Fiona Laroche
Bar Manager | Beverage Program Development & Hospitality Operations
Sussex Cask Room
Dear Hiring Team,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Bar Manager position at Sussex Cask Room. With a dedicated background directing beverage operations and guest service in Ottawa, I have focused on building cohesive front-of-house teams, maintaining rigorous cost controls, and curating thoughtful cocktail programs that elevate the guest experience while driving sustainable profitability.
In my current role as Bar Manager at Copper & Thistle Lounge, I oversee front-of-house operations, staff scheduling, and beverage inventory for a 120-seat downtown venue. To address product loss, I implemented digital scale inventory audits and standardized batching guides, successfully reducing pouring variance from 9.2% to 3.8% over twelve months. In addition, I lead and mentor a team of 14 bartenders, barbacks, and floor servers through monthly tasting sessions and speed-of-service drills, fostering a culture of technical precision, consistency, and compliance with AGCO regulations.
Operational efficiency and menu design have been central to my work across high-volume environments. Through a dedicated bar prep and batching initiative, I standardized recipes for house syrups, infusions, and clarified citrus into clear batch sheets, which reduced per-cocktail ticket assembly times by 35 seconds during peak evening hours. Collaborating closely with regional craft producers, I also introduced seasonal offerings and an 18-tap draught program that grew beverage sales by 14% year-over-year. I look forward to bringing this balanced focus on service speed, inventory discipline, and team mentorship to Sussex Cask Room.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my operational background and bar leadership can support the continued growth of Sussex Cask Room.
Sincerely,
Fiona Laroche