Amy Layton
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic bar manager with exceptional skills in customer service, expert mixology, and inventory management. Proven ability to enhance guest experiences and drive sales through innovative cocktail creations and effective upselling strategies. Expert in fast paced environments. Reliable, loyal, punctual and professional.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Bartender/Restaurant Bar Manager
Southern Chicago Restaurant
Chicago, IL
07.2025 - Current
- Trained and mentored junior bartenders on service standards and drink preparation techniques.
- Developed creative cocktail recipes enhancing customer satisfaction and bar sales.
- Implemented new bar procedures that improved workflow and reduced drink preparation times.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring timely ordering of supplies to prevent shortages.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving issues to maintain a positive dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Assisted in planning special events, creating tailored drink menus for diverse occasions.
- 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.
- Led team meetings to continually improve communication among staff members, resulting in more effective teamwork during peak hours.
- Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
- Assisted in menu development, incorporating seasonal flavors and trends into popular craft cocktails.
- Developed a loyal customer base by fostering an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Coordinated with event planners to design custom drink menus for private parties, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to the clients'' preferences.
- Mentored junior bartenders in advanced mixology techniques, elevating their skills within the industry''s competitive landscape.
- Increased sales with innovative cocktail creations and upselling techniques, leading to improved overall revenue.
Operations Manager
Douglass 18/ Sheila's Catering
Chicago, IL
05.2020 - 06.2025
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives that reduced operational expenses significantly.
- Streamlined inventory management processes to enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Developed and enforced standard operating procedures to ensure compliance and consistency.
- Led team training programs to improve service delivery and employee performance.
- Coordinated logistics for large-scale catering events, ensuring timely execution and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize service delivery and customer experience.
- Oversaw vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to secure favorable terms and pricing.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Handled staff training initiatives aimed at upskilling the workforce to meet dynamic industry demands.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
General Manager of Operations
Bella Luna Restaurant Group
Chicago, IL
03.2016 - 04.2020
- Led cross-functional teams to implement cost-saving initiatives across multiple restaurant locations.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Optimized inventory management systems, reducing waste and ensuring timely supply deliveries.
- Developed training programs for staff, improving onboarding and retention rates significantly.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain high standards in food safety and service excellence.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback that fostered professional growth among team members.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing strategic decisions on menu development and promotions.
- Cultivated relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable contracts, enhancing overall purchasing efficiency.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive communication, timely issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Managed budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation to ensure achievement of organizational goals.
- Developed high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management strategies.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices within all areas of operation.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for increased productivity, profitability, and overall business growth.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Fostered strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders to support business objectives and expand market share.
- Increased employee retention rate by creating professional development programs.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Office Manager
Advanced Care Services
Chicago, IL
04.2013 - 02.2020
- Coordinated office operations to enhance efficiency and streamline workflow processes.
- Developed and implemented administrative procedures to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Supervised staff performance, providing training and mentorship to foster professional growth.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely supply delivery and service quality.
- Led cross-functional teams in project management initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Oversaw budget preparation and expense tracking to maintain financial accountability within the office.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitioning and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.
- Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
- Reduced costs with meticulous budget monitoring and expense tracking for essential supplies and equipment.
- Streamlined document handling and processing, reducing turnaround time for client inquiries and requests.
- Handled sensitive employee and client information with utmost confidentiality, maintaining trust and integrity.
Bartender/Restaurant Server
Dublin's Restaurant
Chicago, IL
07.2009 - 02.2012
- Crafted innovative cocktails and beverages to enhance customer experience.
- Developed seasonal drink menus that increased patron engagement and satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored new bartenders on techniques and customer service standards.
- Managed bar inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during all bar operations.
- Resolved customer complaints efficiently, maintaining high service quality standards.
- Fostered a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging repeat business through positive interactions.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
Education
Associate of Arts - Marketing
DMACC
Des Moines, IA05.2001
Skills
- Expert mixology
- Cocktail list development
- Upselling strategies
- Suggestive selling
- Customer service
- Health codes compliance
- Sales techniques
- Craft cocktail development
- Ordering supplies
- Workplace safety
- Employee coaching
- Budget monitoring
- Cost management
- Cleanliness standards
- Sales tracking
- Customer interaction
- Sales expertise
Certification
Food Protection Manager Certificate
Illinois BASSET Certification
Timeline
Lead Bartender/Restaurant Bar Manager
Southern Chicago Restaurant
07.2025 - Current
Operations Manager
Douglass 18/ Sheila's Catering
05.2020 - 06.2025
General Manager of Operations
Bella Luna Restaurant Group
03.2016 - 04.2020
Office Manager
Advanced Care Services
04.2013 - 02.2020
Bartender/Restaurant Server
Dublin's Restaurant
07.2009 - 02.2012
Associate of Arts - Marketing
DMACC