Kellie Justus
Columbia
Summary
Restaurant management professional with extensive experience leading front of house teams in high-volume, fast-paced environments. Proven ability to manage daily operations, oversee staff, resolve guest issues, and maintain service standards. Strong operational background with hands-on leadership and a track record of reliability and consistency.
Professional with winning attitude and desire to deliver exceptional dining experience. Focused on setting high expectations and raising service standards. Keen to expand customer base through careful oversight and novel promotional methods.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Front of House Manager
Coach's Bar & Grill
Kansas City
02.2025 - Current
- Lead front-of-house staff during high-volume service, ensuring smooth shift execution and guest satisfaction
- Assist with staff scheduling, onboarding, and ongoing training
- Act as Manager-on-Duty, overseeing floor operations and resolving guest concerns
- Handle opening and closing duties, including cash handling, deposits, sales reports
- Inventory management and ordering
- Creating and maintaining bar menus and inventory
- Created a recipe book and build sheet for Kitchen staff to increase consistency and profits
- Meet with vendors and sales representatives
- Supported event planning, including setup and coordination of private functions.
Bar Manager
1839 Taphouse & Jazz Kitchen
Columbia
05.2022 - 02.2025
- Managed daily bar operations in a high-volume restaurant environment
- Supervised and supported bartenders to ensure consistent service standards
- Oversaw bar prep, organization, and readiness for service
- Assisted with inventory control, ordering support, and minimizing waste
- Maintained compliance with alcohol service and safety standards
- Delivered high-level guest service while managing shift flow during peak hours
- Trained and supervised staff on beverage preparation and customer service standards.
- Developed seasonal drink menus incorporating local ingredients and trends.
- Maintained inventory systems for efficient stock management and ordering.
- Ordered and maintained an adequate supply of alcoholic beverages, glassware, garnishes, ice, napkins, straws and other items needed for drinks.
Bartender
Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill
Cape Girardeau
01.2017 - 01.2022
- High-volume bartending in a busy sports bar environment
- Cash handling, POS operation, and guest relationship management
- Supported shift flow and service standards during peak hours
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar area at all times.
- Handled cash transactions accurately while ensuring compliance with payment procedures.
- Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment, and sanitation standards.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Bachelor Degree - Animal Science
Southeast Missouri State University
Skills
- Front of House Leadership & Shift Management
- Staff Scheduling
- Training and Coaching
- Guest Relations and Service Recovery
- Opening and Closing Procedures
- Cash Handling and Deposits
- POS Systems (Toast, Micros and Aloha)and Labor Flow Management
- Inventory Awareness and Ordering
- High-Volume Operations
- Back of house Operations
- Event coordination
- Team building
- Conflict resolution
- Reservation management
Core Management Skills
- FOH Leadership & Shift Management
- Staff Scheduling, Training & Coaching
- Guest Relations & Service Recovery
- Opening & Closing Procedures
- Cash Handling & Deposits
- POS Systems & Labor Flow Management
- Inventory Awareness & Ordering Support
- High-Volume Operations
Timeline
Assistant Front of House Manager
Coach's Bar & Grill
02.2025 - Current
Bar Manager
1839 Taphouse & Jazz Kitchen
05.2022 - 02.2025
Bartender
Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill
01.2017 - 01.2022
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Bachelor Degree - Animal Science
Southeast Missouri State University