Takehiro Murai
Minneapolis
Summary
Food Science Ph.D. with expertise in fermentation, analytical chemistry, and consumer sensory research, complemented by leadership experience as Assistant Manager and Beverage Director in fine dining. Skilled in project management, scientific communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Recognized for deep knowledge of sake brewing and Japanese whisky, curating beverage programs, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Adept at bridging academic rigor with hospitality operations to create innovative, culturally grounded, and profitable beverage strategies.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager/Beverage Director
Kado no Mise/Gori Gori Peku/Sanjusan
Minneapolis
01.2025 - Current
- Directed the beverage program of three different restaurant concepts involving cocktails, wine, Japanese whisky, and sake.
- Directed the drink pairing for the fine dining sector of the business, Kado no Mise.
- Trained bartenders, servers, hosts, and food runners for all three sectors of the business.
- Cost analysis of the beverage program.
- Event coordination.
- Staff scheduling.
- Payroll and day-to-day cash handling.
Server
Kado no Mise/Gori Gori Peku/Sanjusan
Minneapolis
03.2023 - 12.2024
- Bartender at the Japanese whisky bar, Gori Gori Peku.
- Barback at the Italian Japanese fusion sector of the business, Sanjusan
- Server at the fine dining sushi sector of the business, Kado no Mise.
Product Development Intern
Base Foods
Tokyo
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Worked on formulating a high-protein and micronutrient instant noodle product.
Education
Ph.D. - Food Science
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN09-2025
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN05-2021
Skills
- Product development
- Beverage management
- Customer service
- Team training
- Event coordination
- Cost analysis
- Staff development
- Research methodology
Languages
Japanese
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant General Manager/Beverage Director
Kado no Mise/Gori Gori Peku/Sanjusan
01.2025 - Current
Server
Kado no Mise/Gori Gori Peku/Sanjusan
03.2023 - 12.2024
Product Development Intern
Base Foods
05.2020 - 08.2020
Ph.D. - Food Science
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Minnesota
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