REY’S PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

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