Walter Kinuthia
Bartender/Mixologist
Nairobi,Nairobi
Summary
GENDER ; MALE NATIONALITY ; KENYAN PERSONAL STATEMENT Am a results-driven individual with 6+ years of successful experience as a restaurant different departments in chain concepts. I am committed to providing an incredible guest experience to all diners so they will continue to patronize the establishment. Food quality is of top importance to me, and I strive to ensure that all plates served look and taste amazing. I am talented in working with a team of employees from diverse backgrounds and using creative methods to keep everyone motivated and working towards a common goal. Excellent admin skills, thorough knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, as well as proficiency in minute-taking and extensive experience liaising with guests and also a digital strategist and social media marketer. Hardworking Bartender with experience in large-scale casual dining establishments. Committed to upholding highest standards of customer service and safe food handling practices. Well-versed mixologist with diverse menu of memorized drink recipes. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
BARTENDER/MIXOLOGIST
IBIS STYLES NAIROBI
06.2020 - Current
- Prepare and serve a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks
- Engage with customers, take orders, and provide recommendations based on their preferences
- Create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, ensuring a positive customer experience
- Manage the bar area, including stocking and organizing inventory
- Handle cash transactions, operate the cash register, and process payments
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in the bar area
- Adhere to responsible alcohol service practices and ensure customers' safety
- Demonstrate knowledge about different types of alcohol and their pairing with various cuisines
- Collaborate with other staff members to ensure smooth operations
- Develop creative and innovative cocktail recipes, pushing the boundaries of flavour combinations
- Experiment with different spirits, liqueurs, bitters, fruits, herbs, and other ingredients
- Curate and update cocktail menus to reflect the bar's identity and customer preferences
- Continuously learn about new ingredients, techniques, and mixology trends
- Balance flavours and create harmonious cocktail profiles
- Focus on the visual presentation of cocktails, utilizing garnishes, glassware, and unique serving methods
- Incorporate flair and showmanship techniques to entertain and engage customers
- Collaborate with bartenders and other staff members to maintain a cohesive bar experience
- Stay updated on industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
SERVICE AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS SUPERVISOR
HONEY AND DOUGH RESTAURANT, CAPTAIN, RESTAURANT
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Greet and escort customers to their tables
- Present menu and provide detailed information when asked (e.g
- About portions, ingredients or potential food allergies)
- Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware and glasses
- Inform customers about the day’s specials
- Offer menu recommendations upon request
- Up-sell additional products when appropriate
- Take accurate food and drinks orders, using a POS ordering software
- Communicate order details to the Kitchen Staff
- Serve food and drink orders
- Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation and report any problems
- Arrange table settings and maintain a tidy dining area
- Deliver checks and collect bill payments
- Carry dirty plates, glasses and silverware to kitchen for cleaning
- Follow all relevant health department regulations
- Provide excellent customer service to guests
- Managing workflow
- Training new hires
- Creating and managing team schedules
- Reporting to HR and senior management
- Evaluating performance and providing feedback
- Identifying and applying career advancement opportunities
- Helping to resolve employee issues and disputes.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR/SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST
SIPPERS AND DINERS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Responsible for varied duties involved in the overall operation of the restaurant including maintaining the company and brand standards
- Presenting a professional image at all times, coaching, counseling, and developing team members, maximizing sales and profitability, controlling expenses, meeting budgetary constraints, handling guest complaints, and ensuring sanitation, safety, and food quality
- Contributing to the overall success and profitability of the company and delivers on the company and brand promises
- Ensuring each guest receives excellent service by providing an environment which includes maintaining the brand standards, solid knowledge of the menu, and all other components of gracious hospitality
- Training, developing, and communicating with all team members as well as assist the general manager through consistent weekly meetings with all team members
- Monitoring inventory levels and report all concerns to the general manager
- Developing and assigning daily goals and tasks and assure completion through consistent follow-up
- Provide professional internal consulting that creates measurable performance solutions and long-term growth and development for all Ruby Tuesday employees
- Consult with management to conduct training and development needs analysis that identifies what knowledge and skills of staff and crew need to perform at or above our brand performance standards
- A leader of a team tasked with improving restaurants trip advisor ranking, doing so by over 250 spots in 3 months
- Responsible for elevating restaurants core business performance measurements through a relentless focus on the basics
- Worked with unhappy guests, making certain they leave pleased and return
- Full accountability for the execution and delivery of the new hire welcome and orientation programs for all new employees joining the company
- Conduct training sessions covering specified areas such as on-the-job training, diversity, harassment, ethics, guest service, sales techniques, health and safety practices, public relations, refresher training, leadership and managerial training and food and beverage specification.
STOCK CONTROLLER/SUPERVISOR/SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER
COLOSSEUM COFFEE BAR AND RESTAURANT
08.2019 - 03.2020
- And responsibilities
- Tracking shipments, overseeing inventory audits and maintaining reports of purchases and pricing
- I was familiar with supply chain procedures and have good communication skills to interact with vendors, clients and internal teams
- Managing workflow
- Training new hires
- Creating and managing team schedules
- Reporting to HR and senior management
- Evaluating performance and providing feedback
- Identifying and applying career advancement opportunities
- Helping to resolve employee issues and disputes.
WAITER
LORD ERROL GOURMET RESTAURANT
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Greet and escort customers to their tables
- Present menu and provide detailed information when asked (e.g
- About portions, ingredients or potential food allergies)
- Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware and glasses
- Inform customers about the day’s specials
- Offer menu recommendations upon request
- Up-sell additional products when appropriate
- Take accurate food and drinks orders, using a POS ordering software
- Communicate order details to the Kitchen Staff
- Serve food and drink orders
- Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation and report any problems
- Arrange table settings and maintain a tidy dining area
- Deliver checks and collect bill payments
- Carry dirty plates, glasses and silverware to kitchen for cleaning
- Follow all relevant health department regulations
- Provide excellent customer service to guests
WAITER
BIG SQUARE KENYA
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Provide the perfect service experience for every Guest
- Ensure the Guest feels important and welcome in the restaurant
- Ensure hot food is hot and cold food is cold
- Adhere to timing standards for products and services
- Look for ways to consolidate service and increase table turns
- Present menu, answer questions and make suggestions regarding food and beverage
- Serve the Guest in an accommodating manner
- Must know all food liquor, beer, wine and retail offered
- Apply positive suggestive sales approach to guide Guests
- Pre-bus tables; maintain table cleanliness, bus tables
- Looks for ways to avoid waste and limit costs
- Assist in keeping the restaurant clean and safe
- Provide responsible service of alcoholic beverages
- Deliver food and beverages to any table as needed
- Report to property on time and in proper uniform
WAITER
CRAVE KITCHEN KIKUYU
02.2015 - 09.2016
- Greet and escort customers to their tables
- Present menu and provide detailed information when asked (e.g
- About portions, ingredients or potential food allergies)
- Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware and glasses
- Inform customers about the day’s specials
- Offer menu recommendations upon request
- Up-sell additional products when appropriate
- Take accurate food and drinks orders, using a POS ordering software
- Communicate order details to the Kitchen Staff
- Serve food and drink orders
- Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation and report any problems
- Arrange table settings and maintain a tidy dining area
- Deliver checks and collect bill payments
- Carry dirty plates, glasses and silverware to kitchen for cleaning
- Follow all relevant health department regulations
- Provide excellent customer service to guests
Education
Diploma - professional bartending
Nairobi Bar School
09.2022 - 05.2022
Degree - Hospitality Management
UNICAF International University
05.2018 - 05.2021
Diploma - Business and Hospitality Management
Kenya Utalii College
01.2015 - 05.2017
Certificate in hospitality management - undefined
Premier professional institute Kikuyu
01.2014 - 05.2015
Advanced computer studies certificate - undefined
Faraja Institute of Business Studies
12.2013 - 05.2014
Certificate in computer applications and systems - undefined
Partners computer training college
12.2012 - 05.2013
K.C.S.E -
Munyeki Secondary School-Ol Kalou
04.2001 -
Skills
MS Word, Access and PowerPoint and SpreadsheetsWeb design and graphic design literateBasic first aid and fire fighting trainedKnowledge of sage, QuickBooks as well as the micros and SUN system used in the hospitality industryDeejaying and entertainment knowledge
Menu memorization
Liquor, beer and wine knowledge
Elegant food plating
Changing beer kegs
Preparing garnishes
Knowledge of craft and microbrews
Classic cocktails
Responsible alcohol service
Ordering bar supplies
Beverage preparation
Aloha POS
Creative mixology
Handling difficult customers
Fluency in [Language]
Group reservations management
Engaging personality
Food preparation and safety
Clear and effective communication
Hospitality service expertise
Timeline
Diploma - professional bartending
Nairobi Bar School
09.2022 - 05.2022
SERVICE AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS SUPERVISOR
HONEY AND DOUGH RESTAURANT, CAPTAIN, RESTAURANT
08.2021 - 04.2022
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR/SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST
SIPPERS AND DINERS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
09.2020 - 05.2021
BARTENDER/MIXOLOGIST
IBIS STYLES NAIROBI
06.2020 - Current
STOCK CONTROLLER/SUPERVISOR/SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER
COLOSSEUM COFFEE BAR AND RESTAURANT
08.2019 - 03.2020
Degree - Hospitality Management
UNICAF International University
05.2018 - 05.2021
WAITER
LORD ERROL GOURMET RESTAURANT
01.2018 - 10.2018
WAITER
BIG SQUARE KENYA
01.2017 - 12.2017
WAITER
CRAVE KITCHEN KIKUYU
02.2015 - 09.2016
Diploma - Business and Hospitality Management
Kenya Utalii College
01.2015 - 05.2017
Certificate in hospitality management - undefined
Premier professional institute Kikuyu
01.2014 - 05.2015
Advanced computer studies certificate - undefined
Faraja Institute of Business Studies
12.2013 - 05.2014
Certificate in computer applications and systems - undefined
Partners computer training college
12.2012 - 05.2013
K.C.S.E -
Munyeki Secondary School-Ol Kalou
04.2001 -