Kaja Poplawski
Owen Sound,Canada
Summary
Experienced and personable bartender with a strong background in high volume bars across Ontario, including Owen Sound, Sauble Beach and the GTA. Skilled in crafting cocktails, delivering fast-paced service, and creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. Known for strong customer connection, adaptability, and working efficiently under pressure. Recently relocating to Kitchener and excited to extend my cocktail knowledge and to bring high energy, reliability, and good vibes to a new team
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bar Manager/Content Creator/Menu Developer
Heartwood Concert Hall/Parkwood Restaurant
Owen Sound, ON
12.2022 - Current
- Results driven and customer centric Bar Manager with 8 years of experience in fast-paced bar environments.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor bar staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
- Focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Curated and prepared cocktails.
- Designing food and drink menus.
- Experienced with large events such as weddings, birthdays, ceremonies, concerts, drag & burlesque shows, podcasts, and celebrations.
- Trained new staff members on proper pouring techniques, cocktail recipes, and customer service best practices, ensuring consistency in quality across the team.
- Enhanced bar efficiency by maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked workspace.
- Proficient in Canva for creating cohesive branded graphics and marketing materials, complemented by skill in CapCut to produce high-engagement, short-form video content optimized for social media platforms.
- Experienced managing and creating content for Instagram, including posts, stories, reels, and audience engagement strategies.
Front of House
Casero Taco Bus
Sauble Beach
06.2025 - 09.2025
- Efficiently managed front-of-house operations and order-taking in a fast-paced, high-traffic tourist environment.
- Skilled in crafting and serving specialty Mexican cocktails with a focus on speed and consistency
- Experienced in providing upbeat, professional service while managing large crowds and peak-season rushes.
- Experienced in large-scale cocktail prep, including citrus juicing, syrup production, and batching to maintain quality during rush periods.
- Experienced in digital inventory logging and data entry to ensure seamless coordination between back-of-house storage and front-of-house service
Cocktail Menu Designer/Lead Bartender
Shannys Kitchen
Owen Sound, ON
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Imaginative and detail-oriented Cocktail Menu Designer with a passion for crafting unique and profitable beverages
- Elevates the guest experience through innovative beverage creations.
- Applies a zero-waste mindset when crafting drink selections.
- Possesses a understanding of mixology techniques, spirits, and ingredients.
- Developed accessible cocktail recipes and build instructions to promote efficient and consistent bar service.
- Managed comprehensive bar inventory, encompassing cocktail ingredients, wines, and beers, ensuring optimal stock levels, proper labeling, dating, and freshness.
Bartender/Server
Mudtown Station
Owen Sound, ON
07.2020 - 08.2023
- Focused on providing positive customer interactions and ensuring a pleasant experience for bar patrons.
- Prepared and served a variety of alcoholic beverages according to established recipes and standards.
- Followed established health and safety guidelines to maintain a clean and safe bar environment during COVID-19.
- Operated effectively in busy bar environments, maintaining service quality and efficiency.
- Familiar with a range of craft beer styles, enabling informed recommendations to customers.
- Utilized extensive knowledge of the food menu to confidently describe dishes, answer inquiries, and recommend pairings.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure seamless communication during service.
Skills
- Inventory management
- Service-oriented mindset
- Outgoing personality
- Team collaboration
- Menu development
- Clear communication
Languages
English
Polish
Certification
Smart Serve
Timeline
Front of House
Casero Taco Bus
06.2025 - 09.2025
Cocktail Menu Designer/Lead Bartender
Shannys Kitchen
11.2024 - 04.2025
Bar Manager/Content Creator/Menu Developer
Heartwood Concert Hall/Parkwood Restaurant
12.2022 - Current
Bartender/Server
Mudtown Station
07.2020 - 08.2023