Brigitte De Man
Toronto,ON
Summary
With a proven track record at Milou, I excel in elevating beverage programs through expert wine selection and innovative cocktail creation. My sommelier expertise and dynamic customer engagement have significantly boosted sales and guest satisfaction. Skilled in leadership, guest interactions, and staff training, I've helped to elevate service standards and guest expectations of the restaurant.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Beverage Programmer
Milou
Toronto, ON
09.2024 - Current
- Selected and purchased wines to appeal to both traditional and adventurous palates. Populated a wine list with a vast representation of styles and regions.
- Recommended bottles based on customer preferences, budgets, and food pairings.
- Created memorable wine experiences through knowledgeable, personable interactions with guests.
- Reviewed wine list regularly in line with current trends, seasonality, in order to keep guests and staff excited about the wine program, and maintain/boost wine sales.
- Shared wine knowledge with employees, encouraging team to develop wine knowledge through regular training and extensive wine spec and tasting note documentation.
- Collaborated with chefs to develop custom menus that incorporated food-wine pairings.
Bar Manager
Milou
Toronto, ON
11.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented all bar systems and procedures, bar service policies, and bartender training programs.
- Developed unique cocktail menus and drink recipes seasonally.
- Created signature spirits programming to reflect classic French bar culture, local tastes, and trends.
- Assisted with planning special menus for a variety of private and promotional events.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance knowledge and refine understanding of wine and spirits.
- Maintained accurate records of liquor inventory and purchases for budgeting purposes.
- Ordered and maintained an adequate supply of alcoholic beverages, glassware, garnishes, and other items needed for drinks.
Server/Bartender Supervisor
Milou
Toronto, ON
08.2022 - Current
- Served tables, bartended, and managed reservations.
- Helped elevate and promote high standards of service and guest interaction.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Bar Manager
Grape Crush
Toronto, ON
03.2022 - 08.2025
- Assisted with wine selection and ordering.
- Maintained strong relationships with agencies and sales representatives, and sourced new vendors and suppliers to boost product offerings.
- Created rotating weekly BTG wine menus.
- Updated online retail store with new arrivals.
- Wrote extensive tasting notes and specifications for new wines.
- Assisted with planning special events, such as wine tastings, private parties, and ticketed parties.
- Trained new employees and led education sessions in wine tasting techniques, service standards, and general wine knowledge.
- Presented new merchandise ideas and campaigns to owners and operations managers.
- Organized engaging, front-facing displays to capture customer interest, highlight particular products, and drive sales.
- Developed and implemented a snack menu to complement our wines.
- Implemented food service, safety, quality, and freshness standards, and ensured their execution by all staff.
- Maintained accurate records of all inventory and purchases for budgeting purposes.
- Monitored product margins and pricing.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of, and ensured compliance with, applicable laws governing alcohol purchasing regulations.
Wine Buyer
Union Restaurant
Toronto, ON
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Selected and purchased all wine and related offerings.
- Responsible for menu and POS updates.
- Provided training sessions and extensive tasting notes for staff on new wines.
- Developed creative and engaging retail systems and displays during COVID-19 to secure continued revenue.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws governing alcohol purchasing regulations.
- Resolved discrepancies in invoices and deliveries, ensuring accuracy in billing and inventory.
Server/Bartender
Union Restaurant
Toronto, ON
05.2020 - 03.2022
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Worked effectively and efficiently in a highly collaborative service setting.
Server/Bartender/Event Supervisor
Peter Pan Bistro
Toronto, ON
04.2017 - 05.2018
- Helped elevate and enforce standards of service relating to both food and beverages.
- Maintained bar stock, cleanliness, and organization.
- Executed private events based on pre-set itineraries.
- Selected and organized a natural cider list, and led staff education on products.
Server/Bartender
Pizzeria Libretto Ossington
Toronto, ON
07.2011 - 04.2017
- Began as a host for 1.5 years, then was promoted to busser for 8 months, prior to being promoted to serving and bartending.
- Worked in a very busy and fast-paced environment, seeing 200+ covers per night.
Lead Visual Merchandiser
Set Me Free
Toronto, ON
06.2006 - 06.2011
- Designed and executed fresh window displays weekly.
- Responsible for unpacking, pricing, and displaying all new merchandise.
- Designed and built displays for new merchandise.
- Attended industry trade shows, and helped select clothing and accessories for the shop.
- Helped clients with selection, fit, and budgeting their wardrobes in an intimate and service-focused retail setting.
Education
Foundations 2 -
Sommelier Factory
Toronto, ON09-2017
Foundation Program -
Sommelier Factory
Toronto, ON06-2017
Bachelor of Arts -
OCADU
Toronto04-2017
Ontario College Certificate - Art And Design Foundations
George Brown College
Toronto, ON04-2011
Skills
- Bar procedures & operations
- Strong knowledge of cocktail history, trends, and recipe composition
- Beverage pairing
- Customer engagement
- Sommelier expertise
- Menu development
- Inventory management
- Team recruitment and training
- Public speaking
- POS and reservation software proficiency - Touch Bistro, Toast, Resy, OpenTable
- Proficient in Adobe Suite
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Affiliations
- Fine arts and crafting: painting, woodworking, sculpting, textile & garment fabrication, embroidery, decorative painting, furniture building, and upholstery.
- Sports and recreation: squash, table tennis, skiing, cycling, dance, camping.
- Fun and leisure: karaoke, hosting dinner parties, comedy, reading fiction and history.
Languages
French
Professional
Timeline
Beverage Programmer
Milou
09.2024 - Current
Bar Manager
Milou
11.2022 - Current
Server/Bartender Supervisor
Milou
08.2022 - Current
Bar Manager
Grape Crush
03.2022 - 08.2025
Wine Buyer
Union Restaurant
02.2021 - 03.2022
Server/Bartender
Union Restaurant
05.2020 - 03.2022
Server/Bartender/Event Supervisor
Peter Pan Bistro
04.2017 - 05.2018
Server/Bartender
Pizzeria Libretto Ossington
07.2011 - 04.2017
Lead Visual Merchandiser
Set Me Free
06.2006 - 06.2011
Foundations 2 -
Sommelier Factory
Foundation Program -
Sommelier Factory
Bachelor of Arts -
OCADU
Ontario College Certificate - Art And Design Foundations
George Brown College
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