Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Dustin Kerns

Redondo Beach,CA

Summary

Results-oriented hospitality professional with 15 years of bartending, mixology, and event management experience in elite markets. Spearheaded beverage program for Michelin-starred venue and curated exceptional guest experiences for VIPs and celebrities. Demonstrated expertise in mixology, vibe curation, and customer relations.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Bartender

FIA Steak
Santa Monica, CA
10.2021 - 07.2026
  • Led FOH beverage team, that elevated service quality and secured Michelin star status and a Gayot Top 10 ranking.
  • Designed creative cocktail menus. Supported inventory management. Participated in daily opening and closing tasks.
  • Curated a playlist that created the vibe, contributing to the growth of the restaurant's VIP regular clientele.

Bartender / Mixologist

Bar Toscana
Brentwood, CA
01.2018 - 01.2021
  • Demonstrated advanced mixology capabilities through the development of innovative cocktail recipes for luxury clientele.
  • Managed playlist and movie projector to create an inviting environment, encouraging prolonged guest presence.
  • Established and maintained relationships with high-net-worth guests, significantly broadening brand's premium clientele.

Server

Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion
Los Angeles, CA
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Delivered exceptional, fast-paced guest service in a high-volume fine-dining corporate restaurant.

Events Manager

MAGNUM Events
New York, NY
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Orchestrated upscale private events and parties for high-fashion, corporate entertainment, and luxury clients, enhancing client satisfaction and brand reputation.
  • Collaborated with elite event planners to coordinate logistics and layout design, ensuring seamless execution of top-tier services.
  • Recruited, hired, trained, and managed large temporary service teams, maintaining operational flow and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Bartender / Server

Madison Square Garden (Suite 200)
New York, NY
01.2010 - 01.2013
  • Managed exclusive events in private VIP suite of NY Knicks owner James Dolan, delivering tailored hospitality to high-profile guests featuring a world-renowned Jean-Georges premium menu.

Server

Mesa Grill
New York, NY
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Delivered exceptional, high-quality service to upscale clientele at Chef Bobby Flay's fast-paced flagship restaurant.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Theatre

West Virginia University
Morgantown

2-Year On-Camera Professional Program

New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts
New York

Skills

  • Mixology expertise
  • Vibe setting playlist curation
  • High-volume FOH operations
  • VIP & Celebrity Guest Relations
  • Staff development
  • Event management

Timeline

Lead Bartender

FIA Steak
10.2021 - 07.2026

Bartender / Mixologist

Bar Toscana
01.2018 - 01.2021

Server

Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion
01.2013 - 01.2014

Events Manager

MAGNUM Events
01.2011 - 01.2013

Bartender / Server

Madison Square Garden (Suite 200)
01.2010 - 01.2013

Server

Mesa Grill
01.2008 - 01.2010

2-Year On-Camera Professional Program

New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Theatre

West Virginia University
Dustin Kerns