Alex Durden
Austin,TX
Summary
Well-rounded, seasoned service industry & sales professional with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Looking for the opportunity to build and strengthen the customer base of an established brand while advancing my career goals. I bring passion and integrity in my work, a fun, positive attitude and a nuanced understanding of customer service and expectations. I am a versatile, hard worker unafraid of new challenges and concepts.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Miraval
Austin, TX
10.2025 - Current
- Managed setup and breakdown of restaurant bar and pool bar operations
- Memorized two distinct cocktail menus
- Performed food preparation and service at pool bar efficiently
- Assisted management with inventory counting to maintain accurate stock levels
- Crafted and served cocktails in high-volume environment, meeting guest expectations
- Provided exceptional service to enhance guest experiences
Captain
Hestia ✽
Austin, Texas
11.2023 - 01.2025
- Developed sommelier-level knowledge of Hestia's renowned wine program- memorizing new brands & grape varietals weekly, often on a last minute basis as wines frequently rotated
- Served as captain over our 13 course tasting menu with wine pairings- gave Michelin star-awarded service
Carrier Sales Representative
Arrive Logistics
Austin, TX
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Tracked shipments from pickup to delivery, communicating accurate load, appointment & rate information with carrier.
- Negotiated rates with carriers and communicated details to sales team
- Developed & negotiated committed capacity networks with carriers to generate consistent revenue & commission
- Coordinated with sales, network and operations teams to develop network capabilities.
- Utilized strategic sales techniques and worked directly with strategic sales team to develop & fully utilize carrier capacity.
- Built strong, professional relationships through identification of client needs, which increased overall sales and opportunities.
Server / Garden Manager
Trattoria Sofia
Houston, TX
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Took on the paid role of garden manager with full creative control over all plants and garden features including building & maintaining a koi pond at request of investor, designing container gardens and maintaining landscape shrubbery
- Helped open the restaurant from day 1, became a core team member/trainer and regularly opened/closed shifts
- Helped create the training program that is used today to train new hires
- Attended weekly wine classes and memorized details of dozens of regions & tasting notes for a menu boasting Houston's largest selection of Italian red wines
Server
One Fifth
Houston, TX
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Worked throughout 3 transitions of restaurant concepts and memorized 3 entirely new menus of food & drinks in an established and well known Houston food institution.
- Participated in weekly wine tastings & increased knowledge of wines from around the world.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
Server
Verdine
Houston, TX
08.2020 - 03.2021
- Educated guests on daily specials and appetizers, entrees, desserts and other menu items.
- Greeted & sat guests, answered phones and entered Uber Eats orders all while maintaining full service of tables.
- Was responsible for making wine cocktails, pouring beer & executing wine service.
- Handled guests' highly specific allergy and dietary restrictions as they pertained to dining in a vegan restaurant.
Legal Assistant
Kherkher Garcia Law Firm
Houston, TX
03.2020 - 08.2020
- Filed pleadings and required paperwork with court clerk according to strict deadlines.
- Corresponded daily with clients and attorneys.
- Assisted litigation team with trial preparation by conducting research and drafting court documents.
- Performed intake and conducted client interviews, providing documents in both English and Spanish.
- Used computer databases and tax / legal filings to locate persons and compile information for investigations.
- Maintained knowledge on case status, reviewing relevant records and reporting back to clients.
- Sent daily reports of activities and goals completed.
Server
Eunice
Houston, TX
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Educated guests on seasonal / du jour specials and menu offerings
- Led closing duties, including restocking items and signing out other servers
- Discussed alternative selections with chefs for guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions
- Consistently recommended / requested for exceptional service
- Trained newly hired employees
Server
Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
Katy, TX
03.2017 - 07.2018
- Educated guests on daily specials and seasonally rotating/local appetizers, entrees, cocktails and desserts.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies, dietary needs and other special requests.
- Completed opening and closing checklists.
- Was the dedicated daily gardener & landscaper for the large vegetable/herb garden.
- Helped serve bi-monthly 5 course whiskey pairing dinners.
- Created floor charts / assigned sidework as opener/closer.
- General FOH/BOH deep cleaning.
- Effectively handling guests' specific requests in a high-volume, upscale environment.
Server / Bartender
J. Alexander's Restaurant
Houston, TX
02.2016 - 01.2017
- Maintained full knowledge of all current & seasonal menu items, contents and preparation methods.
- Prepared cocktails & wine service.
- Upheld a high standard of cleanliness in all work areas.
- Maintained bar stocks, replenishing daily as necessary.
- Served each guest with a sincere, positive, pleasant and enthusiastic attitude. Made engaging connections with guests to create loyalty.
- Upheld J. Alexander's 32 points of service while serving guests.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Cinco Ranch High School
2012
Skills
- Committed team player
- Organized & efficient in any field
- Courteous, professional demeanor
- Top-Tier, full service dining/sales background
- Strong communication skills
Timeline
Bartender
Miraval
10.2025 - Current
Captain
Hestia ✽
11.2023 - 01.2025
Carrier Sales Representative
Arrive Logistics
01.2023 - 11.2023
Server / Garden Manager
Trattoria Sofia
11.2021 - 12.2022
Server
One Fifth
03.2021 - 11.2021
Server
Verdine
08.2020 - 03.2021
Legal Assistant
Kherkher Garcia Law Firm
03.2020 - 08.2020
Server
Eunice
03.2019 - 03.2020
Server
Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
03.2017 - 07.2018
Server / Bartender
J. Alexander's Restaurant
02.2016 - 01.2017
High School Diploma - undefined
Cinco Ranch High School