Christian Salinas

Spanish/English bilingual bartender with 5+ years of experience in high-volume restaurants, sports bars, and luxury private clubs throughout New York. Skilled in craft and classic cocktails, premium wine and spirits service, and creating memorable guest experiences. Recognized for increasing beverage sales through thoughtful upselling, maintaining composure during high-volume service, and building lasting relationships with guests through exceptional hospitality.

Bartender & Server (Private Club) at The Nexus Club (2025-08 – Present)

• Deliver refined, member-focused hospitality in a luxury private club environment.
• Execute premium cocktails, wine, and spirits service for members, guests, and private events.
• Developed advanced knowledge of premium wines, spirits, and elevated cocktail execution.
• Prepare fresh daily juices, house syrups, garnishes, and cocktail ingredients to maintain exceptional quality standards.
• Maintain bar organization, sanitation, inventory, and opening/closing procedures.
• Perform efficiently during high-volume service while maintaining a polished, detail-oriented presence.

Bartender at Coppola's East (2023-09 – 2025-09)

• Delivered attentive hospitality in a busy Italian restaurant while maintaining consistent service standards.
• Strengthened expertise in Italian wines, aperitifs, digestifs, liqueurs, and regional food pairings.
• Crafted seasonal cocktails aligned with menu direction and promotional offerings.
• Assisted with cocktail menu development, happy hour programming, and beverage specials.
• Managed opening and closing procedures, cash reconciliation, restocking, and bar sanitation.
• Maintained speed, accuracy, and professionalism during peak dinner and weekend service.

Bartender at Bar None (2021-07 – 2022-08)

• Delivered high-volume bar service in a 100-seat sports bar, serving 300+ guests on peak nights while maintaining speed, accuracy, and exceptional hospitality.
• Handled major sporting events and high-traffic service periods with efficiency and strong guest engagement.
• Built lasting relationships with regular guests through personable, consistent service.
• Maintained bar organization, cleanliness, restocking, and preparation during peak operations.
• Completed cash handling, opening procedures, and end-of-night closing responsibilities.

Server / Bartender at Brickyard Pub & BBQ (2019-10 – 2021-06)

• Balanced full-service bartending and floor service in a 150-seat restaurant, serving 300+ guests on peak nights while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional guest service.
• Recommended cocktails, beer, whiskey, and food pairings to enhance the guest experience.
• Supported private parties and large events with full-service bar operations.
• Executed opening and closing procedures including prep, inventory, cleaning, and bar organization.
• Maintained strong hospitality standards in a fast-paced college-town environment.

Associate's Degree in Hospitality & Tourism – Niagara University (2022-05)

High School Diploma – Our Lady of Lourdes High School