25-Year Las Vegas Hospitality Pro & Career Bartender
Meeting Rich Macias: A Bartender’s Legacy
About Me
I’m Rich Macias — a Las Vegas native and seasoned bartender with over 25 years of experience delivering the kind of energy, precision, and guest-first hospitality that defines this city.
From two decades at The Mirage to recent poolside seasons at the Palms, I’ve consistently brought professionalism, presence, and charisma to every shift. Whether behind the bar at a high-profile banquet, mixing cocktails during a sold-out concert, or connecting with guests under the Vegas sun, I’m known for my ability to thrive under pressure while making people feel welcome, seen, and taken care of.
My strengths go beyond pouring drinks — I focus on bar organization, guest flow, team rhythm, and keeping service smooth even in the busiest environments. I’m licensed, union-certified, and experienced with both fast-paced volume and VIP-level service. I take pride in elevating every role I step into — whether it’s building a clean, well-branded bar setup, training newer staff, or contributing to the success of major resort events.
Open to New Opportunities – October 2025
I’m currently open to new opportunities in hospitality and events beginning October 2025. Whether you're building an all-star bar team or seeking a trusted face for high-profile guest service, I’d love to connect.
I'm seeking opportunities in:
- High-end bar service
- Resort or event bartending
- VIP host roles
- Brand ambassador positions
- Hospitality leadership roles
I’m committed to showing up sharp, steady, and ready to elevate your team.
Current Bartending Position
Pool Model Bartender – Palms Casino Resort -2025 Season
- High-energy, fast-paced outdoor service environment
- Focus on VIP clientele, team collaboration, and brand-level guest moments
- Former Special Events Representative – Palms Casino
- Assist with casino tournaments and hosted VIP events
- Specifically selected to represent the Palms Pool Bartending team for special events including private Yelp, Social Media Events, In House Concerts and More, bringing the high VIP standards to every event day.
Key Bartending Skills
- Exceptional Customer Service:
Skilled in effective communication and problem-solving to promptly address guest needs, ensuring a welcoming and memorable experience. - Leadership in High-Volume Settings:
As an A-list banquet bartender at the Mirage for 21 years, Experience leading teams of bartenders and apprentices to set up, execute, and break down high-volume events, ensuring continuous successful events.
- Thriving Under Pressure:
Proven ability to excel in fast-paced environments by collaborating effectively with teams to deliver exceptional service under high-pressure conditions. - Creative Mixology and Specialty Cocktails:
Expertise in crafting tropical inspired cocktails, including themed specialty drinks and visually appealing presentations for VIP events. - Bar Display and Marketing:
Experience in designing inspiring specialty bar displays and creating custom signage, menus, and marketing materials for VIP and Special Events. - Bilingual Communication:
Fluently bilingual in English and Spanish, adept at engaging with diverse local and international guests. - Outdoor Service Expertise:
Adaptable to fluctuating conditions, excelling in high temperature and fast-paced outdoor environments while maintaining consistent guest satisfaction.
Professional Food & Beverage Career Highlights
Employment Experience
Model Pool Bartender
Palms Hotel Casino Resort – 2025 Season
Delivered fast, high-volume cocktail service in a luxury pool environment. Engaged guests with energy, product knowledge, and professionalism while maintaining a clean, visually appealing bar. Supported setup, inventory, and special event execution in extreme outdoor conditions.
Special Events Representative
Palms Hotel Casino Resort – Fall/Winter 2024
Promoted post-pool season to support casino tournaments and high-profile promotions. Managed logistics, guest services, and interdepartmental coordination for events like $10K slot and $100K baccarat tournaments.
Food Runner – Pool Operations
Palms Hotel Casino Resort – 2024 Season
Assisted in efficient poolside food delivery, cabana prep, and event support at Sammy’s Island. Contributed to seamless guest service in a fast-paced, outdoor setting.
Banquet Bartender
Various Las Vegas Resorts – 2001 to Present
Served over 3,000 banquet events across premier venues including The Mirage, Fontainebleau, Durango, Aliante, and Suncoast. Experienced in weddings, VIP concerts, fundraisers, and corporate events. Recognized for speed, reliability, and polished service under pressure.
Apprentice Bartender
The Mirage – 1999 to 2001
Completed the Bartenders Union apprenticeship, assisting with full bar setup, supply prep, and equipment maintenance.
Seasonal Bar Decor Created by Rich Macias – Palms Pool
For the 4th of July 2025, I Designed festive 4th of July bar arrangements featuring themed florals and custom 5x7 signage with QR codes linking to menus and specials. These bar arrangements enhanced our guest experience through creative visuals and clever marketing touchpoints.
Looking ahead to new Food & Beverage opportunities in Fall 2025 — bringing creativity, sales focus, and high-energy hospitality to any casino or resort team.
Customized Banquet Beverage Menus | The Mirage Hotel & Casino
Banquet Beverage Menu Signs at The Mirage
Designed by Rich Macias for The Mirage Banquet Beverage Department, this professional signage set was used for several years across high-profile events. The collection included:
- Cash Bar Signs – Streamlined for quick guest reference during fast-paced service.
- Wine Bar Signs – Elegant layout featuring house and premium wine selections.
- Hosted Bar Signs – Clear breakdown of tiered liquors and featured brands for VIP functions.
Approved by banquet leadership, these designs became a standard across Mirage operations—reflecting Rich’s eye for guest flow, service efficiency, and clean visual presentation.
Thank you for exploring my work experience
I take great pride in delivering high-energy, guest-focused service and bringing a strong team spirit to every role I take on.
As I look forward to new opportunities beginning in October 2025, I welcome the chance to connect with teams and leaders who value professionalism, creativity, and authentic guest connection.
If you believe I’d be a great fit for your team or upcoming events, I’d love to hear from you.
Cheers,
Rich Macias
Poolside Model Bartender | Mixologist | Las Vegas
Phone: 📞 (702)371-3573
Email: 📧 Rich@LifeinLV.com
Website: 🌐 www.LifeinLV.com