Melissa Holderness
Norman,OK
Summary
Dynamic Head Bartender with extensive experience at Lumpy's Sports Bar and Grill, recognized for enhancing customer satisfaction through expert mixology and attentive service. Proven track record in staff training and cost control, successfully implementing upselling strategies that boosted revenue while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Bartender
Lumpy's Sports Bar and Grill
07.2017 - 12.2025
- Supervised bar operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored junior bartenders on mixology techniques and customer service standards.
- Developed seasonal drink menus based on customer preferences and trends.
- Managed inventory levels, ordering supplies to maintain operational efficiency.
- Enhanced customer experience through personalized service and prompt order delivery.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving the establishment''s reputation for excellent service.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for the health and safety of customers.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Managed inventory efficiently, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for peak periods.
- Educated staff on responsible alcohol serving practices; created a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for guests while reducing liability risks.
- Trained [Number] new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Networked within the local community to build relationships with other businesses and attract new clientele to the establishment.
- Implemented upselling strategies that boosted revenue without compromising guest experience or satisfaction.
- Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures and productivity strategies.
- Developed specialty drinks to work with menu changes, sustaining customer interest and solid bar revenue.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Ensured compliance with local alcohol regulations and company policies, maintaining a safe and responsible environment for all patrons.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
- Collaborated with management to create seasonal cocktail menus, driving sales and offering fresh options for guests.
- Managed bar at special events, leading team in providing coordinated service for weddings, business meetings and social gatherings.
- Addressed equipment malfunctions quickly by working closely with maintenance teams; ensured minimal downtime in bar operations.
- Promoted special events through social media platforms, generating buzz around themed nights or guest appearances.
- Assisted in event planning and execution, delivering memorable experiences for private parties and corporate functions.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Mixed unique and interesting cocktails for customers, including bar specials.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Assisted with inventorying beverage stock and bar supplies.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Built relationships with vendors to manage orders and negotiate costs.
- Practiced safe work habits, wearing protective equipment and consistently following MSDS and OSHA standards.
Head Bartender
Drinkz
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Implemented cost-control measures, reducing waste during peak service hours.
- Collaborated with management to optimize bar layout for improved workflow and accessibility.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss performance goals and service improvements.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Trained new bartenders on drink recipes, mixing techniques, and customer service skills to enhance overall performance.
VIP Cocktail Server/ Bartender
Trophy Room
11.2014 - 11.2016
- Provided exceptional service to VIP guests, ensuring memorable experiences and satisfaction.
- Managed cocktail preparation and presentation, maintaining high standards of quality and aesthetics.
- Collaborated with bartenders to create innovative drink specials tailored for upscale clientele.
- Trained new staff on cocktail menu knowledge and customer service protocols.
- Developed strong relationships with regular patrons, enhancing loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintained proper inventory records and ensured compliance with all regulations regarding alcohol consumption on premises.
Bar Manager/Head Bartender
Fancy's
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Managed daily bar operations, ensuring efficient service and adherence to health regulations.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs to enhance customer service skills.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Coordinated scheduling for bar staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Analyzed customer feedback to improve drink offerings and service quality.
- Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
- Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
- Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
- Enhanced team productivity through effective scheduling and task delegation.
- Guaranteed optimal beverage stock by assessing inventory and collaborating with owners for corrective action planning to limit expenses.
- Safeguarded compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations in all operations.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Improved customer service rankings by resolving issues quickly and accurately.
- Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by implementing innovative bar management strategies.
- Coordinated themed nights attracting different demographics expanding overall clientele.
- Established rapport with local community organizations to create mutually beneficial partnerships that increased brand visibility.
- Organized charity events at the venue which garnered positive press coverage while supporting social causes.
- Elevated customer satisfaction with introduction of customer feedback system, addressing concerns promptly.
- Monitored financial reports to identify and address areas of concern, improving financial health.
- Managed inventory to reduce wastage, ensuring optimal stock levels for daily operations.
- Fostered positive work atmosphere, reducing staff turnover rates.
- Engaged with community on social media, enhancing bar's online presence and attracting younger demographic.
- Boosted bar revenue by implementing innovative cocktail menus and themed event nights.
- Implemented strict hygiene and safety protocols, ensuring safe environment for both staff and patrons.
- Organized charity events, boosting community engagement and bar visibility.
- Led training sessions for new staff, improving service quality and team cohesion.
- Developed marketing strategies to attract wider customer base, increasing foot traffic during off-peak hours.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and efficiency, maintaining high level of customer service.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Supervised bar operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored junior bartenders on cocktail preparation and customer service standards.
- Developed innovative drink menus, enhancing customer experience and increasing repeat business.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock control measures.
- Implemented efficient scheduling practices, optimizing staff coverage during peak hours.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining a positive atmosphere and high satisfaction rates.
- Developed a strong rapport with patrons, resulting in repeat business and increased loyalty.
- Monitored cash handling procedures to ensure accuracy in transactions while minimizing instances of theft or loss.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss performance goals, share feedback, and foster teamwork among employees.
- Handled establishment social media accounts, increasing customer traffic and bolstering business.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Created attractive bar displays by strategically arranging bottles and glasses.
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving the establishment''s reputation for excellent service.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for the health and safety of customers.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Managed inventory efficiently, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for peak periods.
- Educated staff on responsible alcohol serving practices; created a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for guests while reducing liability risks.
- Trained [Number] new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Implemented upselling strategies that boosted revenue without compromising guest experience or satisfaction.
- Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures and productivity strategies.
- Ensured compliance with local alcohol regulations and company policies, maintaining a safe and responsible environment for all patrons.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
- Managed bar at special events, leading team in providing coordinated service for weddings, business meetings and social gatherings.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Assisted with inventorying beverage stock and bar supplies.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Practiced safe work habits, wearing protective equipment and consistently following MSDS and OSHA standards.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Trained new bartenders on drink recipes, mixing techniques, and customer service skills to enhance overall performance.
VIP Cocktail Server
Little Darling Gentlemans Club
07.2009 - 11.2014
- Delivered exceptional service to VIP guests, ensuring memorable experiences and satisfaction.
- Managed beverage inventory, optimizing stock levels to meet guest demands efficiently.
- Trained junior staff on cocktail preparation and customer engagement techniques.
- Collaborated with management to develop themed drink specials enhancing overall club atmosphere.
- Implemented upselling strategies, increasing overall beverage sales during events.
- Provided personalized attention to high-profile clients, fostering loyalty and repeat visits.
- Streamlined service processes, improving workflow efficiency during peak hours.
- Streamlined ordering process for faster service, resulting in higher revenue and repeat clientele.
- Served as a point of contact for guests, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising the quality of service provided during busy shifts.
- Maintained professional composure under pressure situations which resulted in smooth operations during high-stress periods.
- Anticipated guests'' needs proactively while providing attentive yet discreet service in line with their expectations.
- Actively participated in continuous learning opportunities such as product tastings or industry seminars to stay current with the latest trends and innovations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exemplary cocktail service and attention to detail.
- Enhanced guest experience with knowledgeable recommendations on drink selections and pairings.
- Established rapport with high-profile clients, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Assisted management in training new hires, sharing best practices for excellent service delivery.
- Managed VIP reservations, ensuring personalized experiences and seamless coordination of services.
- Anticipated guest needs and provided proactive service.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Maintained accuracy and efficiency when processing sales transactions.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintained proper inventory records and ensured compliance with all regulations regarding alcohol consumption on premises.
Education
High School Diploma -
Crooked Oak High
Oklahoma City, OK05-2002
Hospitality/ Lodging Certificate - Hospitality Administration And Management
Metro Technology
Oklahoma City, OK05-2002
Skills
- Staff training and supervision
- Attentive service
- Cash handling expertise
- Taking inventory
- POS system proficiency
- Managing cash register
- Strong communication skills
- Quality control standards
- Cash handling
- Customer service
- Bar equipment maintenance
- Suggestive selling
- Advanced bartending techniques
- Social media marketing
- Retaining information
- Measurement accuracy
- Expert mixology
- Cost control
- Sanitation
- Sales promotion
- Sales and upselling techniques
- Preparing garnishes
- Promotional event execution
- Team leadership
- Mixology
- Reconciling cash drawers
- Safe food handling procedures
- Sharp memory
- Garnish preparation
- Safe alcohol service
- Alcohol safety
- Cocktail list development
- Customer service expertise
- Cash register operation
- Hospitality service expertise
- Highly reliable
- Outgoing personality
- Staff management
- Classic cocktails
- Food service
- Engaging personality
- Performance improvement
- Handling difficult customers
- Complex Problem-solving
- Responsible alcohol service
- Menu memorization
- Professional appearance
- New hire training
- Service-oriented mindset
- Team training and development
- Beverage preparation
- Clear and effective communication
- Basic accounting
- Inventory
- Payment processing
- Health codes compliance
- Salesmanship
- Aloha POS
- ABC standards
- Food running
- Order management
- Sales expertise
- Ordering procedures
- Dining room management
- Elegant food plating
- Ordering bar supplies
- Bar operations management
- Financial records oversight
- Beer and wine recommendations
- Safe service compliance
- Proficient in mixology
- Excellent judgment
- Beverage supply orders
- ABC regulations
- Able to stand [number] hours
- Bar service preparation
- Cash and credit transactions
- Anticipating guest needs
- Courteous
- Identification verification
- Outstanding customer service
- Maintaining a clean bar
- Marketing and sales experience
- Wine and liquor expertise
- Point of sale systems
- Hospitality and accommodation
- Craft cocktail preparation
Timeline
Head Bartender
Lumpy's Sports Bar and Grill
07.2017 - 12.2025
Head Bartender
Drinkz
07.2016 - 07.2017
Bar Manager/Head Bartender
Fancy's
07.2015 - 07.2016
VIP Cocktail Server/ Bartender
Trophy Room
11.2014 - 11.2016
VIP Cocktail Server
Little Darling Gentlemans Club
07.2009 - 11.2014
High School Diploma -
Crooked Oak High
Hospitality/ Lodging Certificate - Hospitality Administration And Management
Metro Technology