Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
ARCHIEVEMENTS
INTERESTS
REFERENCE
AVAILABILITY
Timeline
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Billy  Matiku Kigocha

Billy Matiku Kigocha

VISIONARY BAR MANAGER | EXPERT IN MIXOLOGY
Nairobi

Summary

Professional hospitality leader with extensive experience managing high-energy bar environments across premium venues. Proven ability to elevate guest satisfaction, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth—achieving a 40% increase in beverage sales and reducing service lag by 25% through strategic menu engineering and team training. Adept at fostering collaborative teams and delivering consistent results, with a 10% improvement in onboarding efficiency and a 35% reduction in bar waste through optimized prep systems. Expertise spans inventory management, supplier negotiation, advanced mixology, and crafting inviting atmospheres that blend storytelling with profitability. Reliable, goal-oriented, and agile—ensuring smooth operations and scalable excellence in every shift.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Bar Manager / Cocktail Program Director

The Location Rooftop
08.2024 - Current

https://thelocationke.com/

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities.

  • Achieved record-breaking monthly revenue during themed cocktail weeks, with cocktail club menus driving 40% of total beverage sales.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction by implementing innovative bar management strategies.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Introduced new cocktails to the menu based on market research that became popular choices amongst customers.

Bar Manager/ Beverages Specialist

Alloy Lounge Bar & Restaurant
09.2023 - 08.2024

Www.alloy-lounge.com

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities.

  • Implemented cost control measures to maximize profit margins without compromising on quality or service levels.
  • Launched 4 seasonal cocktail menus featuring over 30 original recipes using advanced techniques like fat-washing, sous-vide infusions, and fermentation..
  • Enhanced team productivity through effective scheduling and task delegation.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
  • Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
  • Recruited, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards, and productivity strategies, providing 10% improvement over prior onboarding process.

Head Bartender/Mixology Lead

Cuban Code Bar & Lounge
05.2022 - 07.2023

Www.cubancode.co.ke

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities.

  • Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
  • Built and implemented inventory and yield tracking systems across all beverage categories, improving stock accuracy and reducing waste by 35%.
  • Applied knowledge to create innovative cocktails, enhance flavor profiles and expertly pair food and drinks.
  • Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Managed inventory efficiently, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for peak periods.
  • Collaborated with management to create seasonal cocktail menus, driving sales and offering fresh options for guests.

Senior Bartender

Acacia Premier Hotel
04.2019 - 04.2022

Www.acaciapremier.com

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities.

  • Optimized bar layout and storeroom design, improving prep efficiency and reducing service lag by 25%.
  • Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
  • Demonstrated expertise in various mixology techniques, enhancing presentation and overall product quality.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
  • Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.

Bartender

The Vic Hotel
06.2016 - 01.2019

Www.thevichotelkisumu.com

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities.

  • Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
  • Consistently met or exceeded sales targets by upselling premium products without compromising guest satisfaction.
  • Featured in local hospitality publications for innovation in sustainable bar practices and storytelling through drinks.
  • Optimized bar layout and storeroom design, improving prep efficiency and reducing service lag by 25%.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.

Education

Diploma - Food And Beverage Management (Bar Management)

KENYA UTALII COLLEGE
Nairobi
11-2013

Certificate - Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education

KISUMU BOYS HIGH SECONDARY SCHOOL
Kisumu, Kenya
11-2009

Skills

Bar management

ARCHIEVEMENTS

  • Revenue Growth:
    Achieved a 40% increase in beverage sales at The Location Rooftop through themed cocktail weeks and strategic menu engineering.
    Consistently met or exceeded sales targets at The Vic Hotel by upselling premium products without compromising guest satisfaction.
  • Mixology Innovation:
    Launched 4 seasonal cocktail menus with over 30 original recipes using advanced molecular techniques like fat-washing, sous-vide infusions, and clarification.
    Featured in local hospitality publications for innovation in sustainable bar practices and storytelling through drinks.
  • Operational Efficiency:
    Reduced bar waste by 35% through optimized prep systems and inventory tracking at the Location Rooftop.
    Improved service lag by 25% by redesigning bar layouts and implementing efficient drink prep procedures.
  • Team Leadership & Training:
    Delivered a 10% improvement in onboarding efficiency by revamping staff training processes at Cuban Code.
    Mentored bartenders across multiple venues, elevating service standards and team productivity.
  • Inventory & Supplier Management:
    Built and implemented inventory systems that improved stock accuracy and reduced shortages.
    Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, enhancing cost control and profitability at The Location Rooftop.
  • Competition Accolades

    Gold Medalist – East Africa Mixology Championship

    Winner – Hennessy My Way (Cocktail: Ajabu)

    Top 5 – World Class Kenya Finals (2025)

   Top 2 – Procera Gin Competition (2024)

INTERESTS

  • Mixology & Craft Cocktails
    Passionate about experimenting with flavors, techniques, and presentation to create memorable drink experiences.
  • Sustainable Bar Practices
    Interested in eco-friendly solutions such as zero-waste cocktails, local sourcing, and reusable barware.
  • Hospitality Innovation
    Enthusiastic about exploring new service models, guest engagement strategies, and tech-driven hospitality tools.
  • Cultural Exploration
    Enjoys learning about global cuisines, spirits, and traditions—ideal for cruise ship environments with diverse guests.
  • Team Mentorship & Training
    Committed to sharing knowledge and uplifting junior staff through structured training and hands-on guidance.
  • Event Planning & Themed Nights
    Loves curating themed bar events that blend entertainment, storytelling, and beverage artistry.
  • Travel & Adventure
    Drawn to dynamic environments and new destinations—perfect fit for life at sea.
  • Photography & Visual Storytelling
    Uses photography to capture the art of cocktails and the energy of hospitality spaces

REFERENCE

Available Upon Request

AVAILABILITY

Willing to relocate and work flexible schedules immediately

Timeline

Bar Manager / Cocktail Program Director

The Location Rooftop
08.2024 - Current

Bar Manager/ Beverages Specialist

Alloy Lounge Bar & Restaurant
09.2023 - 08.2024

Head Bartender/Mixology Lead

Cuban Code Bar & Lounge
05.2022 - 07.2023

Senior Bartender

Acacia Premier Hotel
04.2019 - 04.2022

Bartender

The Vic Hotel
06.2016 - 01.2019

Diploma - Food And Beverage Management (Bar Management)

KENYA UTALII COLLEGE

Certificate - Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education

KISUMU BOYS HIGH SECONDARY SCHOOL
Billy Matiku KigochaVISIONARY BAR MANAGER | EXPERT IN MIXOLOGY