Proficient with several POS systems
Mel Nichols
Mixologist
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Friendly, professional Hospitality Industry Professional with a strong background in restaurants, bars and events. Passionate and committed to exceeding customer expectations and creating a memorable experience. Collaborative team player with in-depth knowledge and passion for hospitality, food and beverage.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head Mixologist
Pacific Hospitality Group
04.2024 - Current
- Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient bar operations and enhancing overall service quality.
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
- Implemented staff training programs that focused on product knowledge, customer service skills, and sales techniques to boost overall performance.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness throughout the establishment by regularly inspecting facilities and addressing maintenance issues promptly.
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Gertrudes Restaurant
09.2023 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating unique and visually appealing craft cocktails.
- Provided exceptional customer service, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for patrons and encouraging repeat business.
- Balanced creativity and efficiency in drink preparation, ensuring consistent product quality while minimizing wait times for guests.
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Liar's Club (Closed)
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Educated patrons about different types of alcohol, flavor profiles, and proper drink recommendations based on customer preferences.
- Promoted special events and themed nights at the bar via social media platforms, attracting larger crowds during slow periods.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability by seamlessly transitioning between bartending, waitstaff, and managerial roles when necessary to maintain smooth operations during peak hours.
- Grew the establishment''s reputation within the local community by participating in industry networking events and competitions showcasing expertise in craft cocktail creation.
Craft Cocktail Bartender
The Rose Garden
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating unique and visually appealing craft cocktails.
- Promoted special events at the establishment through engaging social media posts highlighting unique drink offerings or entertainment options.
- Balanced creativity and efficiency in drink preparation, ensuring consistent product quality while minimizing wait times for guests.
- Educated patrons on the history and nuances of various spirits, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of craft cocktails.
Lead Event Mixologist
Chateau Luxe Event Venue
09.2022 - 01.2024
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine and bar supplies.
- Collaborated with fellow bartenders and event staff to ensure seamless coordination and timely service during busy events.
- Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Trained new bartenders on mixology techniques, customer service skills, and workplace safety guidelines.
Event Bartender
What's The Occasion Event Company
11.2021 - Current
- Prepared for events by setting up bar, stocking supplies and arranging tables.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation and sanitation protocol.
- Set up glassware, liquor and other necessary supplies for special events.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights and weekends.
Event Bartender
Emily's Events
11.2021 - 01.2024
- Prepared for events by setting up bar, stocking supplies and arranging tables.
- Responded to guest questions and requests with friendly and knowledgeable service.
- Set up glassware, liquor and other necessary supplies for special events.
- Prepared wide variety of mixed drinks by applying extensive cocktail knowledge.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for private events.
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Trevor's Liquor
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Mixed unique and interesting cocktails for customers, including bar specials.
- Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.
- Assisted in event planning efforts for private parties held at the establishment, providing input on beverage selections tailored to specific themes or client requests.
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Gin & Reel Speakeasy
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers and taking inventory.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights and weekends.
Craft/Event Bartender (Seasonal)
Rancho De Los Caballeros Golf Resort
11.2021 - 05.2022
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers and taking inventory
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights and weekends.
- Prepared for events by setting up bar, stocking supplies and arranging tables.
AGM/Server Team Lead
Denny's Restaurants
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
FOH Manager/Head Bartender
Carly's Bistro
02.2011 - 05.2013
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Trained 3 new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation and sanitation protocol.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment.
- Collaborated with back-of-house teams to deliver seamless dining experiences and high-quality service standards.
- Increased repeat business by creating personalized interactions with guests and recognizing loyal customers'' preferences.
AGM/Lead Bartender
Lucky Strike Lounge
01.2011 - 05.2013
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine and bar supplies.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation and sanitation protocol.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights and weekends.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers and taking inventory.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various projectstasks.
- Streamlined communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams, resulting in smoother service operations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Washington High School
Phoenix, AZ 08.2001 - 05.2005
Skills
Hospitality service expertise
Team Leadership and Training
Strong Communication Skills
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Networking and relationship building
Bar Smarts Certified
AZ Title 4 Certification
Food Handlers License
Fluency in Spanish
Software
Accomplishments
Member of USBG
Bar Smarts Certified
Participated in Skylight Hospitality Mentorship Program
Guest Bartender at Family Meal Monthly Pop Up
Competed in Empress Gin, SanTan Brewing and local Mocktail Competitions
Timeline
Head Mixologist
Pacific Hospitality Group
04.2024 - Current
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Liar's Club (Closed)
12.2023 - 04.2024
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Gertrudes Restaurant
09.2023 - Current
Craft Cocktail Bartender
The Rose Garden
09.2023 - 01.2024
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Trevor's Liquor
01.2023 - 08.2023
Lead Event Mixologist
Chateau Luxe Event Venue
09.2022 - 01.2024
Craft Cocktail Bartender
Gin & Reel Speakeasy
09.2022 - 05.2023
Event Bartender
What's The Occasion Event Company
11.2021 - Current
Event Bartender
Emily's Events
11.2021 - 01.2024
Craft/Event Bartender (Seasonal)
Rancho De Los Caballeros Golf Resort
11.2021 - 05.2022
AGM/Server Team Lead
Denny's Restaurants
08.2018 - 05.2020
FOH Manager/Head Bartender
Carly's Bistro
02.2011 - 05.2013
AGM/Lead Bartender
Lucky Strike Lounge
01.2011 - 05.2013
High School Diploma -
Washington High School
08.2001 - 05.2005
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