William Nykaza
Deerfield,IL
Summary
Experienced and results-driven director with a track record of successfully opening and managing cutting-edge cocktail bars and restaurants, while increasing profits and fostering staff engagement. Skilled in sales, brand management, and operational efficiency, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Beverage Director / Service Director
Ballyhoo Hospitality / Pomeroy Brasserie
03.2021 - Current
- Maintained strict quality and safety standards while leading and motivating team of bartenders and servers to provide exceptional customer service.
- Utilized WSET Level 2 sommelier certification with expertise in fine French wine, Created and managed high-volume, multi-million dollar beverage program that consistently exceeded revenue targets.
- Implemented innovative cost-saving strategies, resulting in record-breaking profitability.
- Drove year-over-year sales growth of 15% through targeted marketing and staff training initiatives.
- Developed ongoing training initiative to improve beverage knowledge of serving employees.
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing discounts and availability.
National Brand Manager & Sales Director
Diageo USA/Inspira Marketing/Copper Dog Whisky
02.2019 - 04.2020
- Spearheaded successful brand launch in USA, exceeding projected sales forecasts by 50% for regional markets over first 12 months of operations.
- Managed all business operations for multiple states including New York, Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.
- Created, standardized, and implemented marketing strategies while presenting all brand material to regional/national sales and distribution teams including media.
Beverage Director/Director of Restaurants
Marriott International
02.2014 - 02.2019
- Experienced in successful opening and management of multiple cocktail bar concepts, achieving record profits and high staff approval ratings.
- Oversaw restaurant operations, renovations, and openings at Renaissance Chicago Downtown, Magnificent Mile Marriott, and Renaissance North Shore Hotels seeing no less than15% increased revenue YoY with reduced cost and labor budgets.
- Proven ability to develop and implement effective sales and inventory management strategies to increase profitability and control costs.
- Skilled in leading team meetings and motivating staff to exceed customer expectations and maintain high service levels.
- Adept at streamlining processes and reducing waste to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Experienced in managing all aspects of bar operations, including compliance with safety regulations, staff training, and inventory management.
- Responded to customer complaints, addressing concerns, and distress with amicable interactions
Beverage Director / Restaurant Operations Director
Pioneer Restaurant Group
01.2010 - 02.2014
- Managed award-winning bar program in Chicago with impeccable sales and service, resulting in elevated customer experience, high staff morale, and exceptional profitability.
- Experienced profitability growth in 4 consecutive fiscal years for both beverage and food operations.
Restaurant & Bar Manager/Corporate BeverageTrainer
Diversified Restaurant Holdings (DRH)
02.2005 - 01.2010
- Promoted and managed staff, trained on corporate standards, oversaw inventory control, and maintained compliance with health codes and regulations to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction across multiple 10 million dollar plus annual restaurants.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Pre-Law
06.2008
- Additional Majors in History, Philosophy and English Studies.
- Honors Scholarship Recipient
- Dean's List 2006-2008
Skills
- Operations Management
- Hospitality, Restaurant & Event Management
- Profit & Loss Management
- Strategic Planning
- Team Management
- Budgeting
- Research & Analysis
- Sales & Marketing
Accomplishments
Award-winning hospitality & beverage professional with accolades including SABRE Beverage professional of the year, WSET Level 2 Sommelier, Marriott Americas Hotel of the Year, and Zagat's Top 30 under 30 short list nominees. Also recognized for employee approval scores and contributions to top bar and restaurant openings.
Timeline
Beverage Director / Service Director - Ballyhoo Hospitality / Pomeroy Brasserie
03.2021 - Current
National Brand Manager & Sales Director - Diageo USA/Inspira Marketing/Copper Dog Whisky
02.2019 - 04.2020
Beverage Director/Director of Restaurants - Marriott International
02.2014 - 02.2019
Beverage Director / Restaurant Operations Director - Pioneer Restaurant Group
01.2010 - 02.2014
Restaurant & Bar Manager/Corporate BeverageTrainer - Diversified Restaurant Holdings (DRH)
02.2005 - 01.2010
DePaul University - Bachelor of Arts, Pre-Law
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