Rich Forero
St. Petersburg
Summary
Reliable individual proudly offering 14 years of experience fostering repeat customers through consistent, professional service. Thoughtful cocktail enthusiast who consciously embraces classics and technique. Experienced in working in intimate and exceptionally high volume settings. Skilled in designing profitable creative drink menus, handling sales and managing bar inventory. Runner up for best bartender in St Pete 2026 by Tampa bay magazine
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Juno and the peacock/ Allelo
08.2024 - Current
- Helped open Juno and eventually moving over to its sister concept, Allelo
- Honed techniques under Ingi Sigurdsson, former bar director of the Aviary in Chicago
- Maintained focused serving standards for a kitchen aiming for Michelin recognition
- Prep heavy bar utilizing the latest techniques to ensure the highest level and consistent cocktails
- Curated and rotated an evolving selection of craft cocktails and boutique wines, enhancing guest engagement and contributing to consecutive industry recognitions by local media
Head Bartender/ Bar Manager
Bonu Taverna
08.2022 - 07.2024
- Hybrid role of Bartending and floor manager
- Responsible for menu creation, staff scheduling and inventory/ordering
- Rotating cocktail list with a focus on southern Italian ingredients
- Oversaw end-of-day financial procedures, ensured accurate cash reconciliation, verified server checkouts, and executed comprehensive security walkthroughs prior to securing the establishment.
Head Bartender/Bar Manager
Ember Korean Steakhouse
11.2018 - 10.2021
- Helped open a high end Korean BBQ restaurant in 2018 which turned into a r million dollar operation.
- Created and maintained spirit program including infusions, shrubs, tinctures batching cocktails
- Responsible for inventory and ordering spirits, wine and beer
- Implemented drink prep procedures that significantly reduced wasted stock.
- Created a clear ice program for a 300 capacity bar and dining room using a t saw Instilled an environment with management that helped staff be creative with turn brought a loyal customer following.
Head Bartender
Society
11.2016 - 09.2018
- Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures ai productivity strategies.
- Responsible for a weekly inventory which typically was worth over $50,000
- Scheduled and employed a staff of over 20 bartenders and barbacks Routinely closed out and counted cash drawers for 4 bars every weekend Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and incre profits.
Bartender
Mistral
03.2015 - 09.2016
- Added classic and modern cocktails to a constantly rotating menu Experimented with different techniques, syrups and infusions Monthly staff meetings to maintain a high level of service and spirit/wine knowledge.
Education
Napa Valley Wine Academy
06.2025
Spirit Production And History - undefined
Barsmarts
01.2019
Skills
- Team Leadership, Training and Development, Conflict Resolution
- Dining Room Management
- Mixology expertise, Recipes and menu planning
Timeline
Bartender
Juno and the peacock/ Allelo
08.2024 - Current
Head Bartender/ Bar Manager
Bonu Taverna
08.2022 - 07.2024
Head Bartender/Bar Manager
Ember Korean Steakhouse
11.2018 - 10.2021
Head Bartender
Society
11.2016 - 09.2018
Bartender
Mistral
03.2015 - 09.2016
Spirit Production And History - undefined
Barsmarts
Napa Valley Wine Academy