RIC CONTRERAS
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced bartender with proven skills in mixing and serving beverages, managing bar inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving high-quality results. Skilled in providing exceptional service, handling high-pressure situations, and maintaining clean and organized workspace. Known for reliability, flexibility, and creating positive experiences for patrons.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Employees Only LA
West Hollywood, Ca
06.2022 - Current
- Experienced in accurate free-pouring along with outstanding consistency with beverage measurement and presentation; responsible for ensuring that drinks are properly made, well-presented, and served promptly.
- Worked with guest bartenders during sponsored events to align with the theme and cocktail menu.
- Maintained New York location standards in cocktail culture and hospitality.
- Ensured cleanliness and maintenance of bar area, glassware, and utensils to uphold hygiene standards and aesthetic appeal.
Bartender
Mirate
Los Feliz, Ca
12.2023 - 02.2024
- Mexican Restaurant - Emphasis in Agave Collection, Baja inspired cuisine.
- Completed extensive Agave training from Mirate and featured experts, enhancing cocktail knowledge and service quality.
- Served as bartender for brunch, private events, and evenings, collaborating closely with a tight-knit team to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Executed all opening and closing procedures while delivering exceptional hospitality to guests.
Agave Ambassador/Lead Bartender
Las Perlas
West Hollywood, Ca
03.2020 - 06.2022
- Led nightly reporting, managed tip-out through KickFin, and executed closing procedures to ensure venue security.
- Curated and co-hosted weekly tastings, wrote newsletters, and posted social media content to promote events; collaborated with brand representatives to enhance agave education and knowledge. Supported agave inventory management and fostered community engagement.
- Planned and executed weekly events celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and fostering community engagement in West Hollywood.
Lead Bartender
Ombra Cocktail Bar | Americana at Brand Glendale
Glendale, Ca
05.2016 - 02.2020
- Joined the original opening staff and played a role in building regular clientele.
- Curated seasonal cocktail menu and trained new hires, collaborating with management to enhance service quality.
- Operated fully outdoor cocktail/wine bar focused on Spanish style gin & tonic, delivering unique beverage experience.
Bartender
Mi Corazón
Silverlake, Ca
09.2018 - 12.2018
- Collaborated with bar manager to implement bar program.
- Developed relationships with local patrons to strengthen neighborhood clientele.
- Promoted agave spirits to enhance customer experience at the restaurant.
Bartender
Cali Craft Cocktails
Greater Los Angeles, Ca
08.2017 - 09.2017
- Specialized in event bartending for weddings, ensuring seamless portable bar setup and high-quality craft cocktails.
- Delivered high-quality cocktail service to enhance event experiences.
- Crafted innovative cocktails using premium ingredients and seasonal produce.
Barback
Trattoria Amici | Americana at Brand Glendale
Glendale, Ca
02.2015 - 05.2016
- Assisted bartenders during peak hours to learn foundational bartending skills.
- Prepared garnishes, fresh juices, and syrups for cocktails, ensuring proper storage and quality.
- Collaborated with Sommelier to enhance knowledge of wine selection, serving techniques, and presentation.
Education
Diploma -
Verdugo Hills High School
Tujunga, CA06-2005
Timeline
Bartender
Mirate
12.2023 - 02.2024
Bartender
Employees Only LA
06.2022 - Current
Agave Ambassador/Lead Bartender
Las Perlas
03.2020 - 06.2022
Bartender
Mi Corazón
09.2018 - 12.2018
Bartender
Cali Craft Cocktails
08.2017 - 09.2017
Lead Bartender
Ombra Cocktail Bar | Americana at Brand Glendale
05.2016 - 02.2020
Barback
Trattoria Amici | Americana at Brand Glendale
02.2015 - 05.2016
Diploma -
Verdugo Hills High School