Abby Stafford
Salem,OR
Summary
Enthusiastic and reliable food service professional with over 5 years of experience ranging from fast-paced high volume restaurants to fine dining including Michelin-starred establishments. Known for attention to detail, deep knowledge of evolving menus and wine pairings, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Adaptable, organized, and consistently commended for a positive attitude and team collaboration.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Runner
Citrin – One Michelin Star
08.2023 - 11.2024
- Delivered food and presented dishes tableside with elegance and professionalism in a timely coreographed manner.
- Collaborated with kitchen and FOH staff to maintain accurate order tracking and presentation standards.
- Participated in nightly restaurant closing including maintaining organized weekly inventory paperwork for food, beverage, and supplies, facilitating accurate record keeping and inventory control.
Food Runner
METEORA – One Michelin Star
12.2022 - 08.2024
- Presented intricate dishes and poured wine tableside, elevating guest experience.
- Memorized and communicated evolving food and wine menus.
- Contributed to a multi-sensory, narrative-driven guest journey.
- Trained new team members on menu items, service protocols, food drop choreography and operational best practices.
Server
Bora Sushi
11.2023 - 05.2024
- Took guest orders using TOAST and BLogic POS systems.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate food preparation and expedite orders effectively.
- Assisted customers with carry-out service.
- Responsible for opening duties.
Server
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Handled high-volume service using TOAST POS.
- Maintained efficiency in a compact, fast-paced environment.
- Ran food and provided attentive guest care.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Responsible for ensuring all opening and closing duties are preformed.
Food Runner / Host
The Rabbit Hole
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Managed seating and reservations during busy live music and sports events.
- Input to-go orders using ALOHA and TOAST POS.
- Assisted as food runner and expo during peak hours.
- Monitored dining area for cleanliness and organization, addressing issues proactively.
Server / Bartender
Sake Japanese Restaurant
01.2020 - 10.2021
- Balanced bartending and full-service duties in a high-volume setting.
- Ensured quality guest experience across large party tables.
- Trained new servers on restaurant protocols and menu knowledge.
- Developed strong relationships with regular customers, encouraging repeat business.
Server
Tekila Cocina Mexicana
12.2018 - 12.2019
- Managed high-volume tables with efficiency and accuracy.
- Trained new staff on menu offerings and service protocols to enhance team performance.
- Implemented upselling techniques to enhance guest experiences and increase overall sales revenue.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Receptionist
dr LASER
05.2016 - 12.2018
- Handled 60+ appointments daily and maintained client communications.
- Ensured accurate records and positive customer interactions.
Market Research Recruiter
Entertainment Works Inc.
02.2015 - 05.2016
- Tracked and recruited candidates for market research projects.
- Advised on successful recruiting and retention strategies.
Education
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OHSkills
- Fine dining service proficiency
- Knowledge of wine pairings
- Culinary presentation
- Fast-paced service management
- Organized table turnover
- Cross-functional teamwork
- POS software proficiency
- Beverage crafting
Accomplishments
- Led wine service for special events, directing team members in setup and execution of curated pairings to ensure consistency, timing, and guest satisfaction.
- Worked closely under direction of Chef Ki Kim, owner of restaurant Ki during our time at Meteora in 2024.
Chef Ki is a recipient of The Michelin Guide California 2025 One Star Award and The Young Chef Award.
Certification
- California Food Handler Certification
- RBS Certification – California
Languages
English (Fluent)
Timeline
Server
Bora Sushi
11.2023 - 05.2024
Food Runner
Citrin – One Michelin Star
08.2023 - 11.2024
Food Runner
METEORA – One Michelin Star
12.2022 - 08.2024
Server
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
05.2022 - 12.2022
Food Runner / Host
The Rabbit Hole
05.2022 - 12.2022
Server / Bartender
Sake Japanese Restaurant
01.2020 - 10.2021
Server
Tekila Cocina Mexicana
12.2018 - 12.2019
Receptionist
dr LASER
05.2016 - 12.2018
Market Research Recruiter
Entertainment Works Inc.
02.2015 - 05.2016
Sinclair Community College
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