Vinson Bennett
Chicago,IL
Summary
Well-rounded Bartender committed to providing guests with genuine hospitality and delivering exceptional services in bar area. Talented and skilled multitasker comfortable juggling competing priorities. Polished in concocting specialty cocktails and adding inspiration to new menus.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Murphy's Bleachers
Chicago, IL
03.2025 - Current
- Provided excellent customer service while engaging with patrons.
- Managed inventory levels and restocked supplies as needed.
- Handled cash transactions and processed payments accurately.
- Developed relationships with regular customers to enhance their experience.
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
Bartender
Butch Mcguire's
Chicago, IL
08.2021 - 01.2026
- Crafted and served a variety of cocktails and beverages to customers.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar area during shifts.
- Provided excellent customer service while engaging with patrons.
- Assisted in training new bartenders on techniques and menu items.
- Managed inventory levels and restocked supplies as needed.
- Handled cash transactions and processed payments accurately.
- Developed relationships with regular customers to enhance their experience.
- Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings, and special promotions.
- Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
- Collected and organized daily till totals and tips.
- Cleansed glasses with sanitizing solution after each use.
- Planned and coordinated special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
- Made friendly conversation with customers to provide enjoyable bar experience.
Bartender
Buffalo Wings & Rings
Chicago, IL
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Crafted and served a variety of cocktails and beverages to customers.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar area during shifts.
- Provided excellent customer service while engaging with patrons.
- Handled cash transactions and processed payments accurately.
- Developed relationships with regular customers to enhance their experience.
- Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
Bartender
The Village Tavern
Cincinnati, OH
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Booked and hosted a successful monthly stand up comedy show, contacting acts and setting lineups, generating extra revenue for the establishment.
- Checked identification of customers to verify age requirements needed for purchase of alcohol.
- Confirmed customers' ages for alcohol service and discontinued service to intoxicated guests.
- Multitasked to meet customer, business operations and server needs with minimal errors or delays.
- Restocked beer and liquor on regular schedule and after special events to prepare for forecasted needs.
- Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands to help boost sales.
- Monitored patrons to keep alcohol consumption in designated areas.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Designed and implemented new cocktails to drive customer interest and sales numbers.
- Worked with management to plan and implement special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Engaged in small talk with patrons to build rapport and earn repeat business.
Bartender/Server
Stone Creek Dining Company
Cincinnati, OH
10.2016 - 11.2019
- Checked identification of customers to verify age requirements needed for purchase of alcohol.
- Confirmed customers' ages for alcohol service and discontinued service to intoxicated guests.
- Monitored patrons to keep alcohol consumption in designated areas.
- Recognized VIP customers immediately and provided special treatment, including preferred tables.
- Restocked beer and liquor on regular schedule and after special events to prepare for forecasted needs.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Kept close track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area seamlessly, smoothing process for wait staff.
- Engaged in small talk with patrons to build rapport and earn repeat business.
- Stocked bar with beer, wine, liquor and related supplies.
- Managed up to 300 customers per shift while simultaneously assisting 8 restaurant servers.
- Supported servers by preparing specialty drinks for patrons in all areas of establishment.
- Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands to help boost sales.
- Made product recommendations to customers based on preference, food pairings and special promotions.
- Collected food, wine and appetizer orders from patrons and promoted upsell items.
Bartender
The Belle and the Bear
Cincinnati, OH
07.2014 - 11.2017
- Checked identification of customers to verify age requirements needed for purchase of alcohol.
- Restocked beer and liquor on regular schedule and after special events to prepare for forecasted needs.
- Monitored patrons to keep alcohol consumption in designated areas.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Worked with management to plan and implement special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Engaged in small talk with patrons to build rapport and earn repeat business.
- Stocked bar with beer, wine, liquor and related supplies.
- Advertised, marketed and recommended drink options to guests to increase guest satisfaction.
- Promoted customer safety by maintaining current list of available ride services for inebriated customers.
Server
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
Cincinanti, OH
02.2014 - 11.2016
- Satisfied customers by keeping drinks topped off and anticipating needs such as condiments and extra napkins.
- Educated guests on daily specials and menu offerings such as appetizers, entrees and desserts.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Completed opening and closing checklists by emptying trash, safeguarding alcohol and polishing silverware.
- Partnered with team members to efficiently serve food and beverages.
- Assisted individuals in selecting meal options, including entrees and desserts and recommended alternative items for those with food allergies and gluten intolerances.
- Checked patrons' identification to monitor minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Greeted customers, assisted with questions and made recommendations concerning daily specials, wine selections and desserts to guide patrons toward more profitable items.
- Arranged each place setting attractively, using clean, chip-free plates and utensils.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers and specialty drinks.
- Cleaned dining area between guests with efficient sweeping, glass washing and spill removal.
- Served plated dinners, buffet-style dinners and passed hors d'oeuvres for parties.
- Minimized customer wait times by efficiently taking and filling large volume of orders each day.
- Prepared both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as specified by patrons, consistently delivering to tables or bar without spillage.
- Checked on guests to verify satisfaction with meals and suggested additional items to increase restaurant sales.
- Reviewed identification for patrons before serving alcoholic drinks.
- Attended to new customers quickly to inquire about drinks and start off dining experience with prompt beverage service.
- Processed customers' payments and provided receipts.
- Calculated charges, issued table checks and collected payments from customers.
- Completed thorough and accurate opening and closing duties to facilitate smooth restaurant operations.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Sent orders to kitchen staff by POS.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods.
- Welcomed guests with personable attitude and smile, offering to bring beverage orders while reviewing menu options.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
Lead Server Trainer
The Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern
Cincinnati, OH
11.2010 - 11.2013
- Educated waiters on the menu, memorization strategies and how to convey information in a positive and upbeat manner.
- Coordinated optimal guest relations from initial contact through final check-out to boost satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Checked on guests to verify satisfaction with meals and suggested additional items to increase restaurant sales.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank.
- Partnered with team members to efficiently serve food and beverages.
- Welcomed guests with personable attitude and smile, offering to bring beverage orders while reviewing menu options.
- Prepared and led foodservice training programs to teach staff various tasks such as stocking and restocking condiments, correctly inputting orders into system and performing credit and debit card transactions.
- Calculated charges, issued table checks and collected payments from customers.
- Sought out and implemented methods to improve service and team performance to boost business sustainability.
- Worked directly with servers for more than 8 shifts during the training process.
- Performed continuous reviews of wait staff and provided feedback directly to team members as well as managers.
Education
High School Diploma -
Madeira High School
Cincinnati, OH5 2001
Some College (No Degree) - Communications
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHSkills
- Proficient in mixology
- Suggestive selling
- Anticipating guest needs
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent judgment
- Service-oriented mindset
- Organizational ability
- Outgoing personality
- Marketing and sales experience
- Maintaining a clean bar
- Courteous
- Team building
- Leadership
Education and Training
other,other
Timeline
Bartender
Murphy's Bleachers
03.2025 - Current
Bartender
Butch Mcguire's
08.2021 - 01.2026
Bartender
Buffalo Wings & Rings
10.2020 - 08.2021
Bartender
The Village Tavern
07.2019 - 08.2020
Bartender/Server
Stone Creek Dining Company
10.2016 - 11.2019
Bartender
The Belle and the Bear
07.2014 - 11.2017
Server
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
02.2014 - 11.2016
Lead Server Trainer
The Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern
11.2010 - 11.2013
High School Diploma -
Madeira High School
Some College (No Degree) - Communications
University of Cincinnati