Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Mentors
Professional Highlights
Timeline
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Matthew Sanchez

Dallas,TX

Summary

Personable and driven bartender with over 4 years of experience, including 3 years in craft cocktail programs and 1 year in high-volume service. Adept at multitasking in high-pressure environments while maintaining top-tier hospitality standards. Mentored by bartenders and operators from some of Texas's most respected and award-winning establishments, including Here Nor There, The Roosevelt Room, and Nickel City. Their influence has shaped a bartender who values technical skill, hospitality excellence, and team collaboration. Now seeking to bring that same level of precision and passion to a leading bar program in Dallas.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Bartender

Red Herring Bar & Lounge
Waco, TX
01.2024 - 07.2025
  • Helped launch and lead one of Waco's most successful upscale bar programs, achieving the highest liquor sales in the city during its first month
  • Maintained a fast-paced bar environment with 300+ nightly covers and $7,000+ in liquor sales managed by just 2 bartenders and 2 servers
  • Crafted elevated cocktails, maintained inventory, and closed down all bar outlets nightly
  • Resolved staff scheduling conflicts and ensured smooth nightly operations
  • Assisted with bar closing procedures and mentored junior staff

Bartender

Truelove Bar
Waco, TX
07.2023 - 02.2024
  • Served 300+ guests per night, contributing to $10,000+ in nightly sales at a bustling live music and nightlife venue
  • Worked efficiently within a team of 9+ bartenders during packed hours
  • Ensured guest safety by monitoring intoxication and collaborating with security staff
  • Responsible for nightly drawer closeouts and regular solo opening shifts

Bartender

Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits
Waco, TX
09.2022 - 09.2023
  • Built foundational craft cocktail knowledge in a coffee/cocktail hybrid setting
  • Maintained customer-first service and clean, organized bar spaces
  • Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.

Campus Tour Guide

Baylor University
Waco, TX
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Led campus tours for 15-50 guests at a time, promoting Baylor's academic and community offerings
  • Collaborated with admissions staff to enhance tour content and delivery.
  • Facilitated group discussions, encouraging questions from visitors during tours.
  • Honed communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy

Baylor University
Waco, TX
07.2025

Skills

  • Craft Cocktail Design & Execution
  • High-Volume Service & Crowd Management
  • Bar Setup / Breakdown
  • Inventory Management
  • Guest Interaction & Hospitality
  • POS Systems (Square, Toast, etc)
  • Staff Scheduling Support
  • Responsible Alcohol Service

Mentors

  • Alex Merkels, Here Nor There, Austin, TX, (832) 799-3993. An internationally acclaimed speakeasy-style bar featured on the World's 50 Best Bars Discovery List, known for cutting-edge mixology and elevated guest experiences. Consistently praised for its innovation in experiential cocktail service and exclusivity.
  • Mike Gonzalez, The Roosevelt Room, Austin, TX, (254) 640-7484. Award-winning cocktail bar recognized by Esquire's Best Bars in America, Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, World's 50 Best Bars Discovery List, Named Best Bar in Austin by the Austin Chronicle multiple years, Noted for its historically inspired cocktail menu, bartending education programs, and impeccable guest service.
  • Micky Binitte, Nickel City, Fort Worth, TX, (254) 733-2198. Highly regarded Texas bar concept and James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program. Also featured in Esquire's Best Bars, Texas Monthly's Best Bars. Praised for its approachable, neighborhood atmosphere and exceptional drink quality., (254) 733-2198
  • Corey McIntyre, Waco, TX, Named Waco Restauranteur of the Year by the local hospitality chapter, known for his contributions to Waco's growing bar and restaurant scene.

Professional Highlights

  • Bar Takeover at The Roosevelt Room, Austin, TX, Featured in the mezzanine bar of one of the most respected cocktail bars in the nation
  • Pop-Up Events in Waco, TX, Waco, TX, Collaborated with Hayden Smith, owner of Allycats LLC, to execute bar takeovers and cocktail-focused events in Waco

Timeline

Head Bartender

Red Herring Bar & Lounge
01.2024 - 07.2025

Bartender

Truelove Bar
07.2023 - 02.2024

Bartender

Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits
09.2022 - 09.2023

Campus Tour Guide

Baylor University
01.2020 - 01.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy

Baylor University