Stella Cowan
Spring,TX
Summary
Dynamic Beverage Director with a track record of enhancing productivity and efficiency in beverage operations. Expertise in crafting unique beverage programs, implementing effective cost control strategies, and negotiating advantageous supplier agreements. Strong leadership and communication skills foster team collaboration, resulting in exceptional dining experiences. Dedicated to elevating brand presence through innovative beverage offerings and a commitment to outstanding hospitality.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Beverage Director
Best Regards Social Club
Houston, TX
02.2024 - Current
- Oversaw all aspects of the venue's beverage program, ensuring it aligned with the target audience, brand, and profitability goals.
- Provided leadership, insight, and mentoring to ensure staff excellence in various company programs.
- Designed specialized drink menus with classic and innovative drinks, prices, and nonalcoholic beverages.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local suppliers to provide exclusive offerings to guests.
- Invented unique monthly drink specials based on alcohol inventory and the season.
- Researched emerging industry trends in order to keep up with the latest developments related to beverage programs.
- Oversaw product preparation, production, and presentation to guarantee excellent standards.
- Managed budgets related to beverage purchases, labor costs and supplies in accordance with set targets.
- Effectively sourced menu ingredients to maintain profitability.
- Maintained a strong focus on collaboration to provide superior customer experience.
Bar Manager
Best Regards Social Club
Houston, TX
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Oversaw all bar operations at an upscale cocktail lounge in a high-volume environment.
- Designed vigorous bar programs, policies, and extensive training guidelines from scratch for a venue grossing upwards of $100K weekly.
- Implemented strategies designed to increase revenue through upselling techniques.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor.
- Analyzed financial data such as costs associated with labor efficiency, waste reduction and cost control initiatives.
- Ordered and maintained an adequate supply of alcoholic beverages, glassware, garnishes, ice, napkins, straws and other items needed for drinks.
- Maintained detailed inventory and organization of spirits, bar supplies, and work areas.
- Developed drink recipes and menus to meet customer preferences while optimizing profitability.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
Bar Lead
Sugar Room
Houston, TX
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Managed high-volume work environment, with up to two thousand in personal sales a night, while maintaining top tier customer service.
- Upsold and provided expert knowledge of daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
- Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
- Followed strict recipes and drink measurements to minimize product used.
Bar Lead
Holman Draft Hall
Houston, TX
06.2021 - 03.2023
- Supervised the opening and closing operations of the bar.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, and sanitation protocol.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Managed special events of up to three hundred guests, providing coordinated service for wedding events, business meetings, and social gatherings.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per-sale revenues and maximizing profits by providing expert craft beer, wine, and liquor knowledge.
Assistant Innkeeper
Historic Hill House & Inn
Willis, TX
02.2021 - 08.2021
- Greeted guests and provided assistance with check-in and check-out procedures.
- Managed room allocations and bookings, optimizing occupancy and revenue.
- Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to reservations or requests.
- Prepared and managed event hall of up to three hundred guests for weddings and events.
- Supervised staff of up to five temporary servers and bartenders for events.
- Oversaw breakfast, lunch, and dinner service in a dining room of up to fifty guests to ensure optimal guest service.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality Administration And Management
Lone Star College
Houston, TXSkills
- Food and Beverage Management
- Hospitality and Accommodation
- Event Coordination
- Marketing and Sales
- Menu Development
- Financial Analysis
- Team Leadership
- Microsoft
- Excel
Certification
- TABC
- Texas Food Handler's
- Cicerone
Timeline
Beverage Director
Best Regards Social Club
02.2024 - Current
Bar Manager
Best Regards Social Club
08.2023 - 02.2024
Bar Lead
Sugar Room
03.2023 - 08.2023
Bar Lead
Holman Draft Hall
06.2021 - 03.2023
Assistant Innkeeper
Historic Hill House & Inn
02.2021 - 08.2021
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality Administration And Management
Lone Star College