MAXWELL E. GILLAND,

704-***-****

acfge9@r.postjobfree.com

Experience

June 2013- August 2014- Beverage Director, The Palm Restaurant- Charlotte, NC

Managed beverage program, which included overseeing and designing the Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, national cocktail program and craft beer selections.

Achieved Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the 2014 wine list.

Responsible for ordering, setting and maintaining accurate par levels.

Conducted bi-weekly wine education courses for all front of house staff.

Consistently achieved an average beverage cost of 25%.

Implemented new rigorous bar SOP’s, resulting in a 2% drop in liquor costs YTD.

Designed and executed a new private dining wine list.

Responsible for daily/nightly shift management of front of house staff. Responsibilities included maître d’ and wine steward.

November 2012 – June 2013 – Beverage Director/AGM, Napa on Providence, Prime, LLC – Charlotte, NC

Brought concept of organic local produce and exclusive California wines to Prime LLC, the largest franchiser of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouses on the East Coast.

Conceptualized and implemented beverage program including a concise 100+ bottle list, bar design and layout. Complete immersion in all decisions related to bar aesthetics, décor, menu offerings, seating, and POS operating system.

Pioneered wine dispensing units in the Carolinas. One of the largest wine tap systems on the East Coast, helping to directly reduce beverage costs to 25%.

Company savings in excess of $10,000 by negotiation with area vendors. Direct cost savings to company related inventory, spoilage, over pouring and/or pilfering. Significant reduction to the local waste stream, decreasing Napa’s carbon footprint.

Responsible for all liquor, beer and wine selections. Rotation of brands based on client feedback and regular wine tastings. YTD average between 45-48% beverage to overall Napa on Providence sales figures. Running beverage cost of 26% and under.

Restaurant first year overall sales in the $2.4MM- $2.6MM range with beverage sales currently contributing to 48% of overall sales.

October 2011–November 2012– Food & Beverage Manager/AGM Ruth’s Chris, Prime, LLC–Charlotte, NC

Food & Beverage Manager responsible for all front house services related to 100% customer satisfaction. Responsible for training and overseeing wait and bar back staff and for the quality of food and service provided in dining area. Reported directly to General Manager

Renovated Ruth’s Chris’ 4800 bottle inventory at the request of the owner. Personally responsible for moving obsolete inventory, create a succinct wine list with offerings to cater to all palates. Modification of type and quantity of inventory led to an increase in wine sales from 14-17%.

Increased sales by 20% by restructuring liquor, wine and beer program. Updated bar offerings with additional premium liquors, new bar food and pairings; adding more than $25,000/month

Delivered 100% compliance at Ruth’s Chris’ annual bar inspection, the first time this level was achieved at the SouthPark location in the past five years.

Worked on panel of members of the Ruth’s Chris’ Beverage Committee to redesign by-the-glass offerings for all four company locations.

Responsible for Ruth’s Chris’ Wine Spectator Award of Excellence – 2011-12

Requested by owners of Prime LLC, to open new restaurant concept, Napa on Providence.

November 2008 – August 2011 Food & Beverage Manager - Zebra Restaurant, Charlotte, NC

Oversee two full-time managers, eight line cooks and seven wait staff.

Responsible for planning seasonal menu changes with Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine.

Personally credited for increasing wine sales by 57% over two years through successful education and incentive programs created for wait staff.

Only Zebra employee to be nominated and selected to Russia River Valley Pinot Forum – August 2011.

Scheduled, created, and oversaw special events such as: select wine tastings, private parties, and special charity events including the Heartbright Foundation, Ambassador’s Ball for the Allegro Foundation, and regular monthly wine dinners.

Personally rebuilt Zebra’s Best Award of Excellence wine list as issued by Wine Spectator when list sold to a private investor -2010.

November 2008 - June 2009 -Head Waiter, Bartender and Mixologist, Zebra Restaurant, Charlotte, NC

January 2006 - March 2008- Full-Time Server, Part-Time Bar-back, Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel, Manhattan, NY

References available upon request.

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