Hi, I’m
Walter Kinuthia
Nairobi
Summary
Innovative Head Mixologist known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in cocktail recipe development, inventory management, and staff training. Excel in communication, leadership, and creativity, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and team cohesion. Am a Customer-oriented Mixologist with experience in both restaurant and sales settings, driven to provide guests with exceptional service and genuine hospitality. Trained mixologist with a wide range of cocktails, from classics, and original recipes to craft beer and Italian wine. Dedicated to ensuring beverage operations meet customer needs while growing revenues and maximizing profits. Seeking to leverage background into an integral role with a progressive organization.
Overview
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Kwetu Curio by HiltonNairobi
Head Mixologist
11.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Developed and implemented innovative recipes for signature cocktails.
- Created and maintained a comprehensive inventory of all alcoholic beverages and ingredients.
- Maintained the cleanliness of bar area, equipment, utensils and glassware.
- Provided exceptional customer service to guests in accordance with established standards.
- Trained, coached and mentored junior mixologists on beverage preparation techniques and customer service best practices.
- Monitored stock levels of alcohol, juices, syrups, garnishes and other ingredients used to prepare drinks.
- Oversaw daily operations of the bar including scheduling staff shifts according to business needs.
- Organized tasting sessions for customers to sample new cocktail creations before launching them on the menu.
- Ordered supplies needed for the bar such as liquor bottles, glasses, ice cubes while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Collaborated with management team to identify opportunities for increased revenue through creative promotions or special offers related to drinks selection.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner by providing appropriate solutions or alternatives in a professional manner.
- Worked closely with kitchen staff to ensure proper food-drink pairings were available on menus for customers' satisfaction.
- Conducted regular meetings with bartenders and servers to discuss performance issues or new initiatives related to beverage services.
- Analyzed sales data from POS system in order to determine popular drink items that should be featured more prominently on menus.
- Coordinated promotional activities such as happy hour specials or themed nights aimed at increasing foot traffic during slow periods.
IBIS STYLES NAIROBI
BARTENDER/MIXOLOGIST
04.2022 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Prepare and serve 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 welcoming and friendly atmosphere, ensuring positive customer experience
- Manage bar area, including stocking and organizing inventory
- Handle cash transactions, operate cash register, and process payments
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in 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
- Experiment with different spirits, liqueurs, bitters, fruits, herbs, and other ingredients
- Curate and update cocktail menus to reflect bar's identity and customer preferences
- Continuously learn about new ingredients, techniques, and mixology trends
- Balance flavor's and create harmonious cocktail profiles
- Focus on 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 cohesive bar experience
- Stay updated on industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory
- Conducted regular inventory count to keep bar and drink supplies stocked, avoiding expensive rush orders
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients
- Explained daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals
- Followed strict recipes and drink measurements to minimize product used
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Conducted regular inventory count to keep bar and drink supplies stocked, avoiding expensive rush orders.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
HONEY AND DOUGH RESTAURANT, CAPTAIN, RESTAURANT
SERVICE AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS SUPERVISOR
08.2021 - 04.2022
Job overview
- Greet and escort customers to their tables
- Present menu and provide detailed information when asked.
- About portions, ingredients or potential food allergies
- Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware and glasses
- Inform customers about day’s specials
- Offer menu recommendations upon request
- Up-sell additional products when appropriate
- Take accurate food and drinks orders, using POS ordering software
- Serve food and drink orders
- Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation and report any problems
- Arrange table settings and maintain 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.
SIPPERS AND DINERS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR/SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST
09.2020 - 05.2021
Job overview
- Planned operations to effectively cover needs while controlling costs and maximizing service
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance
- Worked with qualified chef to diversify menu with new offerings
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns
- Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflows for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition
- Maintained sound financial footing by overseeing department profit, loss and budgeting
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste
- Addressed customer complaints with professional demeanor and used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve issues
- Planned and executed promotions and special events in close collaboration with management
- Scheduled and rotated staff for adequate coverage and fair distribution of workload
- Set and oversaw weekly and special event menu plans
- Tracked kitchen performance metrics to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement
- Monitored food inventory and supplies to prevent waste
- Planned routine upkeep of kitchen equipment and facilities for safe and efficient operations
COLOSSEUM COFFEE BAR AND RESTAURANT
STOCK CONTROLLER/SUPERVISOR/SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER
08.2019 - 03.2020
Job overview
- 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.
LORD ERROL GOURMET RESTAURANT
WAITER
01.2018 - 10.2018
Job overview
- 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
BIG SQUARE KENYA
WAITER
01.2017 - 12.2017
Job overview
- Provide perfect service experience for every Guest
- Ensure Guest feels important and welcome in 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
- 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 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
CRAVE KITCHEN KIKUYU
WAITER
02.2015 - 09.2016
Job overview
- Greet and escort customers to their tables
- Present menu and provide detailed information when asked
- About portions, ingredients or potential food allergies)
- Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware and glasses
- Inform customers about day’s specials
- Offer menu recommendations upon request
- Up-sell additional products when appropriate
- Take accurate food and drinks orders, using POS ordering software
- Communicate order details to Kitchen Staff
- Serve food and drink orders
- Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation and report any problems
- Arrange table settings and maintain 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
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers
- Maintained customer satisfaction by clarifying questions about orders and specialty items
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest
- Folded napkins and prepared silverware sets to provide adequate supply for host station
Education
Nairobi Bar School, Kenya
Diploma from professional bartending
UNICAF International University
Degree from Hospitality Management
Kenya Utalii College
Diploma from Business and Hospitality Management
Premier Professional Institute Kikuyu, Kenya
Certificate in hospitality management
Faraja Institute of Business Studies, Kenya
Advanced computer studies certificate
Partners Computer Training College, Kenya
Certificate in computer applications and systems
Munyeki Secondary School, Kenya
Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education from Attained A C Plain
Skills
- Networking and relationship building
- Health and safety compliance
- Multitasking and prioritization
- Efficient time management
- Extensive spirits knowledge
- Conflict resolution abilities
- Upselling and Cross Selling
- Social Media Promotion
- Quality Control and Assurance
- Cost Control and Budgeting
- Event Planning and Execution
- Upselling proficiency
- Beverage Preparation
- Inventory Monitoring
- Strong communication abilities
- Inventory Coordination
- Customer experience management
- Customer Relationship Management
- POS System Operation
- Custom drink preparation
- Responsible Alcohol Service
- Performance Improvements
Additional Information
Elizabeth Taiti
Ass. Food and beverage Director
Kwetu Curio By Hilton Nairobi
+254 725 479847
Mr. Patrick Maara
Supervisor,
HONEY AND DOUGH RESTAURANT
+254 725 462339
Josephine Kaburu
Food And Beverage assistant manager
Ibis Styles Nairobi
+254 781 995 598
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeGig WorkContract WorkWork Location
RemoteOn-SiteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureWork from home optionPersonal development programsCareer advancementHealthcare benefitsStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingLanguages
English
Native language
French
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Head Mixologist
Kwetu Curio by Hilton
11.2023 - Current
BARTENDER/MIXOLOGIST
IBIS STYLES NAIROBI
04.2022 - 09.2023
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
STOCK CONTROLLER/SUPERVISOR/SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER
COLOSSEUM COFFEE BAR AND RESTAURANT
08.2019 - 03.2020
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
Nairobi Bar School
Diploma from professional bartending
UNICAF International University
Degree from Hospitality Management
Kenya Utalii College
Diploma from Business and Hospitality Management
Premier Professional Institute Kikuyu
Certificate in hospitality management
Faraja Institute of Business Studies
Advanced computer studies certificate
Partners Computer Training College
Certificate in computer applications and systems
Munyeki Secondary School
Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education from Attained A C Plain
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