Bar and restaurant professional and live experience entrepreneur with exceptional background of over fifteen years in the bar and restaurant industry and over a decade working in live event production, management, and entertainment. Engaging, community-oriented partner and empathetic leader with success working in fast paced ever changing environments. Talented in training, team leadership, and creative event cultivation, management, and execution.
Hi, I’m
Tyler J Crago
Live Event Entrepreneur
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Overview
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Ash & Elm Cider Co.Indianapolis, IN
Events Team Bartender
05.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Prepared for events by picking up, transporting, and dropping off product and supplies, setting up bar, stocking supplies and arranging tables.
- Ran transactions through mobile Square terminal.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Checked ID cards and verified bar guests were of legal age.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of stock needs.
- Responded to guest questions and requests with friendly and knowledgeable service.
Tyler Dane EntertainmentIndianapolis, IN
Owner
07.2017 - Current
Job overview
- Founded and manage special event entertainment business, helping bar and restaurant clients to grow up to 3x revenue during slower business hours
- Produce, manage, and execute special recurring and one off events on behalf of clients.
- Build relationships with partners and audiences in effort to build up and give back to community being served.
- Prepare and create multiple AV elements needed for game-based events.
- Create live entertainment experiences including unique, custom, pub-style, team-based versions of popular board, card, and TV games as well as classic pub games.
Brew Link Brewpub DowntownIndianapolis, IN
Bartender, Assistant Manager
03.2021 - 07.2021
Job overview
- Built large bar regular customer base from nothing as part of opening team.
- Bartend and served up to 20 bar rail guests while simultaneously fulfilling bar needs of 2 - 4 servers on floor and take out customers five nights weekly utilizing Toast POS systems.
- Stayed up to date on bar offerings which included wine, domestic beer bottles, 16 rotating craft beer taps, wide array of bourbons, and large signature cocktail menu.
- Mixed and served mixture of classic cocktail, shot, and signature cocktail recipes from memory.
- Managed and oversaw FOH team members including servers, bartenders, and hosts multiple times week.
- Oversaw proper cash handling procedures, flow of service, resolution of guest issues, resolution and reporting of any employee issues, expo window responsibilities, employee side work, and closing management procedures (cash deposit drops, final walk through, and locking procedures).
Mayfair TaproomIndianapolis, IN
Server, Bartender
04.2019 - 06.2020
Job overview
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with guests and large regular base.
- Stayed up to date and knowledgeable on menu items, including; 15+ rotating beer and ciders (bottle/can), 16 rotating draft lines, selection of wines, cocktails, food menu, and daily specials.
- Standard steps of service and guest interaction.
- Opening and closing side work - including end of night lock up, stocking, bar prep, receiving incoming beer and liquor orders.
- Worked variety of shifts - opening, brunch, lunch, dinner, and closing.
- Responsible for ringing orders in using Square POS.
- Proper cash handling procedures including running reports and end of night cash drawer.
- Relied on by ownership to assist in special event planning, production, and execution.
- Relied on as trusted source of suggestions for marketing, community outreach, and special event strategies.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business
Helium Comedy ClubIndianapolis, IN
Server, Bartender, Trainer
02.2019 - 12.2019
Job overview
- Provided exceptional food and beverage service to 20 - 40 guests before and during live stand up comedy sets.
- Stayed up to date and knowledgeable on food and beverage offerings.
- Adhered to proper cash handling procedures.
- Executed turnover of 300+ capacity showroom between shows in quick and efficient manner.
- Rang in and managed orders on company supplied iPad via Touch Bistro.
- Leaned on by management to be leader for server and bartender team.
- Led training procedures of FOH team including creating side work, opening, and closing standards.
Macniven's Scottish American Restaurant & BarIndianapolis, IN
Server
05.2018 - 02.2019
Job overview
- Provided exceptional food and beverage service to section with 20 - 30 guests.
- Stayed up to date on bar offerings which included wine, domestic & import beer, 30 rotating draft beer taps, daily and seasonal features.
- Adhered to proper cash handling procedures.
- Ran end of shift sales reports for myself and other servers during closing shifts in absence of management.
- Selected to be part of select group of servers tasked to train new FOH team members.
Sidekicks PizzaIndianapolis, IN
Bartender, Key Holder, Social Media Manager
07.2017 - 12.2017
Job overview
- Increased sales by promoting new offerings and maintaining current knowledge of merchandise, sales and key product features.
- Monitored associates throughout each assigned shift and professionally managed any challenges to maintain optimal store performance.
- Created financial reports and documentation for review by store management staff.
- Streamlined opening and closing procedures as integral member of store staff.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and promote long-term loyalty for increased sales.
- Assisted with creation of daily bar specials, brunch menu, drink menu, and weekly events (Kids Eat Free night & activities).
- Assisted ownership team in creating more cohesive brand image and voice through new marketing and interior design
Challenge EntertainmentIndianapolis, IN
Event Jockey, Assistant Indiana Area Manager
09.2015 - 07.2017
Job overview
- Hosted, managed, and promoted slate of weekly events throughout state of Indiana
- Increased client base within Indiana market by15% through cold lead sales
- Managed social media accounts on behalf of Challenge Entertainment for Indiana Trivia market
- Managed team of 20-30 event jockeys across state including hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and day to day operations
- Managed Trivia Fall League Session Regional which included 150 teams, 750 players, 6 venues, 12 jockeys, $3,000+ cash & prizes
317 BurgerIndianapolis, IN
Server, Bartender, Shift Leader
05.2015 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Prepared classic, modern and handcrafted cocktails for customers.
- Worked with EZ Dine POS system to place orders, manage bills, handle complimentary items, manage cash drawer, and generate reports.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures and productivity strategies.
- Recruited and trained new bartenders and barbacks and organized reservation processes and activities for various special events.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation and sanitation protocol.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Skills
- Creative Problem Solving
- Customer & Community Oriented
- Team Training & Leadership
- High Volume & Party Service
- Open & Honest Communicator
- Live Event Management & Execution
- Empathetic & Understanding
Timeline
Events Team Bartender
Ash & Elm Cider Co.
05.2022 - Current
Bartender, Assistant Manager
Brew Link Brewpub Downtown
03.2021 - 07.2021
Server, Bartender
Mayfair Taproom
04.2019 - 06.2020
Server, Bartender, Trainer
Helium Comedy Club
02.2019 - 12.2019
Server
Macniven's Scottish American Restaurant & Bar
05.2018 - 02.2019
Owner
Tyler Dane Entertainment
07.2017 - Current
Bartender, Key Holder, Social Media Manager
Sidekicks Pizza
07.2017 - 12.2017
Event Jockey, Assistant Indiana Area Manager
Challenge Entertainment
09.2015 - 07.2017
Server, Bartender, Shift Leader
317 Burger
05.2015 - 05.2017
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
No Degree from General Studies
Anderson High School
High School Diploma
Similar Profiles
Taylor JenkinsonTaylor Jenkinson
Bar Manager at Ash And Elm Cider CompanyBar Manager at Ash And Elm Cider Company
Johnny SteffenJohnny Steffen
Volunteer at Packer Stadium, Hot Cider Hustle, ASH SectionalsVolunteer at Packer Stadium, Hot Cider Hustle, ASH Sectionals
Johnny SteffenJohnny Steffen
Volunteer at Packer Stadium, Hot Cider Hustle, ASH SectionalsVolunteer at Packer Stadium, Hot Cider Hustle, ASH Sectionals