Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

RODERICK WILLIAMS

Charleston

Summary

Visual communications graduate at the University of South Carolina. Bartending, Cuisine, Wine, and the Service industry in general are my passions. I have worked in restaurants for my entire professional career beginning at 15 years old. I've worked every position possible from Line Cooking, to Serving, to Upper Management. I'm looking to expand my horizons in the Food and Beverage world and am confident I would make a valuable asset in a leadership role at any bar or restaurant. Authorized to work in the US for any employer

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Beverage Manager

The Select Charleston
11.2024 - Current
  • Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and alcohol program.
  • Managed bar and wait staff and directed hiring program.
  • Curated craft cocktail and wine selection with an emphasis on house-made ingredients and seasonal produce
  • Improved average wine and alcohol spend per guest through curation, service training, and hands-on hospitality.
  • Developed a deep understanding of Restaurant Inventory software including COGS monitoring, invoice reconciliation, ect.

Assistant General Manager / Bar Manager

Smoked On Main
10.2023 - 11.2024
  • Responsible Include planning cocktail Menus, Monitoring pricing and margins on all menu items and products, hiring and training, monitoring spending on on Beer, Wine, and Liquor while maintaining a COGS of under 20%, developing and maintaining relationships with wine and liquor vendors, planning and executing cocktail and alcohol for private and public events, detailed knowledge on a variety of spirits, wine, beer, and cocktails
  • Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards
  • Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies
  • Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues
  • Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards
  • Collaborated with the General Manager and Marketing team on initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth

FOH Manager / Assistant Bar Manager

Smoked On Main
06.2023 - 10.2023
  • Management at high level fine-dining restaurant with a Meat/Seafood focus in the heart of downtown Columbia Tasked with the creation, planning, pricing, and execution of seasonal cocktail menus and specials
  • Responsible for curating a wine by the glass and by the bottle selection that covers a wide expanse of styles and regions
  • Well versed knowledge on the history and use of a wide variety of liquors, liqueurs, Amaros, aperitifs, and digestives
  • Well versed knowledge on a wide range of both classic and modern cocktails Developed and maintained positive business relationships with Wine and Liquor representative so as to Further expand alcohol related sales and ensure allocation of rare bottles
  • Creation and maintenance of a front of house and back of house schedule that leaves the restaurant properly staffed while minimizing labor costs
  • Responsible for motivating and leading a staff in a manner that upholds the standards of fine dining while maintaining a fun and respectful atmosphere
  • Creation and execution of a Server, Bartender, and Host training program that emphasizes the proper steps of service and the deep-set menu/etiquette knowledge that is required of a fine dining establishment
  • Experience with private and public event coordination; along with crafting and batching custom cocktails/menus for said events
  • Monitoring of sales goals, discount/comp costs, Profit margins, and menu items so as to constantly maximize profitability for the restaurant while maintaining a positive experience for the guest
  • Responding to food and/or service issues amongst guests

Lead Bartender

Smoked On Main
10.2021 - 06.2023
  • Responsible for leading a bar team in a fast paced, fine dining , craft cocktail environment tasked with the creation and implementation of various cocktails menus requires an expansive knowledge of wine varietals, spirits, modern and classic cocktails
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving positive relationships between the business and its clientele
  • Maintained a clean and well-organized bar area, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and enhancing guest experience

Resident mentor

University of South Carolina
08.2019 - 05.2022
  • Mentored and supervised a dorm full of residents during the 2018-2020 school year
  • Provided crisis intervention services when needed, ensuring the safety of all residents while adhering to proper protocols
  • Served as a liaison between residents and management staff, effectively communicating concerns and advocating for resident needs
  • Assisted in the development of residence hall programming by providing input on event ideas, marketing strategies, and logistical planning

Education

Bachelors degree - Visual Communications

USC
Columbia, SC
05.2021

High school diploma -

Clover High School
Clover
05.2017

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication skills
  • Fine dining experience
  • Bartending
  • Labor Cost Analysis
  • Restaurant management
  • Microsoft Office
  • Guest service
  • Employee Training

Certification

  • ServSafe Manager Certified, 06/01/23
  • WSET level 2 certified sommelier, Present

Additional Information

I am extremely passionate about the craft of bartending as well as cooking and am extremely adaptable to any work environment and quick to follow directions. Looking for the best opportunity to become part of a team and further expand my workplace experience and am confident in my ability to contribute positively to wherever I am hired.

Timeline

Beverage Manager

The Select Charleston
11.2024 - Current

Assistant General Manager / Bar Manager

Smoked On Main
10.2023 - 11.2024

FOH Manager / Assistant Bar Manager

Smoked On Main
06.2023 - 10.2023

Lead Bartender

Smoked On Main
10.2021 - 06.2023

Resident mentor

University of South Carolina
08.2019 - 05.2022

Bachelors degree - Visual Communications

USC

High school diploma -

Clover High School
RODERICK WILLIAMS