Yvonne Sepos
Sommelier
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-driven professional with deep technical acumen in Food and Beverage and a history in leadership and sales strategy development. Drives company vision through excellent service and maintaining excellent customer relations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Champagne Sales
Pops For Champagne
Chicago, IL
05.2021 - Current
- Engage with customers to build rapport and loyalty, while teaching about our offerings.
- Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
- Work large corporate and private parties and organize special events.
Sommelier
Air's Champagne Parlor
New York, New York
03.2019 - 01.2021
- Managed cellar and beverage storage maintenance to prevent inventory spoilage.
- Trained service staff on wines, spirits and cocktails to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.
- Traveled to vineyards to discover obscure vintages and varieties and better understand diverse winemaking process.
- Directed teams to keep workstations clean and neat for professional customer appeal.
Server Captain
The Aviary @ Mandarin Hotel NYC
New York , New York
08.2017 - 10.2018
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Taught staff how to deliver outstanding service to every customer without sacrificing profit objectives.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine, cider and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
- Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
Server
Cindy's @ Chicago Athletic Club
Chicago, IL
05.2015 - 08.2017
- Upsold high-profit items such as wine bottles and craft cocktails to enhance sales numbers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine, cider and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
Manager
Venokado Wine Bar
Santa Monica, California
09.2013 - 01.2015
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
Manager
Vosges Haut Chocolate
Beverly Hills, California
08.2011 - 08.2014
- Controlled costs and optimized spending via restructuring of budgets for labor and inventory purchasing.
- Kept detailed records of daily progress to identify and correct areas needing improvement.
- Hired, trained and maintained scheduling of staff.
- Extensive recipe testing and formulating for daily inventory and nationwide company products.
Pastry Chef
Bouchon
Beverly Hills, California
11.2010 - 08.2011
- Produced allergy-friendly gluten-, dairy- and egg-free variations of classic recipes.
- Personalized creations for holidays, weddings, graduations and personal events.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Mixed, proofed, shaped and baked dough for baguettes, and other classic patisserie breads.
- Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
- Established and maintained positive vendor relationships.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary
Kendall College
Chicago 09.2006 - 05.2008
Associate of Applied Science - Business Management
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL 09.2005 - 08.2006
Skills
Exceptional customer service
Adapt to diverse groups
Wine, Champagne and Culinary knowledge
Problem-solving skills
Client Service
Social perceptiveness
Professional demeanor
Relationship building
Excellent people skills
Upselling
Timeline
Champagne Sales
Pops For Champagne
05.2021 - Current
Sommelier
Air's Champagne Parlor
03.2019 - 01.2021
Server Captain
The Aviary @ Mandarin Hotel NYC
08.2017 - 10.2018
Server
Cindy's @ Chicago Athletic Club
05.2015 - 08.2017
Manager
Venokado Wine Bar
09.2013 - 01.2015
Manager
Vosges Haut Chocolate
08.2011 - 08.2014
Pastry Chef
Bouchon
11.2010 - 08.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary
Kendall College
09.2006 - 05.2008
Associate of Applied Science - Business Management
University of Illinois At Chicago
09.2005 - 08.2006