Nicholas DiCristina
Bartender/ Food & Beverage / VIP Host
Chicago,IL
Summary
Seeking a position that fully enables me to utilize my strong organizational skills, phenomenal customer service experience, and the ability to work one-on-one with people. Hardworking Bartender with experience in large-scale casual dining establishments. Committed to upholding highest standards of customer service and safe food handling practices. Well-versed mixologist with diverse menu of memorized drink recipes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Bartender / Barback/ Server/ Busser
Levy Restaurants - Art Institute Of Chicago
03.2023 - 12.2023
- Prepared and served food and beverages to guests in the bar area in a friendly, courteous and timely manner.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
Special Event Bartender/ Entertainer
Freelance Work
01.2018 - Current
- Served classic cocktails for a New Year Eve event to a party of 200 plus
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment behind a fully stocked bar
- Cut fruit, set up straws and napkins, prepped for mojito specialty cocktail and hosted the night
- Worked a private art exhibit event, setting up the bar area and serving one specialty cocktail, wine, champagne and beer to a group of 200 plus.
- Effectively handled high-pressure situations during peak hours without compromising the quality of customer service or drink preparation.
Bartender/ Lead Barback/Inventory Management Specialist
Hydrate Nightclub
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Experience in maintaining a safe work environment for myself, a staff of twelve, and a crowd capacity of four hundred, plus
- Also, experience in maintaining stocks, changing soda, collecting empty glasses, maintaining the premises clean, ensuring there is plenty of clean glassware, and re-stocking ice in a timely manner
- Responsible for alcohol service, departmental policies and procedures, safety and sanitation policies
- Cash handling, balance bank at end of each shift and calculating tip outs
- Handle inbound alcohol shipments every other Thursday to maintain a full inventory
- In charge of restocking shelves in liquor room and maintaining a clean and functioning work environment.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to share information and strengthen overall security efforts.
- Streamlined inventory management, accurately tracking stock levels to minimize waste and control costs.
Sales Associate
GNC
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Assisted in merchandising, housekeeping, and maintenance of displayed merchandise and floor moves
- Also, maintained up-to-date information, regarding all promotions and advertisements.
- Organized in-store promotions and events to increase foot traffic and drive additional sales opportunities.
Team Lead Air Import/ Export Agent
Vanguard Logistics Services
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Processed all orders and documentation, and provide detailed information such as quote amounts to established and potential clients
- Write up new quotes following company guidelines for cost and time
- Contact vendors to obtain pricing, tracking, and scheduling information
- Draft invoices for both import and export services, and send to clients
- Compile tracking and service reports for management
- Respond to and quickly resolve customer service issues
- Maintain schedule and dispatch work orders.
- Implemented process improvements that led to reduced turnaround times for critical tasks without compromising quality.
Lead Bar Back & Cocktail Server
Minibar
01.2006 - 01.2014
- Experience in maintaining stocks, changing soda, collecting empty glasses, maintaining the premises clean, ensuring there is plenty of clean glassware, and re-stocking ice in a timely manner
- Cocktail server and bottle service extraordinaire
- Coordinated bottle service for groups of 10 plus.
- Mastered cocktail recipes quickly and accurately prepared beverages according to established guidelines.
Gateway Operations & International Air Export Agent
Pilot Freight Services
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Knowledge and experience in international air export quoting, billing, and freight coordination.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations through diligent record keeping and adherence to established protocols.
Dining Room Supervisor
BrookDale Living Communities
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Began as a dining room server, later promoted to host, and finally to dining room supervisor
- Management experience in scheduling, creating floor plans, banquet set up and dining room/ kitchen staff of 25 employees.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new hires, leading orientation sessions that covered safety protocols, customer service expectations, and job responsibilities.
Education
High School Diploma for general education and further learning. - General Education
St. Francis High School
Wheaton 01.1999 - 05.2003
Skills
IPAv2
PACE
AirTrak
Spot-On
Toast
Microsoft Office
Top Notch Customer Service Skills
Well Organized and Interpersonal Skills
Ability to deal with diversity of clients, professionals, and staff
Excellent time management skills
Always Smiling and Positive Energy
Food Service
Additional Information
I am always smiling and strive to make an impression and set the standard in everything I seek to accomplish.
Certification
Certified ServSafe Food Handler; Expires May 2025
Timeline
Bartender / Barback/ Server/ Busser
Levy Restaurants - Art Institute Of Chicago
03.2023 - 12.2023
Certified ServSafe Food Handler; Expires May 2025
05-2022
Certified ServSafe Alcohol Handler; Expires May 2025;
05-2022
Certified Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET); Expires May 2025
05-2022
Sales Associate
GNC
01.2019 - 01.2020
Special Event Bartender/ Entertainer
Freelance Work
01.2018 - Current
Bartender/ Lead Barback/Inventory Management Specialist
Hydrate Nightclub
01.2018 - 01.2024
Team Lead Air Import/ Export Agent
Vanguard Logistics Services
01.2012 - 01.2014
Lead Bar Back & Cocktail Server
Minibar
01.2006 - 01.2014
Gateway Operations & International Air Export Agent
Pilot Freight Services
01.2005 - 01.2012
Dining Room Supervisor
BrookDale Living Communities
01.1999 - 01.2005
High School Diploma for general education and further learning. - General Education
St. Francis High School
01.1999 - 05.2003