William Pierson
Chicago,IL
Summary
Highly proactive business owner/manager/events planner/sommelier/bartender with 30+ years of experience in team leadership and general operations in the funeral and restaurant field. Driven to raise the bar for fine dining and all aspects of guest relations with expertise in floor planning, staff training and menu/wine list development. Extensive knowledge of fine wine and craft cocktail creation. Adept at both FOH and BOH operations and bilingual English/Spanish. Certified Level 1 Sommelier, City of Chicago and State of Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager, Certified Cicerone Beer Server, BASSET Certified, WSET Level 1 & 2 Credential Holder
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ala Carte Dining Manager
The Racquet Club Of Chicago
02.2024 - Current
- Enhanced member experience by implementing personalized service strategies and addressing individual needs.
- Organized and executed member-focused events, fostering a sense of community and belonging among participants.
- Provided ongoing support to members by promptly answering inquiries and offering tailored assistance when needed.
- Participated in regular team meetings focused on sharing best practices and identifying opportunities for further enhancements to the overall member experience journey.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Handled complaints with prompt, courteous service to uphold professional reputation.
- Sought ways to improve processes and services provided.
Assistant General Manager
Victory Italian Restaurant Oak Park
03.2021 - 01.2024
- 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.
- Assisted servers with specialty drinks orders by preparing on-demand items without delay.
- Motivated and disciplined employees and implemented new mentoring program, which increased worker morale.
- Improved customer service rankings by resolving issues quickly and accurately.
- Decreased waste, following strict recipes and drink measurement protocol.
- Shrunk inventory costs 6% through proactive evaluation and adjustment of vendor relationships.
- Developed 7 new cocktails for menu.
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Resolved problems promptly to elevate customer approval.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Oversaw inventory by ordering precise quantities of stock and executing corrective actions to drive profitability.
- Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Lead Bartender
Union League Club of Chicago
05.2015 - 08.2020
- Maintained updated knowledge of all menu items, specials, liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections.
- Continually provided exceptional service to customers by being friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating.
- Maintained a consistent, regular attendance record.
- Expertly prepared both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages using correct techniques, liquid measurements and garnishes.
- Set up bar for operation, obtained cash bank and stocked the service bar.
- Effectively and calmly resolved situations with intoxicated guests.
- Immediately informed supervisors of any problems or unusual situations and took appropriate action.
- Displayed friendly, outgoing and energetic behavior to create a warm, fun atmosphere for guests.
- Completed regular bar inventories and daily requisition sheets as requested.
- Actively promoted a cooperative and harmonious working climate to boost morale, productivity and efficiency.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Bartender Shift Manager
Falcon Inn
04.2015 - 07.2019
- Waited on multiple customers at the bar and throughout the bar area.
- Carefully followed safety and sanitation policies handling food and beverages.
- Upheld strict cash handling procedures.
- Managed bar revenues, ensuring that all patrons were billed and all cash properly accounted for.
- Verified that guests at the bar were of legal age.
- Refused service to intoxicated guests.
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report.
- Served each guest courteously, quickly and efficiently.
- Key holder responsible for opening and closing operations.
Bartender
Bullpen/Shiftgig
04.2015 - 05.2017
- Greeted guests in a timely and professional manner.
- Waited on multiple customers at the bar and throughout the bar area.
- Carefully followed safety and sanitation policies handling food and beverages.
- Poured drinks using standard pour according to specifications.
- Set up glassware and liquor prior to events.
- Ensured liquor was secured at the end of shifts.
- Verified that guests at the bar were of legal age.
- Refused service to intoxicated guests.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage service.
- Notified a manager if a guest was intoxicated or rude to other guests.
- Retrieved liquor, wine and beer from various storage facilities.
- Served each guest courteously, quickly and efficiently.
- Maintained a consistent, regular attendance record.
Bartender
Macy's Walnut Room/111 Events
11.2014 - 04.2016
- Set up bar for operation and stocked the service bar.
- Expertly prepared both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages using correct techniques, liquid measurements and garnishes.
- Maintained a consistent, regular attendance record.
- Set up storeroom and work areas to allow easy access to stock items.
- Immediately informed supervisors of any problems or unusual situations and took appropriate action.
- Displayed friendly, outgoing and energetic behavior to create a warm, fun atmosphere for guests.
- Followed bar recipes to deliver consistent drink quality, control costs and maximize guest satisfaction.
- Actively promoted a cooperative and harmonious working climate to boost morale, productivity and efficiency.
- Cut, sliced and peeled perishable garnishes and fruits for beverages.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized the bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Carefully organized liquors, fruits, glassware, linen, silverware, paper supplies and sundries in designated areas.
- Wiped down counter areas, sinks and floors to maintain a clean and safe work station.
- Consistently exhibited a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep store operating smoothly and set a positive example for the shift team.
- Thoroughly cleaned and sanitized work area including mopping and sweeping, washing display cases, wiping down prep areas and equipment, washing utensils and dismantling and cleaning machinery.
Owner/General Manager/Beverage Director
Fiorenza Ristorante
12.2008 - 06.2013
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff.
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
- Organized special events in the restaurant, including receptions, promotions and corporate luncheons.
- Recognized and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance to boost company morale and productivity.
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in the community.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
- Prepared for and executed new menu implementations.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Conducted timely performance evaluations for all front of house staff.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, including completion of the proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Promoted the business through participation in and sponsorship of community events.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to the satisfaction of involved parties.
- Purchased adequate quantities of necessary restaurant items, including food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
- Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within the restaurant.
- Skillfully interacted with external vendors to obtain the best quality in pricing and product.
- Carefully followed safety and sanitation policies handling food and beverages.
- Waited on multiple customers at the bar and throughout the bar area.
- Enthusiastically and appealingly described food and drink specials to guests.
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report.
- Received recognition from city of Forest Park, IL for contributions to the community.
Education
Mortuary Science - Funeral Service
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Chicago, ILSkills
- Service-oriented
- Natural leader
- Staff scheduling
- Strong work ethic
- Point of Sale (POS) system operation
- Passion for customer satisfaction
- Business operations expertise
- Marketing and advertising
- Proven cost-control expert
- Organized
- QuickBooks knowledge
- Strong communication skills
Certification
Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager ID 01448453 Exp 10/16/28
City of Chicago Certified Foodservice Manager MX1-1235 Exp 10/16/28
Illinois Lic Funeral Director/Embalmer 034-011788 Exp 5/31/27
Illinois BASSET Certified Alcohol Seller/Server Exp 5/27/27
First Aid/CPR/AED Certified Exp. 9/20/26
WSET Level 1 and 2 Wine and Spirits Professional Certification
Fine Vintage Sommelier Level I
Cicerone Certified Beer Server
Timeline
Ala Carte Dining Manager
The Racquet Club Of Chicago
02.2024 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Victory Italian Restaurant Oak Park
03.2021 - 01.2024
Lead Bartender
Union League Club of Chicago
05.2015 - 08.2020
Bartender Shift Manager
Falcon Inn
04.2015 - 07.2019
Bartender
Bullpen/Shiftgig
04.2015 - 05.2017
Bartender
Macy's Walnut Room/111 Events
11.2014 - 04.2016
Owner/General Manager/Beverage Director
Fiorenza Ristorante
12.2008 - 06.2013
Mortuary Science - Funeral Service
Worsham College of Mortuary Science