Christopher Hughes
St Louis
Summary
Dynamic beverage professional with extensive experience at Horseshoe Casino St. Louis, excelling in customer service and inventory management. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through personalized service and effective complaint resolution. Skilled in cost control and staff scheduling, fostering a collaborative team environment while maintaining health and safety compliance.
Diligent Bar Manager with solid background in beverage management and team leadership. Demonstrated success in enhancing beverage programs and driving customer satisfaction through innovative menu offerings. Proven ability to manage inventory and train staff effectively.
Experienced with inventory management, staff training, and customer service excellence. Utilizes keen eye for optimizing beverage operations and enhancing guest experiences. Track record of fostering team collaboration and achieving operational goals.
Customer service-focused hospitality representative with strong expertise and content knowledge of beer, fine wines and spirits. Built career of over 30 years of experience improving restaurant standards in providing quality beverages and service. Highly skilled in managing employees through entire hiring, training and scheduling areas.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Beverage Manager
Horseshoe Casino St. Louis
10.2017 - Current
- Ensured compliance with all local liquor laws and company policies regarding alcohol service and safety requirements.
- Developed a strong knowledge of industry trends, staying current on new products and best practices to ensure the bar remained competitive in the market.
- Conducted routine inventory audits to identify discrepancies or potential issues before they impacted operations negatively.
- Maintained a clean and organized bar area, adhering to health department standards and creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.
- Resolved guest complaints professionally and effectively, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Improved customer satisfaction by efficiently handling beverage orders and promptly addressing guest concerns.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through careful analysis of product usage patterns, reducing unnecessary expenses without compromising quality.
- Developed strong rapport with regular patrons by providing personalized service, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
- Managed inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels while minimizing waste through accurate tracking and ordering procedures.
- Purchased beverage stock and handled all inventory needs.
- Resolved customer complaints involving food or beverage quality and service.
- Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
- Complied with health and safety regulations.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
Bartender Shift Manager
Flamingo Bowl
03.2011 - 10.2015
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
- Promoted a positive work atmosphere through clear communication, teamwork encouragement, and recognition of employee achievements.
- Successfully resolved customer complaints, demonstrating strong conflict resolution skills and commitment to client satisfaction.
- Established rapport with regular patrons through attentive service, fostering loyalty to the establishment.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Supervised and trained staff on preparing and delivering drinks, handling food, and money and setting up bar at beginning of shift and breaking down at end of shift to facilitate operations.
- Improved customer satisfaction by delivering prompt and efficient service during busy shifts.
- Oversaw and monitored cash drawers and reconciled drawers against cash register reports at close of business.
- Trained new bartenders on mixing techniques, customer service standards, and company policies, ensuring a high-quality experience for all guests.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Assisted in managing special events such as private parties or corporate functions, coordinating staff efforts for seamless execution.
- Maintained relationships with restaurant vendors to facilitate effective inventory management and implement cost controls.
- Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks and overseeing workflow in a fast-paced environment.
- Developed innovative drink recipes that became popular among patrons, boosting sales and enhancing the establishment''s reputation.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Bartender/Mechanic/Security
Pin-up Bowl
08.2004 - 03.2011
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
- Enhanced establishment's reputation, consistently receiving positive feedback on customer satisfaction surveys.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Increased repeat customer numbers, creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, ensuring consistent service quality.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
- Inspected and tested equipment to locate worn and damaged parts.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
- Disassembled defective parts to make proper repairs.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
Bartender
Schlafly Bottleworks
05.2002 - 08.2004
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Fostered culture of teamwork, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operation during high-traffic periods.
- Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
Server/Expo/Bartender
The Tap Room/Schlafly Brewery
10.1999 - 06.2002
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that increased guest satisfaction.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Facilitated smooth workflow, coordinating with kitchen and floor staff to expedite orders.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
Education
No Degree - Communications
Webster University
St. Louis, MOSkills
- POS systems proficiency
- Health and safety compliance
- Bar equipment maintenance
- Beverage making
- Staff scheduling
- Menu development
- Ordering supplies
- Customer service experience
- Customer engagement
- Customer service background
- Health and safety
- Customer complaint resolution
- Inventory management
- Records management
- Sanitization protocols
- Cost control
- Teamwork
- Multitasking
- Team leadership
- Money handling
- Safe food handling
- Scheduling staff
Timeline
Assistant Beverage Manager
Horseshoe Casino St. Louis
10.2017 - Current
Bartender Shift Manager
Flamingo Bowl
03.2011 - 10.2015
Bartender/Mechanic/Security
Pin-up Bowl
08.2004 - 03.2011
Bartender
Schlafly Bottleworks
05.2002 - 08.2004
Server/Expo/Bartender
The Tap Room/Schlafly Brewery
10.1999 - 06.2002
No Degree - Communications
Webster University
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