Lauren Hall
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Passionate and knowledgeable Sommelier and hospitality professional with over a decade of experience in restaurant and multi-venue management. Proven background in leadership, training, and staff education.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Sommelier
Scale Hospitality
09.2021 - Current
- Responsible for development and maintenance of wine and beverage programs across Scale Hospitality's 20 venues in accordance with brand and restaurant style. These include some of the largest and most exciting wine programs in Toronto, such as Le Select, Patria, Byblos, Toronto Beach Club, and Lapinou
- Oversee, train, and mentor the Sommelier teams at each location
- Conduct in depth wine and spirit weekly seminars across venues with both Front and Back of house teams
- Work closely with CEO and VP to set COGS’ Targets, Inventory Budgets, and Sales Goals and managing F&B teams closely to ensure these targets are achieved
- Responsible for overseeing bi-monthly inventory across all venues to ensure accuracy, balance variances and guarantee it is reported timely and correctly
- Monitor product cost fluctuation in real time through inventory management software and proprietary program and adjust in real time to ensure pricing remains in line with budget
- Collaborate closely with marketing and F&B teams to identify key opportunities to drive sales and maximize business
- Responsible for all wine agency relationships
- Establish, maintain, and foster key partnerships that translate into meaningful investment back into the business
- Generate thorough reports for executive team and ownership that analyze data such as sales mix, guest beverage program pricing, purchase trends and develop key strategies to promote greater profitability and guest retention.
General Manager/Sommelier
Lapinou (Scale Hospitality)
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Opening General Manager and Sommelier of Michelin Guide recommended King Street Restaurant
- Oversaw all aspects of the venue, including day to day operations, staff training and development, and financials
- Successfully built a loyal following, and a restaurant known for its expansive wine and spirit program, and exceptional standard for guest experience.
Assistant General Manager/Sommelier
Byblos (Scale Hospitality)
01.2017 - 08.2019
- Worked directly with General Manager to ensure all financial and labour goals were met and exceeded
- Oversaw front of house operations and team development to ensure exceptional guest experience was always executed
- Managed a +$100k inventory and international wine program
- Conducted in depth weekly wine seminars for the entire team.
Assistant General Manager/Sommelier
Estia (Scale Hospitality)
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Worked directly with General Manager to ensure Front of House Operations was running smoothly in all aspects
- Developed genuine relationships with all guests to drive guest retention through exceptional dining experiences
- Developed and maintained wine program in line with restaurant ethos and cuisine style
- Developed and executed detailed wine training programs to equip staff with knowledge and confidence to relay to their guests.
Floor Manager/Sommelier
Figo (Scale Hospitality)
08.2015 - 11.2016
- Worked closely with General Manager to ensure smooth services, while driving wine sales and maximizing guest experience
- Developed and maintained an Italian driven wine program of +$60K
- Successfully met Cost of Goods Budgets as set by the Director of Operations
- Introduced and nurtured a lasting wine culture among staff and regular guests of the restaurant.
Server
Patria (Scale Hospitality)
10.2014 - 07.2015
- Provided exceptional guest experiences as a section waiter
- Quickly promoted to Manager/Sommelier for a sister restaurant opening.
Server
Terroni
07.2008 - 09.2014
- Worked at multiple locations over tenure with Terroni
- Recognized by management and guests for attentive and exemplary service, and routinely excelled at any server sales contests.
Education
DipWSET -
IWEG
Arts and Contemporary Studies BA (Hon) -
Ryerson University
06.2014
Timeline
Corporate Sommelier
Scale Hospitality
09.2021 - Current
General Manager/Sommelier
Lapinou (Scale Hospitality)
08.2019 - 09.2021
Assistant General Manager/Sommelier
Byblos (Scale Hospitality)
01.2017 - 08.2019
Assistant General Manager/Sommelier
Estia (Scale Hospitality)
01.2016 - 12.2016
Floor Manager/Sommelier
Figo (Scale Hospitality)
08.2015 - 11.2016
Server
Patria (Scale Hospitality)
10.2014 - 07.2015
Server
Terroni
07.2008 - 09.2014
DipWSET -
IWEG
Arts and Contemporary Studies BA (Hon) -
Ryerson University
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