Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Theresa Gaitan

Calistoga,CA

Summary

  • Talented Mixologist knowledgeable about common cocktails and numerous specialty options. Consistently makes useful recommendations for wine, liquor and beer selections. Over 25 years of related experience in upscale, urban clubs and restaurants. Develop and test signature drinks for innovative approaches to attracting new customers and increasing revenue. Expert Bartender with history of working across hospitality sector, from upscale restaurants and boutique hotels to local watering holes and large music venues.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Head Mixologist

The Culinary Institute Of America
St. Helena, CA
06.2008 - Current
  • Prepared classic, modern and unique cocktails for each customer.
  • Stored supplies according to bar policies and health code requirements.
  • Received cash, made change and issued receipts.
  • Input orders into system at point of sale and created guest checks.
  • Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
  • Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines and mixers.
  • Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
  • Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
  • Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.

Special Events Coordinator

The Culinary Institute Of America
St. Helena, CA
06.2008 - Current
  • Staffed events by maintaining roster of available personnel and reliable service providers.
  • Resolved issues with service providers and inventory vendors to produce smooth events.
  • Facilitated communication between internal events personnel and external vendors to quickly resolve any conflicts or concerns.
  • Developed site-specific operations plans governing aspects such as traffic and waste management for events.
  • Supervised staff during events and maintained efficient performance.
  • Greeted patrons and participants at events to guide guests to locations and answer questions.
  • Coordinated efficient set-up and clean-up for each event for quick facilities turnarounds.
  • Organized and implemented Special events with as many as 1500 guests.
  • Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
  • Inspected event facilities to confirm conformance to customer requirements.
  • Developed post-event reports to determine effectiveness of each event.
  • Designed and implemented efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships.
  • Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
  • Organized, coordinated and deployed Special events while focusing on delivering superior customer service.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Hired, trained and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.

Event Specialist

Inglenook Winery
Rutherford, CA
02.2015 - 09.2022
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Worked soley for owner for private events
  • prepared all Wines for service
  • serving
  • set up event space and decor

Lead Bartender

Indian Springs Resort And Spa
Calistoga, CA
06.2014 - 03.2020
  • Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
  • Conducted regular inventory count to keep bar and drink supplies stocked, avoiding expensive rush orders.
  • Assisted servers with specialty drinks orders by preparing on-demand items without delay.
  • Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine and bar supplies.
  • Followed strict recipes and drink measurements to minimize product used.

Bar Manager

Susie's Bar
Calistoga, CA
10.2005 - 11.2013
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks and customer-focused events.
  • Took customer orders and capitalized on opportunities to sell special beverage and food options.
  • Capitalized on opportunities to advance operations and mixology knowledge, enhancing customer service with refined and current expertise.
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
  • Polished glassware, bussed tables and removed debris to keep customer areas clean.
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations and resolving issues.
  • Handled $15,000 cash on daily basis, which built trustworthiness and loyalty with owners.
  • Increased profits with enhanced inventory oversight and strategic pricing adjustments.
  • Guaranteed optimal beverage stock by assessing inventory and collaborating with owners for corrective action planning to limit expenses.
  • Reduced labor costs by improving employee schedules and workflows to capitalize on individual strengths and better meet forecasted customer demands.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
  • Determined business needs by acquiring client feedback for process improvements.
  • Checked ID cards and verified bar guests were of legal age.
  • Assisted servers with specialty drinks orders by preparing on-demand items without delay.
  • Followed strict recipes and drink measurements to minimize product used.
  • Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.

Education

Associate of Science - Viticulture

Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA

High School Diploma -

Concord Christian Acadamy
Concord, CA
06.1986

Skills

  • Guest Satisfaction
  • Hospitality and Guest Service
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Handling Difficult Customers
  • Bar Operations and Logistics
  • TIPS Certified

Certification

Court of Master sommeliers Americas

Timeline

Event Specialist

Inglenook Winery
02.2015 - 09.2022

Lead Bartender

Indian Springs Resort And Spa
06.2014 - 03.2020

Head Mixologist

The Culinary Institute Of America
06.2008 - Current

Special Events Coordinator

The Culinary Institute Of America
06.2008 - Current

Bar Manager

Susie's Bar
10.2005 - 11.2013

Associate of Science - Viticulture

Santa Rosa Junior College

High School Diploma -

Concord Christian Acadamy

Court of Master sommeliers Americas

Theresa Gaitan