Rachael Dennis
Covington,KY
Summary
Self-motivated university graduate and doctoral candidate with extensive service industry experience dedicated to relationship building, solution-oriented thinking, and critical writing. Seeking to apply organizational and collaborative skills in a setting that encourages further enthusiasm for learning and adaptability.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bartender and Brand Ambassador
New Riff Distilling
10.2023 - Current
- Foster a community committed to diversity and inclusion by treating all colleagues and patrons respectfully and warmly according to New Riff standards.
- Communicate knowledge of whiskey-making traditions and distillery histories that emphasizes the pride, passion, authenticity, and resourcefulness of New Riff Distilling.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Engaged in whiskey trainings, tastings, and distillery tours to pursue development of knowledge, skill, and community building.
Bartender and Keyholder
Rosedale
07.2021 - Current
- Developed loyal clientele by engaging in friendly conversation and anticipating patron needs.
- Offered welcoming and consistently positive experiences for patrons and coworkers by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Maintained clean, organized, and well-stocked cocktail stations.
- Oversaw store operations by counting cash drawers, adjusting the safe, and running sales reports in the manager's absence.
Bartender
Covington Yard
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Educated patrons on drink and food options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly to ensure accurate and anticipated numbers.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for following shifts.
- Contributed to productive and appropriate work environments through effective teamwork and communication with coworkers.
- Prepared and conducted daily inventory for all juices, syrups, and batched cocktails.
Bartender
Wiseguy Lounge OTR
05.2020 - 04.2021
- Completed initial and ongoing bourbon, whiskey, and scotch trainings.
- Developed creative seasonal cocktail menus according to emerging trends and patron tastes.
- Prepared custom drink orders by employing extensive knowledge of wine and spirits.
- Prepare all garnishes, syrups, and infusions
- Placed and managed food orders by maintaining open and direct communication with kitchen management.
- Prepared all cocktails and whiskey tastings in a timely manner appropriate to higher-volume settings.
Bartender
Pins Mechanical Company
04.2019 - 03.2020
- Prepared and served drinks in high-volume settings
- Maintained knowledge of all company cocktails and rotating seasonal drinks.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Handled simultaneous patron and team needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Provided memorable experiences for patrons through attentive and personalized service during special events.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons to preserve a safe and pleasant atmosphere.
Bartender and Keyholder
Aster
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Developed and prepared seasonal cocktails and custom cocktails for daily service, special events, and private parties.
- Maintained knowledge of fifty or more classic cocktails.
- Adhered to all health code procedures when preparing food items and cocktail ingredients.
- Assisted in training new employees on cocktail recipes, spirit knowledge, and patron interaction to foster a collaborative and hospitable atmosphere.
- Submitted sales and drawer reports to senior management to aid in business decision-making and planning.
Bartender and Keyholder
The Brass Tap
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Maintained knowledge of all rotating draft beers, craft bottles, canned cocktails, and large-format beers.
- Performed closing manager duties by resetting registers, running sales summaries, and recording hourly tips through Aloha and Toast point-of-sale systems.
- Placed food orders for guests, communicated with kitchen staff, and served guests according to establishment standards.
- Cultivated strong relationships with regularly returning patrons customers by engaging in positive and informative conversation.
Education
PhD Musicology -
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH04.2026
Master of Music -
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH05.2018
Bachelor of Music -
Furman University
Greenville, SC05.2016
Skills
- Customer Advocacy
- Active Listening
- Resourcefulness
- Conflict Resolution
- Multitasking
Certification
Graduate Certificate (2018)
University of Cincinnati
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Accomplishments
Society of American Music
Charles Hamm Fellow (2023)
American Musicological Society
Presentation (2022)
"Transcending James Brown"
Feminist Music & Theory
Presentation (2022)
"Resisting the Funk Patriarchy"
References
Brandy Goodman
Four Entertainment Group
Rosedale
Bartender
brandygoodman7@gmail.com
Lauren Bodurek
Four Entertainment Group
Executive Assistant
laurenbodurek@gmail.com
Timeline
Bartender and Brand Ambassador
New Riff Distilling
10.2023 - Current
Bartender and Keyholder
Rosedale
07.2021 - Current
Bartender
Covington Yard
09.2020 - 06.2021
Bartender
Wiseguy Lounge OTR
05.2020 - 04.2021
Bartender
Pins Mechanical Company
04.2019 - 03.2020
Bartender and Keyholder
Aster
03.2019 - 03.2020
Bartender and Keyholder
The Brass Tap
08.2017 - 06.2019
PhD Musicology -
University of Cincinnati
Master of Music -
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Music -
Furman University
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