Nicholas Heller
San Diego,CA
Summary
Hospitality leader with over 13 years of restaurant and beverage experience, including over seven years at a high-volume San Diego cocktail bar. Promoted from Barback to Bartender, Manager on Duty, and Bar Manager through consistent performance and leadership. Experienced in team leadership, scheduling, inventory, cost control, guest experience, and beverage operations. Founder of Silk & Spirit, a luxury mobile bar company specializing in elevated hospitality experiences.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Owner
Silk & Spirit
01.2026 - Current
- Founded and operate a luxury mobile bar company. Lead sales, marketing, client consultations, staffing, budgeting, vendor relationships, and event execution.
Bar Manager
Uptown Tavern
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Directed daily operations of a high-volume cocktail bar, managed hiring, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, labor, and cash controls.
- Managed daily bar operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Developed innovative cocktail menus, enhancing guest experience and increasing repeat patronage.
- Trained and mentored staff on mixology techniques and customer service best practices.
Bartender / Manager on Duty
Uptown Tavern
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences in a fast-paced environment while supervising shifts, training staff, and maintaining operational standards.
- Crafted and served a diverse range of cocktails, enhancing customer satisfaction through quality beverages.
- Trained new staff on beverage preparation techniques and customer service standards, fostering a collaborative team environment.
Barback
Uptown Tavern
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Promoted to bartending after demonstrating reliability, initiative, and operational excellence.
- Stocked and organized bar supplies to ensure efficient service during peak hours.
- Assisted bartenders by preparing garnishes and mixing non-alcoholic beverages.
- Maintained cleanliness of bar area, adhering to health and safety standards.
Education
Associate of Science -
Sierra College
Grass Valley, CA05-2013
Skills
- Operational Strategy
- Brand Development
- Entrepreneurial and innovative
- Leadership
- Beverage Operations
- High-Volume Service
- Guest Experience
- Staff Training
- Scheduling
- Inventory Management
- Labor Management
- Cost Control
- POS Systems
- Vendor Relations
- Cash Handling
Certification
- Food Protection Manager (ANSI)
- California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS)
Timeline
Founder & Owner
Silk & Spirit
01.2026 - Current
Bar Manager
Uptown Tavern
01.2025 - 01.2026
Bartender / Manager on Duty
Uptown Tavern
01.2020 - 01.2025
Barback
Uptown Tavern
01.2019 - 01.2020
Associate of Science -
Sierra College
Previous Experience
- IT Specialist
- Integrated Software Programmer
- Restaurant Manager