GERMAINE HUNTER
Chicago
Summary
Driven Food & Beverage/ Events Lead with 10+ years of experience in hospitality industry and private events. Strong customer service, organization and time management skills. Dedicated to providing top-tier service, creating memorable experiences, and fostering a positive work environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
City Social
01.2025 - Current
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
Bartender/ Event Lead
Bonhomme Hospitality Group
06.2024 - 01.2025
- 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.
SERVER/BARTENDER/ EVENTS MANAGER/ SENIOR F&B MANAGER
Robey Hotel
05.2017 - 05.2024
- Managed a team of 20+ employees, providing training and development opportunities
- Organized event facility, food and beverage selections and audio-visual arrangements with up to 150+ attendees
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing and ensure consistent product quality
- Supervised food preparation, delivery and quality to ensure satisfaction
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the Food and Beverage department by encouraging open communication among team members regarding best practices
- Maintained close communication with clients to mitigate service issues
- Achieved positive guest feedback scores by consistently delivering exceptional experiences through attentive service, high-quality menu offerings, and welcoming atmosphere.
BARTENDER
The Bearded Lady
06.2022 - 02.2023
- Developed a strong rapport with patrons, resulting in repeat business and increased loyalty
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers
- Mixed and served both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for patrons by following standard recipes and procedures
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for the health and safety of customers.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
BARTENDER
Tribe Supper Club
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies
- Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands to help boost sales
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings and special promotions
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
SERVER
City Social
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service
- Recorded meal selections and transactions in the microsystem to deliver prompt service
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about the restaurant's menu and products.
VIP HOST
Roof On The Wit
04.2015 - 05.2017
- Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail
- Utilized social media platforms to promote events and engage with potential clients, driving brand awareness and attendance rates
- Conducted pre-event briefings with staff members to ensure smooth operations and adherence to service standards
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized VIP services and anticipating guest needs
- Took reservations by phone and walk-in, keeping scheduling demands, and kitchen output in time to avoid overbooking.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
Valencia College
05.2010
High School Diploma -
Lane Tech College Prep
05.2007
Skills
- Restaurant & Bar Management
- Extensive Spirits Knowledge
- Food Service Knowledge
- Workflow Management
- Catering Coordination
- Employee Training & Mentoring
- Client Relations
- Event Coordination
- Payroll & Scheduling Management
- Budgeting & Cost Control
Timeline
General Manager
City Social
01.2025 - Current
Bartender/ Event Lead
Bonhomme Hospitality Group
06.2024 - 01.2025
BARTENDER
The Bearded Lady
06.2022 - 02.2023
BARTENDER
Tribe Supper Club
01.2022 - 07.2022
SERVER
City Social
01.2019 - 01.2020
SERVER/BARTENDER/ EVENTS MANAGER/ SENIOR F&B MANAGER
Robey Hotel
05.2017 - 05.2024
VIP HOST
Roof On The Wit
04.2015 - 05.2017
High School Diploma -
Lane Tech College Prep
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
Valencia College