Kara MacKinder
Service And Hospitality Industry Professional
Louisville
Summary
Experienced Dynamic and results-driven professional with 15 years of experience in various roles, including Bartender, Mixologist, Liquor Sales Representative, Event Bartender, Cocktail & Bourbon Educator, Bar Program Curator, and General Manager. Proven track record of exceeding sales goals by delivering exceptional customer experiences and cultivating strong client loyalty. Recognized for excellence in service, operational efficiency, task management, delegation, and fostering high-performing teams. Currently seeking growth opportunities in the event industry to expand my expertise and advance my career.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
General Manager
Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub
09.2024 - Current
- Played a key leadership role in the successful opening of the restaurant, helping establish operational systems and team culture from the ground up.
- Responsible for hiring, training, and managing a full front- and back-of-house staff.
- Led all catering and reservation operations, including handling inquiries, coordinating bookings, managing logistics, and ensuring seamless execution of in-house events and off-site catering deliveries.
- Oversaw administrative functions such as scheduling, payroll processing, inventory control, vendor ordering, and sales/profit tracking.
- Implemented systems for improved organization and operational efficiency across all departments.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for large parties and private events, ensuring exceptional customer service and smooth coordination between departments.
- Fostered a collaborative and high-performance team environment focused on accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Cocktail Specialist & Event Bartender
Angel’s Envy Distillery
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Crafted signature cocktails for tour guests as part of the post-experience hospitality program, emphasizing premium bourbon and seasonal ingredients.
- Played a key role in developing and executing seasonal cocktail menus, including R&D, batching, prep, and presentation standards.
- Served as lead bartender for a wide range of private and public events, including rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings, and exclusive Angel’s Envy-hosted experiences.
- Represented the Angel’s Envy brand at off-site events, engaging with the public and clientele to promote the product through expertly crafted cocktails and brand storytelling.
- Excelled in high-volume service environments, maintaining speed, consistency, and hospitality under pressure.
- Taught hands-on cocktail classes and guided bourbon tasting experiences, offering education on mixology techniques, spirit knowledge, and brand history.
- Maintained inventory, prepped ingredients, and ensured bar readiness for daily service and large-scale events.
Server & Bartender
Bar Vetti
05.2022 - 06.2023
- Fast-tracked from server to bartender due to strong performance and service excellence.
- Provided elevated service in a fine dining environment, with attention to detail and guest experience.
- Executed craft cocktails with precision, consistency, and speed.
- Gained advanced product knowledge in bourbon, amari, and wine through hands-on experience and continued education.
Bartender / Events / Trainer
Copper & Kings Distillery
03.2021 - 05.2023
- Served as bartender and trainer for the rooftop bar, restaurant, and private events, delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Coordinated bar service for private and on-site events, managing setup, execution, and team support for weddings, tastings, and corporate functions.
- Played a key role in training new bartenders on cocktail execution, service standards, and prep techniques.
- Contributed to a prestigious bar program featuring 30+ specialty and classic cocktails.
- Maintained expert-level knowledge of mixology, batching, and ingredient preparation.
- Educated in the distillery’s formal production process to enhance guest engagement and brand storytelling.
Bartender / Server
Against the Grain Brewery
04.2019 - 05.2022
- Delivered engaging, educational service to tourists and locals in a high-traffic brewery setting.
- Provided in-depth knowledge of in-house beer styles and brewing processes.
- Maintained a full-service craft cocktail bar alongside beer-focused service.
- Excelled in high-volume environments during peak tourist seasons and live events.
- Created a concierge-style guest experience by tailoring recommendations and guiding tastings.
Sales Professional
Heidelberg Distributing
10.2016 - 03.2019
- Managed sales, promotions, and maintenance for over 50 on- and off-premise accounts.
- Coordinated diverse events and tastings, including craft beer and fine wine showcases.
- Opened 25 new accounts in the first year, expanding the customer base significantly.
- Increased territory sales by 30% through strategic account development and relationship building.
Bartender / Server
Mellow Mushroom
07.2013 - 10.2016
- Assisted in training staff and contributed to the successful opening of a new location.
- Fast-tracked from server to bartender and leadership roles due to strong performance.
- Supported customer service, sales, and creative bar direction in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Developed adaptive bartending skills to meet evolving demands and maintain efficient service.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Major
Western Kentucky University
01.2011 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Major
Columbia College Chicago
01.2010 - 01.2011
Skills
Known for consistently bringing creativity and energy to the workplace
Enthusiastic about adaptation and driving creative change
Successfully opened and managed a new restaurant in Louisville, KY
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace
Experienced in catering and reservation coordination
Passionate about advancing a career in event curation and coordination
Extensive experience in craft spirits promotion and education
Professional Accomplishments
Winner of the Mellow Mushroom, Inc "Home Grown Picks" National cocktail competition (2015), Selected for Training Coordination at Outback Steakhouse and Mellow Mushroom, Assistant Bar Program Curator for Mellow Mushroom, Against The Grain and Angels Envy Finishing Room Bar, Lead Cocktail Class Educator for Public Events Experiences at Angels Envy, 5 time winner of 1000$ net sales in one shift at Outback Steakhouse
Timeline
General Manager
Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub
09.2024 - Current
Cocktail Specialist & Event Bartender
Angel’s Envy Distillery
06.2023 - 08.2024
Server & Bartender
Bar Vetti
05.2022 - 06.2023
Bartender / Events / Trainer
Copper & Kings Distillery
03.2021 - 05.2023
Bartender / Server
Against the Grain Brewery
04.2019 - 05.2022
Sales Professional
Heidelberg Distributing
10.2016 - 03.2019
Bartender / Server
Mellow Mushroom
07.2013 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Major
Western Kentucky University
01.2011 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Major
Columbia College Chicago
01.2010 - 01.2011