OBJECTIVE

Dedicated and results-driven hospitality professional with a proven track record in wine program management, staff training, and seamless restaurant operations, seeking a Restaurant Manager role to contribute expertise in elevating guest experiences and optimizing overall operational efficiency. EXPERIENCE

BAAR BAAR DTLA – SOMMELIER WINE MANAGER MAY ‘23 TO PRESENT 705 W 9th St, L.A., CA 90015 Supervisor: Wilfredo Melgar 213-***-****

Wine Program Expertise: Successfully initiated and managed a meticulously curated wine program, specializing in small-production, low-intervention wines, ensuring a seamless harmony with the 'New Indian' cuisine crafted by Chef Sujan Sarkar.

Strategic Inventory Management: Proficiently oversaw inventory processes, demonstrating expertise in strategic purchasing, optimizing stock levels, and minimizing wastage, contributing to cost-effective operations.

Comprehensive Staff Training: Implemented comprehensive staff training programs, ensuring a knowledgeable and attentive team. Fostered a culture of continuous learning to enhance service quality and guest satisfaction.

Guest Engagement: Proven track record of actively engaging with guests during their meals, creating memorable experiences, and enhancing overall satisfaction. Leveraged expertise to provide personalized wine recommendations, elevating the dining experience.

Dining Room Operations Mastery: Managed dining room floor operations seamlessly, handling closing shifts and executing the end-of-night manager checklist with precision. Demonstrated adeptness in ensuring smooth and efficient restaurant operations.

INTERCREW KOREATOWN – FLOOR MANAGER OCT ‘22 TO MAR‘23 3330 Wilshire Blvd, L.A., CA 90010 Supervisor: Rich Namm 213-***-****

Provided comprehensive support to Front of House departments, including OpenTable coordination, bar service supervision, and food expediting

Expertly trained staff on service protocols, product knowledge, and POS system (Toast)

Efficiently managed nightly checklists, executed large party prix fixe menus, and actively participated in weekly manager assemblies

TOMMY’S BEVERLY HILLS – DINING ROOM CAPTAIN WINE BUYER FEB ‘22 TO OCT ‘22 235 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Supervisor: Tommy Salvatore -Closed

Embraced convivial hospitality, led a dynamic team, and successfully stepped into the role of 'Wine Buyer

Proficiently curated wine selection to complement the main dining room's luxury

Maintained excellence in guest service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience

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Justin Prairie 310-***-****

-Certified Sommelier (CMS-A) ad32h1@r.postjobfree.com

-REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST- linkedin.com/in/justin-prairie JP

EXPERIENCE

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TATEL BEVERLY HILLS – DINING ROOM CAPTAIN AUG ‘21 TO FEB ‘22 435 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Supervisor: Bellesa Micallef 310-***-****

Guided guests through a predominantly Spanish wine list and recommended craft cocktails

Demonstrated expertise in authentic Spanish cuisine and skillfully managed wine service

Ensured precise POS (TOAST) order entry, maintained timely course progression, and executed tableside tasks

THE WALLACE CULVER CITY – SOMMELIER WINE BUYER MAY ‘19 TO JULY ‘21 3833 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232 Supervisor: Marcelo Ahn -Closed

Revamped employee wine education with tastings, winemaker-led courses, and glass/tool upgrades

Initiated winemaker lunches, boosting off-hour traffic and social media buzz

Focused on smaller, family-run wineries, emphasizing minimal cellar manipulation and organic, biodynamic farming

AKASHA CULVER CITY – SERVER APRIL ‘17 TO APRIL ‘19 9543 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 Supervisor: Aaron Lucchino 310-***-****

Managed a substantial section, providing guests with knowledge and grace in a fast-paced environment

Excelled in prompt and accurate order entry using Aloha POS system

Demonstrated proficiency in serving wine, ensuring timely beverage and cocktail delivery, and efficiently handling pre-bussing and course setup

FAITH & FLOWER DTLA – SOMMELIER JAN ‘16 TO MARCH ‘17 705 W 9th St, L.A., CA 90017 Supervisor: Jared Hooper -Closed

Delivered exceptional service, enriching guest experience through thoughtful pairing recommendations

Expertly orchestrated winemaker dinners, promoting and enhancing the restaurant's reputation

Administered various responsibilities, including meticulous inventory upkeep, restocking, and cellar organization

CAPO SANTA MONICA – WINE DIRECTOR DEC ‘07 TO JAN ‘16 1810 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Supervisor: Bruce Marder 310-***-****

Managed a world-class wine selection of 2,300 bottles valued at $1.5 million

Conducted weekly supplier tastings, handled ordering processes, and managed invoices

Contributed significantly to achieving a 'Grand Award’ from the Wine Spectator in 2015, doubling inventory, and introducing impactful staff education programs EDUCATION

Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier Level II - Advanced Candidate UCLA Extension - Enology Completed Vintage Courses I & II ‘08/‘09 Mendocino High Graduated in 1995