RODERICK WILLIAMS
Charleston
Summary
Results-driven Hospitality and Beverage Management professional with 15+ years of experience leading restaurant and bar operations in high-volume and fine dining environments. WSET Level 2 certified with extensive knowledge of wine, spirits, cocktail development, inventory management, labor control, and team leadership. Proven success in increasing profitability, optimizing operations, developing beverage programs, and delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of service and compliance.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LEAD BARTENDER
Shokudo
Charleston
2025.11 - Current
- Lead bar operations in a high-volume dining environment while maintaining exceptional guest service standards.
- Create and execute craft cocktails while ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation.
- Train and mentor bartenders on beverage preparation, product knowledge, and hospitality standards.
- Manage bar inventory, ordering, and stock levels to minimize waste and control costs.
- Maintain compliance with all alcohol service, health, and safety regulations.
- Build strong guest relationships, driving repeat business and enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Collaborate with management to develop seasonal beverage features and promotional offerings.
BEVERAGE MANAGER
The Select Charleston
Charleston
2024.11 - Current
- Direct beverage operations, including wine, beer, and liquor inventory management.
- Oversee purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory controls to maximize profitability.
- Lead hiring, onboarding, training, and development of bar staff.
- Curate seasonal cocktail and wine programs featuring house-made ingredients and innovative offerings.
- Increase average guest beverage spend through menu optimization, staff education, and service excellence.
- Monitor beverage costs, inventory reconciliation, and key performance metrics.
- Foster a hospitality-focused culture that enhances guest satisfaction and repeat business.
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER / BAR MANAGER
Smoked On Main
Columbia
2023.10 - 2024.11
- Managed daily restaurant and bar operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw menu development, pricing strategies, inventory management, and purchasing.
- Maintained beverage and operational costs through effective inventory controls and labor management.
- Coordinated beverage programs for private events, special functions, and seasonal promotions.
- Recruited, trained, mentored, and evaluated team members to uphold service standards.
- Reduced labor costs through strategic scheduling, staffing adjustments, and crosstraining initiatives.
- Enforced health, safety, and sanitation standards while maintaining compliance with regulations.
- Collaborated with ownership and marketing teams to drive sales growth and strengthen brand awareness.
FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER / ASSISTANT BAR MANAGER
- Supervised front-of-house operations to ensure outstanding guest service and efficient workflow.
- Assisted in managing bar operations, inventory controls, and staff scheduling.
- Trained and coached employees on service standards, product knowledge, and hospitality best practices.
- Supported hiring initiatives and employee development programs.
- Maintained quality control standards and resolved guest concerns professionally and effectively.
- Assisted with inventory tracking, ordering, and vendor communications.
Education
BBA - Communications
University of South Carolina
2022-05
Associate of Arts - Hospitality
Univeristy of South Carolina
Columbia2022-05
Skills
- Beverage Program Management
- Restaurant Operations
- Team Leadership & Development
- Inventory & Cost Control
- Labor Analysis & Scheduling
- Fine Dining Service
- Vendor & Supplier Relations
- Cocktail & Wine Program Development
- Staff Recruitment & Training
- Guest Experience Management
- Budgeting & Profitability
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Microsoft Office Suite
- POS & Inventory Management Systems
- Craft cocktail creation
Certification
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
- ServSafe Alcohol Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification
Availability
Available for leadership roles in Beverage Management, Food & Beverage Operations, Restaurant Management, Bar Management, Hospitality Leadership, Wine Program Development, and Beverage Director positions.
Work Authorization
Authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
Professional Highlights
- 15+ years of progressive hospitality, restaurant, and beverage management experience.
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines certified, with strong knowledge of wine regions, varietals, service standards, and food pairings.
- ServSafe Manager Certified with expertise in food safety, sanitation, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- ServSafe Alcohol Certified, demonstrating advanced knowledge of responsible alcohol service and beverage compliance.
- Extensive expertise in wine, beer, spirits, and craft cocktail program development.
- Proven success managing beverage inventories, controlling costs, and improving operational profitability.
- Experienced in beverage purchasing, vendor negotiations, and inventory management systems.
- Strong leadership background in hiring, training, mentoring, and developing high-performing hospitality teams.
- Skilled in labor analysis, scheduling, budgeting, and operational efficiency improvements.
- Demonstrated ability to increase guest satisfaction, beverage sales, and overall revenue through service excellence and strategic beverage programming.
- Experienced in fine dining, upscale casual, and high-volume restaurant environments.
- Passionate hospitality professional committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences and cultivating strong team cultures.
Timeline
LEAD BARTENDER
Shokudo
2025.11 - Current
BEVERAGE MANAGER
The Select Charleston
2024.11 - Current
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER / BAR MANAGER
Smoked On Main
2023.10 - 2024.11
FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER / ASSISTANT BAR MANAGER
BBA - Communications
University of South Carolina
Associate of Arts - Hospitality
Univeristy of South Carolina