Sarah Nelson
Grand Canyon,AZ
Summary
Dynamic and engaging bartender with extensive experience at Viking Cruises, recognized for enhancing customer satisfaction through personalized service and innovative drink menus. Proven ability in multitasking and responsible alcohol service, fostering a positive atmosphere while training staff and optimizing inventory management. Committed to maintaining high cleanliness standards and delivering exceptional hospitality.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Xanterra
10.2025 - Current
- Prepared and delivered beverages promptly, maintaining exceptional service standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area to meet health standards.
- Assisted in training new staff on drink preparation and customer service protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline service processes during peak hours.
- Developed specialty cocktails based on seasonal ingredients, enhancing menu offerings.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
Senior Bartender
Viking Cruises
08.2023 - 10.2025
- Supervised daily bar operations, ensuring high standards of service and cleanliness.
- Mentored junior bartenders, enhancing team performance and cocktail preparation skills.
- Developed innovative drink menus based on seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Implemented inventory management practices, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Trained staff on mixology techniques, improving overall beverage quality and guest satisfaction.
- Enhanced customer engagement through personalized service and product recommendations.
- Analyzed customer feedback to refine service offerings and address operational challenges effectively.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
- Adhered to strict cleanliness standards throughout all aspects of bar operations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized drink recommendations and excellent service.
- Demonstrated expertise in various mixology techniques, enhancing presentation and overall product quality.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and safe environment for both staff and patrons.
- Increased repeat business with exceptional interpersonal skills and rapportbuilding.
- Supported special events coordination, providing customized beverage options tailored to client preferences.
- Trained new bartenders on proper techniques, ensuring consistent quality across the team.
- Established positive working environment that fostered teamwork and collaboration among staff members.
Bartender
Seville Quarter
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Crafted and served beverages according to customer preferences and standard recipes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Assisted in training new staff on drink preparation and customer service standards.
- Managed inventory levels, restocked supplies, and minimized waste during shifts.
- Developed relationships with patrons, enhancing overall guest experience through personalized service.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service and coordination during busy periods.
- Implemented efficient workflow processes to improve speed of service during peak hours.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
Bartender
Cafe Karibo
01.2021 - 04.2022
- Implemented inventory management practices to reduce waste and optimize stock levels.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Mentored junior bartenders, fostering skill development and teamwork within the bar staff.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Facilitated smooth workflow, coordinating with kitchen and floor staff to expedite orders.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
- Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
Bartender
Surf
10.2017 - 01.2022
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints professionally, contributing to positive dining experiences.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Enhanced establishment's reputation, consistently receiving positive feedback on customer satisfaction surveys.
- Boosted beverage sales, designing and promoting range of signature cocktails.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, ensuring consistent service quality.
Banquet Bartender
Ritz-Carlton
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Prepared and served a variety of beverages to guests in high-volume settings.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations throughout service operations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area during events.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking stock levels, and ordering supplies as needed.
- Collaborated with event staff to accommodate guest preferences and special requests effectively.
- Developed knowledge of drink recipes, enhancing customer satisfaction through personalized service.
- Trained new bartenders on procedures, equipment use, and guest interaction techniques.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by fostering communication and cooperation among staff members.
- Prepared for events by setting up bar, stocking supplies, and arranging tables.
- Responded to guest questions and requests with friendly and knowledgeable service.
Banquet Bartender/server
Omni Hotels & Resorts
01.2011 - 03.2016
- Prepared and served beverages during events, ensuring quality and presentation standards.
- Collaborated with event coordinators to meet client specifications and preferences.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking supplies for efficient ordering processes.
- Engaged with guests to provide exceptional service, enhancing overall event experience.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures and customer service best practices.
- Implemented creative cocktail recipes, expanding drink menu offerings for events.
- Monitored alcohol consumption levels to promote responsible drinking among guests.
- Contributed to successful events by setting up mobile bars in various locations according to event specifications.
- Set up glassware, liquor, and other necessary supplies for special events.
- Collaborated with banquet staff to ensure seamless event execution, resulting in increased client satisfaction and repeat business.
Bartender
Seabreeze
05.2009 - 03.2010
Education
Certified Nursing Assistant
American Red Cross
Jacksonville Fl02.2010
High School Diploma -
Fernandina Beach High School
Fernandina Beach, FL05.2005
Skills
- Strong multitasking
- Customer service
- Highly reliable
- Team player attitude
- Patience and tolerance
- Clear and effective communication
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Customer service expertise
- Engaging personality
- Outgoing personality
- Complex Problem-solving
- Payment processing
- Responsible alcohol service
- Handling difficult customers
- Cash register operation
- Menu memorization
- Memory retention
- Hospitality service expertise
- Service-oriented mindset
- Professional appearance
- Suggestive selling
- Alcohol awareness
- Food service
Timeline
Bartender
Xanterra
10.2025 - Current
Senior Bartender
Viking Cruises
08.2023 - 10.2025
Bartender
Seville Quarter
05.2022 - 07.2023
Bartender
Cafe Karibo
01.2021 - 04.2022
Bartender
Surf
10.2017 - 01.2022
Banquet Bartender
Ritz-Carlton
01.2011 - 01.2017
Banquet Bartender/server
Omni Hotels & Resorts
01.2011 - 03.2016
Bartender
Seabreeze
05.2009 - 03.2010
Certified Nursing Assistant
American Red Cross
High School Diploma -
Fernandina Beach High School