Conrad C. Helms IV
Beverage Director
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Accomplished Beverage Director with demonstrable success in orchestrating top-tier beverage programs within Michelin-starred dining establishments. Adept in driving sales, and skilled in beverage program development, inventory management, and vendor relations. Focused on fostering team collaboration and adapting to changing demands to achieve outstanding results. Known for leadership, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to quality.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Beverage Director
Lazy Betty
05.2021 - 04.2026
- Received one of Atlanta’s first Michelin Star Accreditations.
- Spearheaded the comprehensive oversight of the beverage program, encompassing strategic inventory management, procurement in both wine and spirits, and staff training initiatives.
- Did all of the hiring/training for the FOH team roles as well as hired managers, and upheld standards of management.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing competitive pricing on premium products.
- Implemented quarterly menu rotations to showcase seasonal ingredients, keeping offerings fresh and exciting for guests.
- Improved employee retention through effective hiring practices and ongoing staff development programs.
- Collaborated with chefs to design food pairings for specialty cocktails, enhancing guest experience.
- Conceptualized and executed innovative cocktail menus, resulting in a notable 38% augmentation in beverage sales.
- Implemented cost-efficiency measures, effectuating a 15% reduction in beverage expenditures.
- Cultivated robust partnerships with suppliers and distributors to negotiate advantageous pricing structures and secure exclusive product offerings.
- Provided exemplary leadership to a team of bartenders and servers, delivering comprehensive training in product knowledge and service protocols.
- Acknowledged in prominent publications including Forbes, Thrillist, Eater, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution for distinguished expertise in cocktail curation.
- Published features underscore dedication to industry innovation and excellence in beverage craftsmanship.
Beverage Director
Floataway Cafe
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed the bar operations and curated cocktail lists at Floataway Cafe, an esteemed establishment renowned for its French/Italian inspired cuisine and longstanding reputation in the industry for over two decades.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Italian wines and exhibited a keen understanding of farm-to-table culinary concepts, aligning beverage offerings with the restaurant's gastronomic ethos.
- Crafted bespoke cocktails tailored to the discerning palates of long standing patrons, enhancing their dining experiences through personalized libations.
- Maintained meticulous standards of quality and consistency in cocktail preparation, contributing to the establishment's distinguished reputation for excellence in service.
Bartender
Mac McGee’s (O’sullivan’s)
01.2019 - 01.2020
Bar Manager
Dunwoody Tavern
01.2019 - 01.2020
Bar Manager
1920 Tavern
01.2018 - 01.2019
Bar Manager
Bacchus Prime Steakhouse
01.2018
Bartender
The Mill Kitchen and Bar
01.2017
Bar Manager
Local Pie
01.2015 - 01.2017
Harbormaster/Commercial Operations Director
Palmetto Bay Marina
01.2014 - 01.2016
Education
Bachelors of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
Oxford, MS05.2021
I.B. Certificate - Graduate
Norcross High School
Peachtree Corners, GA2010
Skills
- Strategic Beverage Program Development
- Inventory Management
- Staff Training and Development
- Cost control
- Wine List/Pairing Curation
- Supplier negotiations
- Product marketing
- Menu planning
- Pricing strategy
AWARDS
40 under 40 Beverage Insider Magazine
1 Star - 2023 Michelin Award Lazy Betty
1 Star - 2024 Michelin Award Lazy Betty
1 Star - 2025 Michelin Award Lazy Betty
Best Bartender in Atlanta 2023 Atlanta Magazine
Best Bartender in Atlanta (Finalist) 2025 Atlanta Magazine
Certification
Servsafe Certified - Manager
Accomplishments
- Retained a Michelin Star 2023-2025 (3 consecutive years)
- Generated $1.8M in total beverage revenue in 2025.
- Built multiple Beverage Programs from the ground up
- Created an award winning Wine Department (Wine director, Sommeliers, Stewards)
Timeline
Beverage Director
Lazy Betty
05.2021 - 04.2026
Beverage Director
Floataway Cafe
01.2020 - 01.2021
Bartender
Mac McGee’s (O’sullivan’s)
01.2019 - 01.2020
Bar Manager
Dunwoody Tavern
01.2019 - 01.2020
Bar Manager
1920 Tavern
01.2018 - 01.2019
Bar Manager
Bacchus Prime Steakhouse
01.2018
Bartender
The Mill Kitchen and Bar
01.2017
Bar Manager
Local Pie
01.2015 - 01.2017
Harbormaster/Commercial Operations Director
Palmetto Bay Marina
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelors of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
I.B. Certificate - Graduate
Norcross High School