Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
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NINO TOLJ

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic and people-focused hospitality professional with over two decades of experience leading teams in Chicago's most fast-paced and high-end venues. Expertise encompasses iconic nightlife institutions and luxury restaurants, fostering a deep understanding of guest relations, operational flow, and team development. Renowned for crafting elevated guest experiences, enhancing team culture, and upholding exceptional service standards under pressure. A unique blend of hands-on leadership, personal flair, and a calm, solution-oriented approach ensures that both guests and staff feel supported, engaged, and eager to return.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Bartender

Electric Hotel
Chicago, Illinois
09.2017 - 03.2023

Electric Hotel uniquely stands apart from any other hybrid nightclub experience in Chicago. *Electric hotel pays tribute to the people and dreams that made Chicago what is today." - www.clubable.com

  • Highest ringer and industry night bartender
  • Extensive knowledge in champagne and bottle service
  • Coordinatedand executing local partnerships with event companies such as BamCreates - National Experiential
    Event Company - to increase revenue
  • Responsible for training new hire staff & to upsell and increase overall nightly profit

Manager, Bartender and Server

Shore Club
Chicago, Illinois
05.2020 - Current

Shore Club Chicago offers an unparalleled hospitality experience on Chicago's famous North Avenue Beach. Inspired by beautiful beaches around the world, the elevated food menu, great service, and unobstructed views of Lake Michigan make it Chicago's go-to destination in the summer.

  • Multitasking an extremely busy seasonal beach club thru different weather experiences
  • Signature and specialty cocktails, wine, beer and extensive food knowledge.
  • Weekday manager and lead bartender

Bartender

CELESTE (BonHomme Group)
09.2017 - 05.2019

Celeste beautifully answers the question of where to enjoy delicious food and flawlessly executed cocktails. Based in Chicago and Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Bonhomme Group's collection of experiences, Travel, Culture, and Style are at the heart of all that we do.

  • Full training and knowledge in craft and signature cocktails at a 4 level boutique lounge and bar (BonHomme Group)
  • Served buyouts and private events as well as high volume clientele nights and weekends

Bartender

SPYBAR
10.2014 - 12.2021

A Chicago institution, boasting unparalleled night life for 18 years and running. This "River North party paradise" according to Rolling Stone Magazine

  • Bartender of the year (nightlife awards 2016)
  • Experience in high volume high-stress situations at the legendary Chicago staple for house music for 7 years
  • Frequently accredited for being the Highest ringing bartender contributing to a high attending guest list, along with returning clientele

Concierge Specialist

Sound Bar Group
08.2009 - 06.2014

Sound-Bar is the hottest, upscale nightclub that revolutionizes Chicago nightlife by boasting style, luxury and state-of-the-art technology. And the event calendar is like no other, featuring the world's top DJ talent all year

  • Worked in the marketing department for 4 venues including Y Bar, Sound Bar, Crescendo and Hearts
  • Works directly with all concierges in the city nurturing relationships with boutique and luxury hotels
  • Executed various theme events successfully
  • Worked as a VIP HOST for YBar and Crescendo

Education

Amundsen High School
Chicago, IL
2001

Skills

  • Leadership & teamwork
  • Food and beverage management
  • Mixology techniques
  • Various POS systems
  • Event Design & production
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Attentive Service
  • High-Volume Environments & Speed
  • Food Safety Guidelines
  • Special Requirements & needs
  • Private , corporate and theme events

Accomplishments

  • Diploma in Leadership and Management – Shaw Academy
  • Bartender of the year 2016 (Chicago Nightlife Awards

Languages

Croatian
Native or Bilingual
German
Full Professional

Timeline

Manager, Bartender and Server

Shore Club
05.2020 - Current

Bartender

Electric Hotel
09.2017 - 03.2023

Bartender

CELESTE (BonHomme Group)
09.2017 - 05.2019

Bartender

SPYBAR
10.2014 - 12.2021

Concierge Specialist

Sound Bar Group
08.2009 - 06.2014

Amundsen High School
NINO TOLJ