Mary Grace Middlebrooks
Sea Island
Summary
Experienced sommelier and hospitality expert specializing in fine wine and exceptional service. Currently employed at a Forbes 5-star resort, leveraging extensive knowledge of wine and food pairings to enhance luxury dining experiences. Recognized for delivering memorable guest interactions through attentive service and storytelling. Strong background in VIP guest services, event planning, and operations at prestigious venues such as Sea Island Resort and The Little Nell.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sommelier
Sea Island Resort
Sea Island
02.2025 - Current
- Provide personalized wine service across multiple Forbes 5-star restaurants, catering to a high-end clientele.
- Maintain deep working knowledge of an expansive wine list, with expertise in pairing selections based on guest preferences, menus, and seasonal offerings.
- Track and manage bin numbers, wine pricing, and inventory with precision.
- Collaborate with chefs and beverage directors to develop pairings for events and seasonal menus.
- Lead wine education initiatives for front-of-house staff and support training in service standards.
- Deliver seamless, elegant service while walking 20,000+ steps a day on the floor.
VIP Services Specialist
The Cloister at Sea Island
Sea Island
04.2024 - 02.2025
- Managed all communication directly with high-profile clients staying as guests at the resort.
- Maintained positive relationships with departmental directors regarding specific guest requests.
- Collaborated with all internal departments to work through guest requests to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
- Implemented new SOPs in the department, including documentation and record-keeping for guests’ communication.
Food and Beverage Manager & Events Manager
Ocean Forest Golf Club
Sea Island
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Manage all F&B and day-to-day operations within budgeted guidelines and to the highest standards.
- Design exceptional menus in tandem with Chefs and continuously make necessary improvements.
- Implemented new strategies to attract clubhouse members such as theme nights, art exhibitions, wine tastings, cocktails experiences and family friendly events.
- Improve members satisfaction by monitoring consistency of food and beverage quality and presentation as well as quality of service.
- Responsible for weddings and events sales, coordination and execution.
Sales and Events Coordinator
The Little Nell
Aspen
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Provided administrative support to sales and events managers.
- Directed all potential leads through email and phone communication.
- Used systems for hotel management (HMS, Salesforce, CeloPay, Adobe).
Server
The Little Nell
Aspen
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Trained in Forbes 5-Star Standards.
- Provided excellent, anticipatory service to patrons each night by forming connections and building rapport.
- Harnessed in-depth menu knowledge and fine-dining steps of service, in addition to operating a POS terminal.
Server
Aventine
Rome
12.2021 - 11.2022
- Provided a warm, welcoming, and entertaining dining experience for tables of all sizes.
- Completed daily opening and closing duties.
- Demonstrated proficiency in all menus, including liquor and wine.
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Brush Creek Ranch
Saratoga
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Delivered in-depth Forbes 5-Star training to peers in customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Acted as the lead server for the 2021 summer season.
- Worked as liaison for servers and management team.
- Managed and assigned daily side work and opening/closing duties.
Lead Host
Aventine
Rome
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Assigned patrons to tables suitable for needs and restaurant section rotation.
- Led a team of 6 colleagues and trained new hostesses to be capable of working independently.
- Answered the telephone and spoke with guests about our menu, wait times, reservations, comments/complaints, etc.
Retail Assistant and Lead Hostess
Julep Farms
Dillard
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Approached browsing customers to initiate conversations to determine buying preferences.
- Coordinated restocking of the sales floor with current merchandise and accurate signage for current promotions.
- Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
- Trained in opening and closing of a retail store and restaurant.
Student Director
Berry College Gate of Opportunity Scholarship
Mt. Berry
12.2017 - 05.2019
- Managed and delegated to a leadership team of 4 peers.
- Served as a student liaison for 100+ students.
- Planned annual professional development events for 100+ attendees.
Guest Services Assistant and Housekeeping Manager
The Cottages at Berry College
Mt. Berry
06.2017 - 12.2018
- Assigned housekeeping duties to a team of 8 and gave instructions regarding work methods and routines.
- Made and confirmed reservations via email and phone.
- Kept records of room availability and guests accounts, using a computer.
- Computed bills, collected payments, and made changes for guests.
- Purchased groceries and household supplies to keep the kitchen stocked.
Activities Coordinator & Lead Camp Counselor
Doublegate Country Club
Albany
01.2014 - 05.2017
- Planned, organized and executed 'family night' activities for children, such as arts and crafts.
- Assisted in preparing food, and serving meals and refreshments to children.
- Directed camp counselors and delegated tasks to others.
- Responsible for the well-being of 50+ children each week.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Anthropology, Psychology, Family Studies
Berry College
Rome, GA05.2023
Skills
- Staff management and training
- Menu design and wine education
- High-volume dining expertise
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Adaptability in fast-paced environments
- Upselling and cross-selling strategies
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Forbes 5-Star standards
Affiliations
- St. Simons Land Trust Ambassador
Accomplishments
- Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Certification
- Court of Master Sommeliers, Level One
Timeline
Sommelier
Sea Island Resort
02.2025 - Current
VIP Services Specialist
The Cloister at Sea Island
04.2024 - 02.2025
Food and Beverage Manager & Events Manager
Ocean Forest Golf Club
08.2023 - 04.2024
Sales and Events Coordinator
The Little Nell
03.2023 - 08.2023
Server
The Little Nell
12.2022 - 04.2023
Server
Aventine
12.2021 - 11.2022
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Brush Creek Ranch
05.2021 - 11.2021
Lead Host
Aventine
10.2020 - 04.2021
Retail Assistant and Lead Hostess
Julep Farms
06.2020 - 08.2020
Student Director
Berry College Gate of Opportunity Scholarship
12.2017 - 05.2019
Guest Services Assistant and Housekeeping Manager
The Cottages at Berry College
06.2017 - 12.2018
Activities Coordinator & Lead Camp Counselor
Doublegate Country Club
01.2014 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Anthropology, Psychology, Family Studies
Berry College