Sean Barber
Orlando,Florida
Summary
Beverage director with proven expertise in team development and inventory management at Artistry Restaurants. Successfully led beverage programs across multiple states, resulting in increased guest satisfaction and profitability. Strong understanding of industry trends and product knowledge, with a talent for creating innovative drink menus. Skilled in fostering collaboration and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance brand visibility and operational efficiency.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Beverage
Artistry Restaurants
Winter Park, Florida
02.2021 - Current
- Oversaw the beverage program for 7 concepts with a total of 53 locations across 6 states.
- Responsible beverage profitability, including pricing, margins, cost of goods, and inventory management through R365.
- Continually developed a company-wide beverage vision for spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic offerings.
- Designed scalable beverage systems with a ground-up approach, developing materials for knowledge transfer, supporting training initiatives, and identifying performance gaps impacting overall strategy.
- Coached and mentored bar leaders and operations teams to enhance beverage service quality and operational effectiveness.
- Developed simple, effective beverage training programs for managers and hourly teams, improving staff competency and service consistency.
- Created beverage specs, recipes, prep standards, and execution guides.
- Partnered closely with Culinary, Marketing, and Operations on menu launches, promotions, and brand storytelling.
- Built beverage budgets and forecasts in partnership with Finance and Operations.
Director of Beverage
Oak & Stone
Naples, FL
10.2019 - 02.2021
- Managed beverage inventory across five units, ensuring high quality and consistent availability.
- Implemented tracking procedures for liquor usage, reducing losses from spillage and theft.
- Researched industry trends, including craft beers and specialty cocktails, to adapt to consumer preferences.
- Reviewed customer feedback on beverage selections, refining offerings to better align with preferences.
- Trained staff on cocktail preparation techniques and service standards.
- Developed seasonal drink menus to elevate customer experience.
- Monitored adherence to health and safety regulations in beverage service.
Director of Sales and Distribution
Naples Beach Brewery
Naples, FL
10.2018 - 09.2019
- Cultivated relationships with distributors to enhance product availability and visibility.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop campaigns that elevated brand awareness.
- Established strong connections with customers and industry professionals for sustainable business growth.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, and distributors to secure favorable terms.
General Manager
Olde Naples Pub
Naples, Florida
10.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
Manager
The Continental Naples
Naples, FL
10.2014 - 10.2017
- Scheduled and directed staff in daily work assignments to enhance operational efficiency.
- Efficiently resolved problems or concerns to the satisfaction of all involved parties.
- Continually monitored restaurant and took appropriate action to ensure food quality and service standards were consistently met.
- Built sales forecasts and schedules to reflect desired productivity targets.
- Consistently managed inventory to ensure proper service and profitability.
- Conducted daily pre-shift and weekly departmental meetings to ensure organizational efficiency.
- Minimized equipment loss and misuse through effective supervision and targeted staff training.
- Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs on a daily basis.
- Developed and maintained a skilled staff to deliver professional service aligned with policies and business initiatives.
- Initiated negotiations regarding vendor contracts and kept updated records of contracts.
- Performed restaurant walk-throughs to gauge timeliness and excellent service quality.
- Worked closely with the chef and cooks to determine menu plans for special events or occasions.
Manager
AZN RESTAURANT
Naples, FL
03.2011 - 10.2014
- Ensured that the restaurant and staff operated at a high level in a high volume setting.
- Managed liquor inventory and controlled costs while scheduling all front of house employees.
- Also assisted guests to ensure they enjoyed great food and service.
- Regularly updated computer systems with new pricing and daily food specials.
- Worked closely with the chef and cooks to determine menu plans for special events or occasions.
- Provided counsel and discipline to staff as needed.
- Conducted daily pre-shift and weekly departmental meetings to enhance operational efficiency.
- Monitored restaurant operations and implemented actions to uphold food quality and service standards.
Bartender
AGAVE BAR AND GRILL
Naples, FL
09.2010 - 03.2011
- Ensured guests at a 22-seat bar received exceptional full-service experiences.
- Upheld restaurant standards for quality, cleanliness, and cost control.
- Provided excellent customer service by engaging with patrons and ensuring satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness of bar area, including glassware and equipment, throughout shifts.
Food and Beverage Supervisor
EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL
Naples, FL
07.2007 - 07.2010
- Monitored liquor inventory to meet cost goals and minimize waste.
- Managed the scheduling and counseling of a team of 20 staff members.
- Coordinated the planning and execution of private banquet events.
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Updated computer systems with new pricing and daily food specials to enhance customer experience.
- Provided guidance and corrective feedback to staff to improve performance.
Education
High School - Greenville, NC
J.H. Rose High School
Greenville, NC06-1996
Skills
- Proficiency with Excel, Word, Canva and Adobe
- Experience with inventory control programs R365 and MarginEdge
- Experience with programming and maintaining POS systems including Toast and Micros
- Team Development
- Team Training
- Inventory management
- Cost Control
- Team Education
- Quality Control
- Scheduling
- Recipe Development
Timeline
Director of Beverage
Artistry Restaurants
02.2021 - Current
Director of Beverage
Oak & Stone
10.2019 - 02.2021
Director of Sales and Distribution
Naples Beach Brewery
10.2018 - 09.2019
General Manager
Olde Naples Pub
10.2017 - 09.2018
Manager
The Continental Naples
10.2014 - 10.2017
Manager
AZN RESTAURANT
03.2011 - 10.2014
Bartender
AGAVE BAR AND GRILL
09.2010 - 03.2011
Food and Beverage Supervisor
EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL
07.2007 - 07.2010
High School - Greenville, NC
J.H. Rose High School