Michelle Richter
Ann Arbor,MI
Summary
Experienced hospitality and beverage professional specializing in craft cocktails, fine dining service, wine pairings, and event bartending. Skilled in batching, bar efficiency, and menu development, with expertise in curated wine and liquor dinners, high-profile event execution, and guest experience enhancement. ServSafe certified (94% score, 2022) and TIPS certified (2023), with deep knowledge of spirits, beer, and wine. Aspiring to become a certified Sommelier by 2026, currently studying for Level 1 certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2025. Aiming to further enhance expertise in wine, spirits, and beer to curate personalized guest experiences in any hospitality setting.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server, Event Server, Bartender
Vinology
01.2025 - Current
- Specialized in allergy-conscious food handling, ensuring safe and inclusive dining experiences for all guests.
- Created craft cocktails and curated seasonal drink menus that complemented rotating food offerings.
- Provided extensive wine knowledge and pairing recommendations, aligning with the restaurant’s seasonal and locally sourced menus.
- Delivered banquet and catering service for university and private events, including handling P-card menus and special dietary requests for the University of Michigan.
- Supported large-scale private events, adapting service for high guest volumes while maintaining fine dining standards.
Bartender / Head Bartender
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
03.2023 - 03.2025
- Main Trainer for new bartenders, ensuring proficiency in fine dining service, drink execution, and company standards.
- Mastered steak temperatures, 'the sizzle' presentation, and Ruth Fertel’s company history, ensuring an authentic fine dining experience.
- Executed signature cocktails and batching for curated wine dinners and brand-sponsored events.
- Led bar service during U of M’s Mott’s Children Hospital charity gala (Feb 2025), ensuring seamless execution under high volume.
Server, Main Bar Prep, Bartender
Jolly Pumpkin Café and Brewery
11.2021 - 02.2025
- Designed a unique craft cocktail program with house-made mixers.
- Cut ticket times under 2 minutes at peak hours.
- Managed service for bar, dining room, patios, and delivery.
- Prepared cocktail mixers across multiple service areas.
Bartender / Server
Mani Osteria
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Specialized in allergy-conscious dining and verified ingredients to ensure guest safety.
- Recommended wine pairings based on regional origin and taste profiles.
- Led batching and garnish prep for cocktail consistency.
- Delivered private event service with a strong hospitality focus.
Head Bartender
Cape Fear Seafood Company
06.2021 - 10.2021
- Trained bartenders and led drink execution.
- Managed batching for high-volume production.
- Oversaw curbside carry-out operations during COVID.
- Educated guests on seafood sourcing and pairing.
Bartender / Server
Barrio Y Tequila Cocina
02.2018 - 07.2020
- Created cocktails with AnTeel Tequila founder Don Ferguson.
- Managed large sections in a high-volume setting.
- Maintained quality with fresh margaritas on tap.
Server, Banquet Server, Bartender
Garage Fuel and Bar
09.2019 - 01.2020
- Delivered banquet service with multiple course and drink pairings.
- Upsold premium selections, boosting revenue.
Banquet Server / Bartender
Cantoro Trattoria and Market
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Executed banquet service for weddings and wine dinners.
- Managed formal settings and drink counts precisely.
Bartender, Server, Expediter, Hostess
Paison Inc.
07.2015 - 02.2018
- Promoted to bartender within one year.
- Delivered food and wine pairings.
- Supported high-volume service with upselling strategies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park
01.2013
Completed 1 year - Illustration/Transportation Design
College for Creative Studies
Skills
- Craft Cocktail Creation & Recipe Development
- Drink Pairing Expertise
- Batching & Bar Efficiency Optimization
- Allergy-Conscious Dining & Ingredient Knowledge
- Fine Dining & Upscale Beverage Service
- Special Event Bartending & High-Volume Service
- Inventory Management & Cost Control
- Customer Engagement & Upselling Techniques
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Adaptable service
- Cleanliness standards
- Point-of-sale system
- Specials promotion
- Sales techniques
- Tableside etiquette
Certification
- ServSafe Certified, 94%, 2022
- TIPS Certified, 2023
- Studying for Level 1 Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers, 2025
Notable Recognitions
- 6th Place, National Bar Boss 2023
- Head Bartender for U of M’s Mott’s Hospital Gala (02/01/25)
- Custom Cocktail Collaborator with AnTeel Tequila Founder
- Developed Cocktail Program at Jolly Pumpkin
- Selected for Curated Wine Dinners at Ruth’s Chris
- Lead Bartender Trainer at Cape Fear Seafood
Timeline
Server, Event Server, Bartender
Vinology
01.2025 - Current
Bartender / Head Bartender
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
03.2023 - 03.2025
Bartender / Server
Mani Osteria
09.2022 - 03.2023
Server, Main Bar Prep, Bartender
Jolly Pumpkin Café and Brewery
11.2021 - 02.2025
Head Bartender
Cape Fear Seafood Company
06.2021 - 10.2021
Server, Banquet Server, Bartender
Garage Fuel and Bar
09.2019 - 01.2020
Bartender / Server
Barrio Y Tequila Cocina
02.2018 - 07.2020
Banquet Server / Bartender
Cantoro Trattoria and Market
06.2016 - 06.2018
Bartender, Server, Expediter, Hostess
Paison Inc.
07.2015 - 02.2018
High School Diploma -
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park
Completed 1 year - Illustration/Transportation Design
College for Creative Studies