Mercedes Pettiford-Barnes
Mebane
Summary
Dynamic Lead Bartender with extensive experience at SSP America, recognized for enhancing customer satisfaction through exceptional service and mixology expertise. Proven ability in staff management and inventory control, driving sales through effective promotions and suggestive selling. Committed to maintaining cleanliness standards and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Bartender
SSP America
02.2022 - Current
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving positive relationships between the business and its clientele.
- Trained new bartenders on company policies, drink recipes, and customer service best practices to maintain consistent performance across the team.
- Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and crafting high-quality beverages.
- Maintained a clean and well-organized bar area, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and enhancing guest experience.
- Managed cash handling procedures accurately, reducing discrepancies in daily financial reports.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Collaborated with management to create enticing promotions for special events and holidays, driving increased foot traffic to the establishment.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Developed a loyal customer base by fostering an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
Bartender
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
06.2018 - 04.2024
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
Bartender Shift Manager
JB Duke Hotel
12.2017 - 01.2021
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
- Promoted a positive work atmosphere through clear communication, teamwork encouragement, and recognition of employee achievements.
- Successfully resolved customer complaints, demonstrating strong conflict resolution skills and commitment to client satisfaction.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Set up bar for operation, obtained cash bank, and stocked service bar.
- Oversaw and monitored cash drawers and reconciled drawers against cash register reports at close of business.
- Supervised and trained staff on preparing and delivering drinks, handling food, and money and setting up bar at beginning of shift and breaking down at end of shift to facilitate operations.
- Monitored compliance with local and state liquor laws, ensuring all employees were properly trained and licensed to serve alcoholic beverages.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Alamance Community College
Graham, NC05-2008
High School Diploma -
Graham High School
Graham, NC06-2005
Skills
- Customer service
- Staff management
- Suggestive selling
- Inventory
- Superior customer service
- Cleanliness standards
- Social media marketing
- Supply ordering
- Food running
- Menu memorization
- Event coordination
- Drink pairings
- Inventory control
- Basic accounting
- Mixology
- Financial records oversight
- Promotions execution
- Wine history
- Cocktail list development
- Professional appearance
- Budget monitoring
- Safe food handling procedures
- Cocktail development
Accomplishments
- Named Bartender of the Year by Alamance County Beauty in Black Awards in 2023
Certification
- Alcohol Server License/Certificate – Various State Liquor Licensing Authorities.
- Certified Beer Server – Cicerone Certification Program.
- Bartending License from ABC Bartending School
- TIPS certified
- Alcohol ServSafe Certified
Timeline
Lead Bartender
SSP America
02.2022 - Current
Bartender
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
06.2018 - 04.2024
Bartender Shift Manager
JB Duke Hotel
12.2017 - 01.2021
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Alamance Community College
High School Diploma -
Graham High School
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