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
- Assisted in menu development, incorporating seasonal flavors and trends into popular craft cocktails.
Lead Bartender
W Hotel South Beach
Miami Beach, FL
01.2021 - 04.2026
- Exceeded execution of Forbes Standards of Service, consistently delivering luxury-level guest experiences.
- Lead daily bar operations in a high-volume luxury hotel environment.
- Deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining brand and service standards.
- Train, mentor, and support bartenders and barbacks to ensure consistent service quality.
- Prepare classic and craft cocktails while maintaining speed and accuracy.
- Manage inventory, restocking, and bar setup to ensure smooth shift execution.
- Increase beverage sales through upselling, guest engagement, and product knowledge.
- Ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and alcohol service regulations.
- Handle cash and credit transactions accurately using POS systems.
- Exceeded execution of Forbes Standards of Service, consistently delivering luxury-level guest experiences.
Food Runner
Fontainebleau Miami Beach/ Hakkasan
Miami Beach, FL
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Coordinated timely delivery of food and beverages to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas to ensure optimal service environment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline order accuracy and minimize wait times.
- Assisted in training new staff on service protocols and operational procedures.
- Developed strong knowledge of menu offerings, enhancing ability to provide recommendations to patrons.
- Greeted customers and provided outstanding customer service.
- Managed food presentation before delivery, ensuring all dishes met quality standards.
Food & Beverage Server
Leynia Delano South Beach
Miami, FL
04.2019 - 03.2021
- Provided exceptional service to high-volume daily guests.
- Assisted guests with menu selections, ingredients, allergens, and beverage pairings.
- Met and exceeded sales targets through proactive promotions and dessert suggestions.
- Maintained detailed knowledge of menu items, garnishes, and preparation methods.
- Ensured sanitary food handling and service protocols.
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently.
Special Events
National Hotel
Miami, FL
10.2017 - 04.2020
- Assisted in planning and executing hotel special events.
- Organized venues, catering, guest lists, budgets, and timelines.
- Supported event setup, service flow, and breakdown.
Bartender
Sagamore Hotel
Miami, FL
11.2014 - 04.2019
- Delivered high-quality service in restaurant, beach, breakfast, and pool environments.
- Handled cash and credit payments accurately while maintaining efficiency.
- Increased sales through effective upselling and beverage recommendations.
- Maintained cleanliness and compliance with food safety regulations.
- Supported bar and service operations during peak hours and special events.
- Built strong guest relationships through attentive and personalized service.
Education
Bartending Certification -
ABC Bartending School
Miami, FL08-2020
Bachelor of Science - Engineering
UNIES Universidad Nacional De Ingenieria
Managua, Nicaragua 05.2001 -
Skills
- Leadership & team development in high-volume and upscale bar operations
- Inventory control, cost management & vendor ordering
- POS systems, cash handling & end-of-shift reporting
- Forbes Travel Guide–standard guest service excellence (anticipation, personalization, service recovery)
- Scheduling, workflow coordination & operational efficiency
Timeline
Lead Bartender
Le Specialità
04.2026 - Current
Food Runner
Fontainebleau Miami Beach/ Hakkasan
01.2022 - 06.2023
Lead Bartender
W Hotel South Beach
01.2021 - 04.2026
Food & Beverage Server
Leynia Delano South Beach
04.2019 - 03.2021
Special Events
National Hotel
10.2017 - 04.2020
Bartender
Sagamore Hotel
11.2014 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Engineering
UNIES Universidad Nacional De Ingenieria
05.2001 -
Bartending Certification -
ABC Bartending School