Big T’s Moonshine BBQ
Big T’s Moonshine BBQ is a local sports bar and BBQ restaurant delivering guests exceptional eats, craft cocktails while promoting and supporting hockey in the PNW. I began work at Moonshine in October of 2015, calling it the night job to pay for the day dream of building Good Mountain Cider Co. Originally I was only planning to serve a few nights a week, but quickly realized I could provide additional benefits through marketing. I created content, managed community communications, and designed promotion campaigns on their social networks.
When a change in management provided the opportunity, I was promoted to the bar and front of house manager where I was responsible for designing an engaging beverage program, hiring, training, and scheduling front of house and event staff as well as developing in-house events. During my tenure I organized, marketed and hosted semi regular Brewer’s Nights featuring beer and cider brewers from around the Puget Sound and PNW.
Roles and Responsibilities
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Developed a craft cocktail menu, managed front of house systems and employees as well as developed strong relationships with regular clientele.
Results:
Managed and created efficiencies in the employee lifecycle process from job creation, interviewing, training and exits. Maintained a front of house service staff with a ~80% employee retention rate over tenure.
Cultivated relationships and managed external vendors for various functions of the business including but not limited to inventory, events, and catering resulting in timely execution and superior customer satisfaction.
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Developed strategic marketing strategy, created promotional activities in partnership with local businesses as well as worked with Seattle Youth Hockey Association to cater onsite fundraising events.
Results:
Developed monthly Brewers/Makers event series, partnering with locally owned breweries, wineries, and distilleries to do interactive tasting experiences for regular patrons.
Created social media strategy and marketing content on existing social networks alongside ownership, as well as cultivated community engagement with followers resulting in 7-10% average engagement and increased event attendance.
Campaigns & Promotions
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One of my favorite programs behind the bar was creating house-infused spirits for our Sunday Bloody Mary special. We held mini competitions between the bar staff and head chefs that customers would vote for placement on the menu.
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Moonshine had 16 taps dedicated to craft beers and ciders. These taps rotated weekly and as bar manager, I was responsible for working with distributors and local producers to keep our menus fresh.
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Brewer's Nights became a huge hit at Moonshine, creating lasting partnerships. Local breweries would in turn host Moonshine's Food Truck at their events.
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Moonshine was also big about giving back to the community whether it be the Youth Hockey Association or surrounding businesses. In 2015 we hosted a complimentary Industry Friendsgiving for hospitality and services workers. We had over 100 people in attendance.
