ROBERT GRELLA
Pocono Summit,PA
Summary
Marine Corps active duty veteran with a strong work ethic, adaptability, and leadership skills. Successfully transitioned from labor-intensive roles to excel in the hospitality industry, demonstrating a passion for sales through bartending and mixology. Recognized for delivering top-tier customer satisfaction in high-volume, fast-paced environments at fine dining establishments. Committed to ongoing growth in hospitality, focusing on sales with discipline, creativity, and drive in team environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corporal
United States Marine Corps
11.2017 - Current
- Supervised and trained junior Marines, fostering leadership development.
- Operated heavy equipment and coordinated personnel and supplies for missions.
- Relayed critical radio communications in support of artillery and air operations.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Goal-oriented professional with proven success in applying analytical skills to solve complex problems and overcome challenges. Dedicated to enhancing team performance and driving business success.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Bartender
Daniel's Restaurant
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Specialized in mixology, curating seasonal cocktail menus and personalized drinks.
- Researched flavor pairings and learned interesting techniques like bacon fat washed bourbon and making our own bitters, liquors and other elements in house.
- Elevated guest experience through tailored service and engaging presentation.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends. Private events pf over 300+ as the lead bartender.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
Bartender
Del Frisco's Grille
06.2024 - 11.2024
- - Operated bar in a fine dining setting with an emphasis on premium spirits and classic cocktails.
- - Managed a large volume of guests while maintaining poise and top-tier service.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.
- Applied knowledge to create innovative cocktails, enhance flavor profiles and expertly pair food and drinks.
- Assisted with inventorying beverage stock and bar supplies.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
- Mixed unique and interesting cocktails for customers, including bar specials.
- Created attractive bar displays by strategically arranging bottles and glasses.
- Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
Security Staff/Head Barback
Pace & Blossom Club
10.2023 - 06.2024
- - Maintained safety and order in a high-traffic nightlife environment.
- - De-escalated conflicts and upheld venue policies with professionalism.
- - Conducted ID checks, crowd control, and incident reporting.
- Replaced empty kegs and soda syrups.
- Restocked ice, condiments, and snacks.
- Maintained adequate levels of condiments and well-stocked drink stations to keep service flowing smoothly.
- Checked ID cards and verified bar guests were of legal age.
- Collected trash, wiped up spills, and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean customer areas.
- Kept close eye on customers to quickly spot leaving guests and clear tables for future patrons.
- Greeted customers and provided friendly, knowledgeable service.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down bar area for special events.
- Coordinated with servers and bartenders to maintain smooth operation of bar area.
- Restocked glassware, cleaned tables and organized supplies to meet demanding trading periods throughout shift.
- Arranged tables and chairs for special occasions and events.
- Provided attentive service and proactively assessed guest needs.
- Monitored guests to maintain order in the establishment.
Bartender
Paradise Stream
05.2022 - 08.2023
- - Reduced wait times and improved guest satisfaction through fast, quality service.
- - Managed bar inventory, minimizing waste and ensuring stock accuracy.
- - Developed a loyal clientele and received repeat visits from former guests.
General Laborer
Techo Bloc
01.2022 - 05.2022
- - Executed physically demanding tasks on a 12-hour schedule with efficiency.
- - Maintained site safety and supported a high-functioning construction crew.
Education
BBA - Business Administration And Management
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05-2028
Skills
- Mixology & Craft Cocktails
- Payment Processing
- Guest Relations
- High-Volume Service
- Inventory Management
- Leadership & Team Supervision
- Business Development
- Excel & Expense Tracking
- Safe Vehicle Operation
- Bar restocking
- Safe service compliance
- Beer and wine recommendations
- Cocktail list development
- Bar service preparation
- Outstanding customer service
- Upselling
- Building rapport
- Networking
- Prospecting skills
- Cold calling
- Relationship building
Leadership Experience
Led Marine teams through high-pressure missions with an emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and accountability. Translated military leadership principles into civilian settings, mentoring colleagues and driving performance.
Communication Skills
Strong communicator under pressure, with radio coordination experience in combat zones. Able to clearly and calmly convey information across diverse audiences and environments.
Thrived in driving sales by upselling to ensure optimal customer satisfaction while furthering the bottom line.
Worked Marine Corps recruiting, excelling at cold calls, conducting applicant interviews, and securing multiple commitments through persuasive communication and integrity-driven rapport-building.
Certification
- Ramp Certified - Rserving - Expires AUG 2026
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Bartender
Daniel's Restaurant
10.2024 - 02.2025
Bartender
Del Frisco's Grille
06.2024 - 11.2024
Security Staff/Head Barback
Pace & Blossom Club
10.2023 - 06.2024
Bartender
Paradise Stream
05.2022 - 08.2023
General Laborer
Techo Bloc
01.2022 - 05.2022
Corporal
United States Marine Corps
11.2017 - Current
BBA - Business Administration And Management
Temple University
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