Nicolas Houchins
Henrico
Summary
Customer-focused Supervisor with over 10 years of experience supporting well-attended events and bar operations. POS system operator, inventory manager and mixologist. Thoughtful and detail-oriented theme and event planner, coordinating staffing and providing guidance for employees when necessary. Reliable individual proudly offering 17 years of experience fostering repeat customers through consistent, professional service. Skilled in designing profitable drink menus, handling cash sales and managing bar inventory. Dedicated to creating inviting environment for both guests and staff.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Beer Captain
Hardywood Craft Brewery
08.2022 - Current
- Managed inventory and maintained optimal stock levels to ensure product freshness and availability.
- Trained and mentored staff on taproom operations, customer service techniques, and beer knowledge.
- Implemented efficient scheduling practices to maximize staff productivity while minimizing labor costs.
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Head Bartender
P.F. Chang's Bistro
07.2016 - 08.2022
- Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures and productivity strategies.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Poured and prepared mixed drinks for over 60 customers daily.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Trained 10+ new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation and sanitation protocol.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
Food Truck Operator
Slideways Mobile Bistro
03.2016 - 09.2016
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service in a fast-paced food truck environment.
- Maintained high-quality food standards by consistently following recipes and cooking procedures.
- Enhanced overall efficiency with thorough knowledge of menu offerings, ingredients, and allergen information.
- Ensured cleanliness and safety within food truck, adhering to local health department guidelines.
Bartender
T.G.I.F. Fridays
11.2015 - 06.2016
- Set up bar for operation, obtained cash bank and stocked service bar.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
Front of House Team Member. Server/Host/Expo
Legend Brewing
04.2013 - 11.2015
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
- Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine, cider and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
Retail Manager
All Seasons LLC
06.2007 - 08.2012
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Controlled store inventory and reviewed cash handling and operations reports.
- Established and optimized schedules to keep coverage and service in line with forecasted demands.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues and difficult customers.
Education
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA05.2010
High School Diploma -
Osbourn High School
Manassas, VA06.2005
Skills
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Identification and Compliance
- Handling Difficult Customers
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Mixology Techniques
- Hospitality and Guest Service
- Cash Handling and Management
- Opening and Closing Procedures
- Point of Sale Systems
- Food Sales and Promotion
- Team Management
- Scheduling Coordination
- Brand Awareness
- Sales Strategies
- Food Safety Compliance
Certification
- TIPS Certified
- Certification of Completion Training - March 24th 2015 - Professional Bartending Academy Richmond, VA
Timeline
Beer Captain
Hardywood Craft Brewery
08.2022 - Current
Head Bartender
P.F. Chang's Bistro
07.2016 - 08.2022
Food Truck Operator
Slideways Mobile Bistro
03.2016 - 09.2016
Bartender
T.G.I.F. Fridays
11.2015 - 06.2016
Front of House Team Member. Server/Host/Expo
Legend Brewing
04.2013 - 11.2015
Retail Manager
All Seasons LLC
06.2007 - 08.2012
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Northern Virginia Community College
High School Diploma -
Osbourn High School
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