Gary Porquez
Dubai
Summary
With over 15 years of international expertise in luxury hospitality, specialty coffee, and beverage innovation, I am a dynamic and award-winning beverage professional. My career is decorated with achievements, including a Gold Medal in Mixology in the UAE in 2019. I specialize in menu development, brand building, product innovation, staff training, and international brand representation, skillfully merging culinary creativity with strategic business insights to forge distinctive beverage experiences and lead diverse teams to success. At The Base Beverage in Dubai, I provided top-tier dining consultation, guiding clients in beverage selection and menu design, and aiding food service partners to seamlessly integrate powdered base beverages into their establishments. My strategic contributions significantly uplifted the dining experience. As a dining consultant for the Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport, I enhanced luxury service by refining fine dining arrangements, beverage pairings, and service workflows for VIP sections. My expertise also benefited the Millennium Hotel in Dubai, where I worked closely with F&B management to advance menu development and guest dining strategies, while bolstering staff training to underscore the essential relationship between food and beverage in hospitality.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Beverage Expert & Brand Ambassador
The Base Beverage
01.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded menu innovation and cocktail recipe development, aligning with the latest industry trends.
- Executed international product demonstrations, masterclasses, and client presentations, enhancing brand education and engagement.
- Served as a brand ambassador at global events, elevating the company's international profile.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on new product launches, contributing to strategic beverage initiatives.
F&B Manager
Millennium Hotel (Queen Bean)
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Managed daily operations of food and beverage department, ensuring high-quality service and guest satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented beverage costing strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining competitive pricing.
- Led comprehensive staff training programs focusing on service excellence, cocktail crafting, and coffee preparation techniques.
- Curated and introduced seasonal menus, incorporating premium offerings to enhance the dining experience and meet market trends.
Founder | Consultant
Pour Kiss Brew Specialty Coffee
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Founded and established a specialty coffee shop brand, overseeing all aspects from inception to launch.
- Conceptualized and designed the coffee shop's menus, ensuring a balance of creativity and cost-effectiveness.
- Developed original recipes, aligning with brand values and customer preferences.
- Conducted comprehensive training for baristas, chefs, and service staff to deliver exceptional service standards.
- Crafted and implemented brand identity initiatives, enhancing the overall guest experience and brand loyalty.
- Strategized and executed guest experience enhancements, fostering a welcoming and memorable atmosphere.
Beverage Manager Specialist
SAID DAL 1923 Byond Concept
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Oversaw operations of 10 café locations across the UAE and Italy, ensuring consistent quality and service standards.
- Fostered international collaboration with Italian partners to drive beverage innovation and expand product offerings.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for staff on coffee and cocktail preparation, service protocols, and customer engagement.
- Implemented strategic menu engineering techniques to enhance customer experience and successfully increase revenue.
- Managed inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and reducing costs.
- Collaborated with the culinary team to pair beverages with menu items, enhancing the dining experience.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate goals, performance expectations, and company updates.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or customer experience.
Head Waiter | Head Bartender | Head Barista | In-
Emirates First Class Lounge (EKFC)
05.2010 - 07.2020
- Progressed through a series of leadership roles within luxury airline hospitality, demonstrating a strong ability to adapt and excel in high-end service environments.
- Conceptualized and implemented innovative cocktail and coffee programs tailored for first-class airline lounges, enhancing the customer experience.
- Led comprehensive staff training initiatives to uphold and exceed premium beverage service standards, ensuring consistent quality across all operations.
- Managed VIP guest dining operations with a focus on personalized service and attention to detail, contributing to a memorable and distinguished guest experience.
- Recognized as a Gold Medalist Mixologist in the UAE in 2019, showcasing expertise and creativity in mixology.
- Oversee the scheduling of staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours
- Collaborate with kitchen and management teams to optimize service flow and guest satisfaction
Kitchen Chef, Bartender, Barista
Chili's Kuwait
Kuwait
02.2007 - 01.2010
- Orchestrated comprehensive onboarding and training programs for new kitchen staff, enhancing culinary skills and enforcing food safety protocols.
- Mastered the execution of diverse menu items, ensuring high-quality and consistent presentation during peak service times, with a focus on grilled specialties and signature dishes.
- Demonstrated expertise in mixology, creating both classic and innovative cocktails, while efficiently managing bar inventory and setup.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by offering personalized beverage recommendations and fostering a welcoming bar atmosphere.
- Excelled in the preparation of specialty coffee and espresso drinks, maintaining a balance of speed and quality to meet the demands of a busy café environment.
- Recognized with the EID Chef of the Year award in 2008 for exemplary culinary achievements and inventive approach to menu development.
Catering Consultant and Event Specialist
El Vista Catering Services
Laguna
02.2004 - 01.2007
- Managed food and menu costing to ensure profitability while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Designed and decorated venues to create bespoke atmospheres for weddings, corporate events, and private functions.
- Coordinated with culinary and service teams to ensure seamless guest experiences at events.
- Customized event menus to accommodate client preferences and dietary needs.
- Trained event staff in fine dining service protocols and banquet execution.
- Oversaw vendor relations and logistics to optimize event flow and client satisfaction.
- Recognized for innovative thematic dining concepts and enhancing venue aesthetics.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Management
Lyceum of The Philippines
Manila, Philippines10-2000
Skills
- Beverage innovation
- Brand strategy
- Product demonstrations
- Menu development
- Inventory management
- Staff training
- Event coordination
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Leadership skills
- Adaptability
- Public speaking
- Team leadership
- Performance improvement
- Marketing strategies
Timeline
Beverage Expert & Brand Ambassador
The Base Beverage
01.2024 - Current
F&B Manager
Millennium Hotel (Queen Bean)
01.2024 - 09.2024
Founder | Consultant
Pour Kiss Brew Specialty Coffee
01.2023 - 01.2024
Beverage Manager Specialist
SAID DAL 1923 Byond Concept
01.2020 - 01.2023
Head Waiter | Head Bartender | Head Barista | In-
Emirates First Class Lounge (EKFC)
05.2010 - 07.2020
Kitchen Chef, Bartender, Barista
Chili's Kuwait
02.2007 - 01.2010
Catering Consultant and Event Specialist
El Vista Catering Services
02.2004 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Computer Management
Lyceum of The Philippines
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