Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Bartender

Ricky Ongaro

Napa,CA

Summary

Professional Bartender with extensive knowledge of spirits, wine, and engages customers one-on-one. Friendly, open and committed to building customer base by providing positive service experience.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Food Runner

Bouchon
Yountville, CA
02.2022 - 05.2022
  • Maintained speed of service for food orders while minimizing errors and complaints.
  • Trained and mentored newly hired employees to explain process flow and safety procedures.
  • Backed up dishwashing staff by cleaning dishes, glasses and cutlery during busy periods.
  • Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Delivered correct food items to tables according to order documentation.

Bartender

The Charter Oak Restaurant
St. Helena, CA
11.2021 - 02.2022
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers and taking inventory.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Assisted servers with specialty drinks orders by preparing on-demand items without delay.
  • Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures that significantly reduced wasted stock.
  • Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
  • Operated efficiently in high-volume setting to prepare and serve 450 + covers a night

Server

Market St Helena
St. Helena, CA
07.2021 - 12.2021
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
  • Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
  • Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
  • Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine, cider and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
  • Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
  • Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals and walk-in business.
  • Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
  • Collected orders and relayed them to bartenders quickly and accurately.
  • Quickly and clearly communicated dining orders to kitchen staff, directing attention to special requests or dietary restrictions.

Bartender

Amaro
Calistoga, CA
07.2019 - 07.2021
  • Developed drink menu with creative cocktails, contemporary wines and craft beers.
  • Increased bar revenue through development and marketing of featured cocktails.
  • Generated higher ticket averages by training employees on suggestive up-selling techniques.
  • Orchestrated numerous private parties, business meetings and formal engagements.
  • Maintained relationships with restaurant vendors to facilitate effective inventory management and implement cost controls.
  • Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
  • Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
  • Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
  • Polished glassware, bussed tables and removed debris to keep customer areas clean.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers and taking inventory.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.

Server/Banquet Captain

Brix Napa Valley
Oakville, CA
03.2018 - 07.2019
  • Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
  • Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
  • Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
  • Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
  • Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
  • Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
  • Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
  • Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
  • Kept track of event finances, initial deposits, due payments and final balances.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Organized and oversaw food service training to educate employees on resetting tables, relaying orders to cooks and upselling food and beverages.
  • Set up and broke down conference and banquet rooms to meet facility standards and specifications.
  • Coordinated weddings, reunions, and corporate meetings throughout banquet and conference spaces.
  • Arranged furniture and equipment to maximize space and floor plan for seamless movement during functions.
  • Hired, trained and scheduled staff to maintain adequate coverage for successful operations.
  • Organized banquet storage and surrounding areas to facilitate access to products and materials.
  • Delegated tasks to staff members to maximize production under tight deadlines.
  • Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.

Education

Intro Sommelier - Wine Steward

Court of Master Sommeliers
Napa, CA
03.2019

Skills

  • Restaurant Operation
  • Professional Relationships
  • Order Accuracy
  • POS Terminal Operations
  • Safe Work Practices
  • Wine and Mixer Restocking
  • Cooperative and Good Natured
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Opening and Closing Procedures
  • Beverage Making and Delivery
  • Customer Service
  • Food and Drink Garnishing
  • Bar Operations and Logistics
  • Liquor, Beer and Wine Knowledge
  • Handling Difficult Customers
  • Mixology Techniques
  • Cocktail Service
  • Suggestive Selling
  • Anticipating Guest Needs
  • Classic Cocktails
  • Custom Drink Preparation
  • Creative Mixology
  • Wine Knowledge
  • New Cocktail Creation
  • Wine Pairings

Timeline

Food Runner

Bouchon
02.2022 - 05.2022

Bartender

The Charter Oak Restaurant
11.2021 - 02.2022

Server

Market St Helena
07.2021 - 12.2021

Bartender

Amaro
07.2019 - 07.2021

Server/Banquet Captain

Brix Napa Valley
03.2018 - 07.2019

Intro Sommelier - Wine Steward

Court of Master Sommeliers
Ricky Ongaro