Tadd Tanji

Experience

• 

  Sabrina's Restaurant

  Jun 2007 - Nov 2011

  Sous Chef & Server

  When you walk through the doors, you are family. Exquisite regional Italian cuisine set on your table with love.

• 

  Ka Leo O Hawai`i

  Apr 2009 - May 2010

  Managing Editor | Chief Copy Editor
• 

  Gazen Izakaya

  Jun 2010 - Feb 2011

  Bartender
• 

  Aloha Medical Mission

  Jun 2010 - Jul 2012

  Overseas Coordinator

  Ensured unimpeded success of humanitarian medical missions to developing APAC countries by gathering and maintaining required credentialing and documentation of healthcare team for Hawaii-based nonprofit organization. Corresponded with overseas ministries of health, local liaisons, and community leaders to optimize administrative and logistical alignment. Harnessed knowledge of medical and dental terminology to create relatable and insightful web content and educational materials for local free clinic. Copyedited and proofread grant proposals, annual appeal, and annual report in accordance with AMA style.Founded in 1983 by Drs. Ramon Sy and Ernesto Espaldon, AMM has sent over 200 teams of surgeons, physicians, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals overseas. Since 2002, AMM has operated Hawaii's only free dental clinic, serving 300+ uninsured and medically indigent patients annually. Show less

• 

  Binny's Beverage Depot

  Dec 2012 - Oct 2014

  Wine Consultant

  Provided expert wine recommendations to customers for largest independent retailer in Midwest. Bolstered profitability and consumer interest by leading wine tastings and expanding selection of lesser-known wines (e.g., Greek, Georgian, Hungarian). Drove high-impact sales by recommending cellar-worthy wines to collectors. Grew loyal clientele base by building and maintaining strong working relationships with new and returning customers.

• 

  Spiaggia

  Oct 2014 - Apr 2021

  Sommelier

  Enhanced profitability of beverage program at Chicago’s only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant by employing skillful salesmanship and a deep understanding of high-end service. Exceeded guest expectations through highly tailored recommendations on wines, spirits, digestifs, and local beers. Built on knowledge, managed inventory, and influenced growth of Wine Spectator-award-winning cellar with 700+ primarily Italian bottle selections.- Developed personal cache of regulars by adapting selling approach to each guest’s desires and managing issue resolution swiftly and adeptly- Maintained guest-specific information to document preferences and anticipate future needs and wants- Filled gaps in underrepresented regions on wine list and adapted purchases of more affordable options to appeal to a wider guest baseSpiaggia, regular recipient of the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator and consistently named one of “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants” by Wine Enthusiast was renowned for its panoramic views of Lake Michigan, impeccable Italian cuisine crafted with the finest ingredients, and an impressive wine program. Spiaggia nurtured culinary talents like Sarah Grueneberg and Joe Flamm, solidifying its legacy as one of Chicago's most beloved and influential Italian dining destinations. Show less

• 

  Ready Reset Go

  Nov 2018 - now

  Résumé Writer | Chief Line & Copy Editor

  I apply deep expertise and knowledge of the hospitality, tech, marketing, healthcare, and nonprofit industries to create a masterpiece of your life's work in a one- or two-paged résumé. With an eye for design and a passion for learning new information in different fields, I will ensure your résumé will rise to the top.I understand the value you bring to your respective field. If you want to be seen, to catch the eyes of the recruiter and hiring manager, let's chat.

• 

  Flavors of Italy

  Apr 2021 - Dec 2021

  Sales Consultant | Social Media Marketing

  Managed 50+ on- and off-premise accounts across Honolulu for boutique importer-distributor specializing in Italian wines, spirits, and specialty food products. Grew lead generation and cultivate strong customer relationships to drive loyalty and expand company footprint. Built expertise on natural wines to advance buyer and consumer interest. Identify and pursue opportunities to penetrate new markets, develop restaurant beverage programs, and enhance sales growth. - Onboarded 6 new accounts within 2 months of hire- Devised and executed aggressive by-the-glass placement initiatives resulting in sales increase of $5K+ per month- Revamped social media marketing strategy—resulted in 34% increase in traffic on Instagram within 1 month Show less

• 

  12th Ave Grill

  Oct 2021 - Jan 2022

  Beverage Director | Menu Design & Marketing

  Managed inventive yet approachable beverage program, oversaw daily operations, and led and coached team of 12 to deliver exceptional guest experiences at upscale neighborhood bistro in Honolulu. Devised and executed menu, wine, and social media marketing strategies that boosted sales and drove guest engagement. Delivered strategic modeling to optimize profitability through labor and inventory. Developed weekly wine pairings in collaboration with culinary management. Led regular staff trainings to foster strong team performance and morale. - Increased monthly sales by $5K+ by developing and executing first-ever program to feature weekly-changing, relatively esoteric wines by the glass- Drove 20% increase in overall sales by strategically overhauling menu and wine list—created enticing copy and redesigned layouts for clarity- Streamlined inventory process to improve accuracy, efficiency, and cost control- Strengthened vendor relationships to secure exclusive pricing and allocations for high-demand items including Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill products Show less

• 

  Merriman's Hawaii

  Mar 2022 - Jul 2023

  Wine Director | Sommelier | Floor Manager

  Guided guests through Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence-winning wine program with 400+ bottle selections for high-volume, fine-dining restaurant on Maui. Coached and mentored FOH staff of 60, managed inventory and wine cost, and helped develop Hawaiian-inspired cocktails. Collaborated with culinary and events teams to ensure seamless success of buyouts, private events, and wine dinners. Edited all restaurant menus and wine list on a daily to weekly basis for accuracy and clarity.- Reduced inventory by $35K while delivering 30% increase in wine sales in 9-month period—played key role in making 2022 most profitable year in restaurant’s 14-year history- Designed new theoretical spreadsheet to enhance cost analysis—presented to corporate beverage director to be adopted companywide Show less

• 

  A16

  Jul 2023 - Jul 2024

  Assistant Wine Director | Service Director

  Managed wine program, service, and overall operations for A16, a beloved Italian restaurant located in San Francisco's Marina District renowned for Neapolitan pizza and regional Italian cuisine. Upheld standards of wine service that define exceptional guest experiences. Managed budgets, purchasing, cost of goods, inventory levels, and predetermined stock requirements. Monthly inventory audits fell under my oversight to maintain tight controls. Drove sales and met projected revenue targets. Show less

• 

  Prima Vini Wine Merchants

  Aug 2024 - now

  Sales & Operations Associate