KARA SLIFE025400012106 Wedgehill Lane Houston, TX 77077 I c 323.740.5357 I karaslife@gmail.comDynamic and accomplished restaurant professional with 20+ years of hospitality experience and a degree in Culinary Arts. Extensive knowledge of fine-dining etiquette, food, wine, spirits and the workings of a successful bar and restaurant. Aiming to leverage my experience, customer relations skills and passion for food and wine to provide a superior guest experience in an upscale, quality establishment.SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONSComprehensive hospitality backgroundExtensive beer/wine/craft cocktail knowledgeFOH and BOH fine-dining experienceCustomer-oriented with attention to detailCustomer relations expertStrong leader, motivated team playerExceptional interpersonal skillsAbility to handle/resolve problemsHOSPITALITY EXPERIENCEThe Annie Café & Bar/Turner’s – Berg Hospitality – Houston, TX2019-presentWorked as the Beverage Director for The Berg Group and Bar/FOH Manager at The Annie Developed the bar and cocktail program for this re-imagined opening of the stunning Annie Café & Bar as well as the new piano bar/polo lounge concept – Turner’s, lead by James Beard Award winning Chef Robert Del Grande.Developed recipes, handled production of syrups, clarifications, barrel aged cocktails and seasonal cocktail creations, as well as cocktails for daily special eventsHired, trained and mentored a staff of 15 in the bar, as well as managed the floor staff on a daily basis.Developed cocktails on a seasonal basis for all Berg Hospitality locations as needed, including BB Italia and BB LemonWeights + Measures – Houston, TX2016-2019Worked as Bar and FOH Manager ensuring and guiding a positive dining experience, ordering produce and liquor daily, meeting with vendors, expediting food, creating and maintaining staff schedules, hiring and efficiently managing employees.Worked as head bartender making and developing craft-cocktails in a quality-driven, upscale environment.Guided guests through the food/wine/cocktail offerings, demonstrating a strong knowledge of ingredients, preparation and flavor pairing profiles, proven to afford increased sales.President, Slife Public Relations – Los Angeles, CA2004-2014Founder and director of a boutique PR consulting firm servicing top restaurants, chefs and tastemakers in the hospitality industry with effective marketing and communication strategies. Employed vision and industry insight to strategically plan, direct and execute PR and branding campaigns designed to successfully achieve company and client objectives.Recognized by industry leaders and national media as an expert and innovator in restaurant PR.Executive Director/Restaurants, Wagstaff Worldwide 1999-2004Instrumental in the success and growth of the company from 2 to 25+ employees in 3 cities and establishing its then reputation as a leading restaurant PR firm in the country.Hired, managed and empowered a team of 7 in LA and 4 in Chicago, and created a highly dynamic work environment that facilitates innovation and continuous improvement.Cultivated long-standing relationships with industry leaders, local and national editors and key influencers.EDUCATIONUniversity of Southern California – BA, Journalism/Public RelationsSouthern California School of Culinary Arts
