REY’S PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Hospitality operator, bar program director, and creative with over a decade of experience building and scaling concepts across Chicago.

Work spans from neighborhood bars to James Beard–recognized programs, with a focus on concept development, operational systems, and high-volume execution. Known for building bar programs that perform in real service environments, from full-scale openings to turning around underperforming venues.

Experience includes leading beverage programs, developing nightlife concepts, integrating cultural identity into hospitality spaces, and creating systems that hold up under pressure. Background also includes media, content production, and marketing through the Ed Eats platform, generating millions of views and driving real-world traffic to venues.

EXPERIENCE

Founder – Rey Hospitality
2021 to Present

Founded a full-service hospitality consulting group focused on bar programs, concept development, and operational systems.

• Built and consulted on bar programs from concept through execution

• Developed full cocktail programs, prep systems, and service structures

• Worked across nightlife, restaurant, and cultural concepts throughout Chicago

• Integrated branding, content, and marketing into hospitality builds

• Delivered programs designed for consistency, scalability, and profitability

Managing Director – Nexem Group (Chitiva)
2023 to 2024

Led development of Chicago’s first THC lounge concept in Wicker Park.

• Designed concept, space, and overall guest experience

• Managed operations including hiring, staffing, and team development

• Opened multiple locations and collaborated with Michelin pastry chef Steve Krizman

• Built and executed marketing strategy and brand positioning

• Increased venue traffic and engagement through experiential programming

• Worked directly with local authorities to ensure compliance and safety

Chief Marketing Officer – Vintage Nightlife Productions
2018 to 2026

Oversaw branding, marketing, and growth for multiple nightlife venues.

• Developed brand identity and positioning for Brando’s, King of Cups, Esmeralda’s, and Brando’s Lincoln Park

• Increased engagement and visibility through targeted campaigns and content strategy

• Built and scaled social media presence across multiple venues

• Integrated marketing into operations and guest experience

Beverage Director – Storyville Chicago
2021 to 2025

Brought in to rebuild and stabilize a struggling high-volume cocktail bar in River North.

• Led full program overhaul including bar layout, service flow, and execution

• Hired, trained, and restructured staff

• Built draft cocktail and draft beer programs

• Rebuilt back bar and full spirits program

• Created SOPs, inventory systems, and operational standards

• Developed wine program and integrated it into service

• Turned around an underperforming concept into a high-functioning operation

• Program and venue featured across Chicago news networks

Beverage Director – Lulu’s Speakeasy
2024 to 2025

Concepted and built a secondary bar beneath Storyville to activate unused space.

• Developed full concept rooted in prohibition-era culture and Lulu White

• Built a sex-positive, immersive speakeasy environment

• Created a cocktail program designed for single bartender execution

• Developed a 100+ cocktail menu using classic techniques and house syrups

• Integrated burlesque and vaudeville performances into programming

• Created “The Blue Book” as part of the concept identity

• Increased revenue by activating previously unused square footage

• Featured on NBC

Beverage Director – Esmeralda’s
2020 to 2023

Built and operated the first cocktail-focused bar on Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park.

• Developed full cocktail program including fresh juice, tiki, and classic builds

• Built frozen cocktail program designed for high-volume service

• Curated rum-focused back bar and established brand relationships

• Created house infusions, syrups, and prep systems

• Managed hiring, training, and day-to-day operations

• Programmed large-scale events tied to Puerto Rican Fest and neighborhood parades

• Collaborated with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center

• Built a strong music identity with house and salsa, including performances by Ron Carroll and other Chicago house artists

• Maintained control of the space in a challenging environment, including direct involvement in security and guest management

• Established a consistent crowd and strong neighborhood recognition

Bartender / Consultant – King of Cups
2019 to 2020

• Assisted in early-stage development of the concept and bar program

• Created thematic cocktail menus tied to the identity of the space

• Consulted on seasonal menu updates and conducted workshops

• Contributed to marketing and social media strategy

Bartender – Brando’s Speakeasy
2019 to 2020

• Consulted on seasonal cocktail menus and program updates

• Built strong guest relationships and repeat clientele

• Supported team training and execution

Bartender / Consultant – The Violet Hour
2017 to 2019

• Worked within a James Beard–recognized bar program

• Collaborated with leadership on FOH and BOH standards

• Supported high-level service execution and operational consistency

• Built a long-term working relationship with the venue

Bartender – The Aviary (Alinea Group)
2017

• Trained across FOH and BOH operations in a globally recognized program

• Gained experience in advanced cocktail techniques and execution

• Worked alongside industry-leading professionals in high-end hospitality

Head Bartender – Trenchermen
2016 to 2017

• Assisted in cocktail development, inventory, and training

• Improved operational efficiency and cost control

Bar Manager – Ada Street
2016 to 2018

• Curated boutique wine program and cocktail offerings

• Improved ambiance, guest experience, and service flow

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Masada – Bar Manager (2014 to 2016)

• Opening team

• Trained under Violet Hour and Aviary alumni

• Developed understanding of modern classic cocktails and advanced techniques

• Increased beverage sales and refined program structure

The Drifter – Bartender (2018 to 2020)

• Maintained high cocktail standards in an intimate, concept-driven environment

• Focused on guest experience and consistency

Untitled Supper Club – Bartender (2019 to 2020)

• Worked in a high-volume, fast-paced nightlife setting

• Trained new hires and maintained cocktail standards

• Assisted in inventory management and cost control

Xoco Bistro – Bartender (Opening Team, 2014)

• Worked alongside Chef Rick Bayless and Chef Andres Padilla

• Supported craft cocktail program in a high-level culinary environment

Chicago’s Dog House – Director of Marketing / PR (2013 to 2015)

• Managed festivals, social media, and television marketing

• Increased brand visibility and engagement

Beatnik – Server (2018 to 2019)

• Worked in a high-volume, chef-driven concept

• Supported FOH service and guest experience

La Josie – Server (2017 to 2018)

• Assisted in FOH operations and service flow improvements

Victor Bar – Consultant (2016)

• Streamlined bar back operations and improved efficiency

Host, Producer, Editor – Ed Eats
2021 to Present

• Created and hosted a culinary and bar-focused series

• Generated over 20 million views across platforms

• Built a following of over 50K across social media

• Featured in major media outlets

• Drives real-world traffic and exposure for hospitality businesses

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Chicago Magazine – Top Ten Hottest Restaurants

• TimeOut Chicago – Best Bars

• Noms Magazine – Best Speakeasies in Chicago

MEDIA FEATURES

NBC Chicago, WGN, ABC News, NewsNation, Block Club Chicago, Chicago Reader (Best TikTok 2024)

EDUCATION

Culinary Arts Management – Moraine Valley
2007 to 2009

SKILLS

Operations: Inventory, SOP development, hiring, training, service flow, cost control
Beverage: Cocktail development, spirits curation, wine programs, beer programs, cannabis integration
Marketing: Social media, content creation, branding, event programming
Leadership: Team development, conflict resolution, high-pressure environments