RODERICK WILLIAMS
Columbia,SC
Summary
Visual communications graduate at the University of South Carolina. Bartending, Cuisine, Wine, and the Service industry in general are my passions. I have worked in restaurants for my entire professional career beginning at 15 years old. I've worked every position possible from Line Cooking, to Serving, to Upper Management. I'm looking to expand my horizons in the Food and Beverage world and am confident I would make a valuable asset in a leadership role at any bar or restaurant. Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bar Manager/Assistant General Manager
Smoked On Main
12.2023 - Current
- Responsible Include planning cocktail Menus, Monitoring pricing and margins on all menu items and products, hiring and training, monitoring spending on on Beer, Wine, and Liquor while maintaining a COGS of under 20%, developing and maintaining relationships with wine and liquor vendors, planning and executing cocktail and alcohol for private and public events, detailed knowledge on a variety of spirits, wine, beer, and cocktails
- Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Collaborated with the General Manager and Marketing team on initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
-
FOH Manager / Assistant Bar Manager
Smoked on Main
10.2022 - Current
- Management at high level fine-dining restaurant with a Meat/Seafood focus in the heart of downtown Columbia Tasked with the creation, planning, pricing, and execution of seasonal cocktail menus and specials
- Responsible for curating a wine by the glass and by the bottle selection that covers a wide expanse of styles and regions
- Well versed knowledge on the history and use of a wide variety of liquors, liqueurs, Amaros, aperitifs, and digestives
- Well versed knowledge on a wide range of both classic and modern cocktails Developed and maintained positive business relationships with Wine and Liquor representative so as to Further expand alcohol related sales and ensure allocation of rare bottles
- Creation and maintenance of a front of house and back of house schedule that leaves the restaurant properly staffed while minimizing labor costs
- Responsible for motivating and leading a staff in a manner that upholds the standards of fine dining while maintaining a fun and respectful atmosphere
- Creation and execution of a Server, Bartender, and Host training program that emphasizes the proper steps of service and the deep-set menu/etiquette knowledge that is required of a fine dining establishment
- Experience with private and public event coordination; along with crafting and batching custom cocktails/menus for said events
- Monitoring of sales goals, discount/comp costs, Profit margins, and menu items so as to constantly maximize profitability for the restaurant while maintaining a positive experience for the guest
- Responding to food and/or service issues amongst guests.
Resident mentor
University of South Carolina
08.2020 - Current
- Mentored and supervised a dorm full of residents during the 2018-2020 school year.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed, ensuring the safety of all residents while adhering to proper protocols.
- Served as a liaison between residents and management staff, effectively communicating concerns and advocating for resident needs.
- Assisted in the development of residence hall programming by providing input on event ideas, marketing strategies, and logistical planning.
Lead Bartender
Smoked
10.2021 - 04.2023
- Responsible for leading a bar team in a fast paced, fine dining , craft cocktail environment tasked with the creation and implementation of various cocktails menus requires an expansive knowledge of wine varietals, spirits, modern and classic cocktails
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving positive relationships between the business and its clientele.
- Maintained a clean and well-organized bar area, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and enhancing guest experience.
Shift Lead
Alodia's Cucina Italiana
Current
- Line cooking at mid-high level dining location Became proficient with more advanced cooking techniques required of Italian dining
- Assisted with prep , inventory , and scheduling for BOH employees.
Bartender
Tsunamis
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Became familiar with classic and modern cocktails as well as learned the history and specifics of spirits, liqueurs, and aperitifs
- Became comfortable with the basics of how to provide proper bar service
Pizza Maker
Old Chicago Pizza
10.2019 - 03.2020
Line Cook
Showmars
10.2015 - 01.2020
- My first Job at 15 years old Learned fast paced line cooking and how to efficiently operate as part of a team member in a kitchen education on the basics of food preparation and service at a dining establishment
Server
Carolina Ale House
06.2018 - 08.2019
- With this job , I gained experience in running food, working food expo, and serving tables
Education
High school diploma -
Clover High School
Bachelors degree in Visual Communications -
USC Columbia
Columbia, SC05.2021
Skills
- Food Service (6 years)
- Employee Training
- Guest service
- Bartending (4 years)
- Microsoft Office (3 years)
- Restaurant management (2 year)
- Labor Cost Analysis
- Bartending
- Fine dining experience
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Pricing
Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certified, 06/01/23
- WSET level 2 certified sommelier, Present
Additional Information
I am extremely passionate about the craft of bartending as well as cooking and am extremely adaptable to any work environment and quick to follow directions. Looking for the best opportunity to become part of a team and further expand my workplace experience and am confident in my ability to contribute positively to wherever I am hired
Timeline
Shift Lead
Alodia's Cucina Italiana
Current
Bar Manager/Assistant General Manager
Smoked On Main
12.2023 - Current
FOH Manager / Assistant Bar Manager
Smoked on Main
10.2022 - Current
Lead Bartender
Smoked
10.2021 - 04.2023
Bartender
Tsunamis
10.2020 - 10.2021
Resident mentor
University of South Carolina
08.2020 - Current
Pizza Maker
Old Chicago Pizza
10.2019 - 03.2020
Server
Carolina Ale House
06.2018 - 08.2019
Line Cook
Showmars
10.2015 - 01.2020
High school diploma -
Clover High School
Bachelors degree in Visual Communications -
USC Columbia