William Herrera
San Diego,CA
Summary
Hospitality professional with 14+ years of progressive experience across fine dining, craft cocktail programs, and high-volume bar environments. Known for elevating guest experiences, developing innovative beverage menus, and leading teams through fast-paced service. Skilled in cocktail creation, wine service, bar operations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bartender / Server
Ironside Fish & Oyster
San Diego, CA
01.2024 - 02.2026
- Promoted from server to bartender, supporting a high-volume craft-cocktail program.
- Collaborated with teams to deliver efficient and high quality service
Lead Bartender / Bartender
The Seventh House
San Diego, CA
01.2023 - 10.2025
- Advanced to lead bartender, overseeing nightly bar operations and training.
- Designed cocktail menus, developed new recipes, and introduced modern techniques and flavor pairings.
- Contributed to the venue’s identity as a creative, technique-driven cocktail bar.
Bartender
LAVO
San Diego, CA
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Executed high-volume bar service
- Balanced efficiency with elevated guest engagement and brand-standard cocktail
Lead Bartender / Bartender / Server / Food Runner
Herringbone
La Jolla, CA
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Joined during COVID as a food runner; quickly promoted to server, barback, bartender, and lead bartender.
- Managed full bar operations, upheld high service standards across multiple roles
- Strengthened guest relationships and contributed to a collaborative, high-energy service culture.
Captain / Backserver / Server Assistant
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House
San Diego, CA
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Progressed through multiple fine-dining roles over eight years
- Captain: Delivered elevated table service, wine service, curated recommendations to guests.
- Back server : paced multi-course dining, and supported order-taking.
- Server Assistant: Maintained dining room readiness, supported server , and ensured seamless table turnover.
Education
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CASkills
- Craft Cocktail Creation & Menu Development
- Team Leadership & Training
- Inventory, Prep & Bar Organization
- Fine Dining Service Standards
Certification
- ServSafe Certified
- Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certified
Timeline
Bartender / Server
Ironside Fish & Oyster
01.2024 - 02.2026
Lead Bartender / Bartender
The Seventh House
01.2023 - 10.2025
Bartender
LAVO
01.2023 - 01.2024
Lead Bartender / Bartender / Server / Food Runner
Herringbone
01.2020 - 01.2023
Captain / Backserver / Server Assistant
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House
01.2011 - 01.2019
San Diego Mesa College