Alika A Zavala
Irving
Summary
Versatile and guest-focused Hospitality Professional with extensive experience across high-energy sports bars, refined fine-dining, and upscale wine cafes. A dedicated server and bartender who takes pride in mastering menu knowledge and craft mixology to create a true "dining experience" rather than just a meal. Proven ability to lead new store openings, manage complex financial closings, and thrive in team-based service environments. I combine a polished, professional attitude with the strong communication skills needed to build guest loyalty and ensure every shift runs exceptional.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Olive Garden Restaurant
Grapevine, TX
01.2025 - 03.2026
- Dynamic Pace Management: Successfully managed the high-demand "unlimited" service model, ensuring a continuous and timely flow of soup, salad, and breadstick refills for every guest.
- Direct Food Preparation: Took personal responsibility for the assembly and presentation of all table-side salads and soups, maintaining strict quality and portion standards during busy shifts.
- Strategic Upselling & Promotion: Consistently hit targets for guest feedback and promotional deals by effectively communicating current offers and seasonal specials to every table.
- Team-Based Large Party Service: Coordinated with partners to co-serve large parties of seven or more, ensuring synchronized delivery and high-level attention for complex groups.
- Performance Metrics: Maintained top-tier guest satisfaction scores by proactively anticipating needs and resolving any service issues with a professional, "guest-first" mindset.
- Corporate System Adherence: Followed detailed service steps and safety protocols to ensure a consistent, reliable brand experience for every guest.
Server/Bartender
Postino Wine Cafe
Addison Tx
11.2023 - 11.2024
- New Store Launch & Training: Selected as an initial hire for the restaurant opening; completed a rigorous 2-month training program focused on extensive wine knowledge, charcuterie pairings, and brand standards.
- Collective Service Model: Worked within a team-based "tip-share" system, proactively attending to every guest in the building rather than just a specific section to ensure a seamless dining experience.
- Mobile Technology Integration: Utilized Toast tablets for all tableside ordering and payments, improving order accuracy and speeding up communication between the floor, kitchen, and bar.
- Financial Management: Entrusted with closing procedures, including calculating total team earnings, managing cash flow, and ensuring accurate tip distribution for the entire staff at the end of the shift.
- High-Volume Table Management: Balanced a fast-paced environment with a "chill," wine-focused atmosphere, managing multiple tables at once while maintaining a relaxed and welcoming vibe for guests.
- Product Expertise: Provided detailed descriptions of boutique wines and curated bruschetta boards, helping guests navigate the menu based on their personal tastes and preferences.
Server/Bartender
Romanos Macaroni Grill
Plano, TX
02.2020 - 07.2022
- Personalized Guest Service: Welcomed guests and guided them through the menu, offering suggestions on Italian dishes and wine pairings to create a relaxed, high-end experience.
- Bar & Mixology: Managed the bar with care, crafting consistent cocktails and serving wine and beer while maintaining a clean, organized, and inviting bar area.
- Knowledgeable Recommendations: Used a strong understanding of the wine list and menu to help guests make selections, naturally increasing sales through helpful service.
- Polished Service Standards: Focused on the "small things"—proper wine service, timing the courses correctly, and keeping the table organized—to maintain a high level of dining etiquette.
- Teamwork & Communication: Worked closely with the kitchen and other staff to stay updated on specials and ensure every plate came out perfect and on time.
- Consistency & Reliability: Followed all safety and service procedures with a professional attitude, ensuring guests felt well-taken care of from start to finish.
Server
Pluckers Wing Bar
Addison, TX
03.2019 - 04.2021
- High-Volume Service Execution: Facilitated dining experiences in a fast-paced, high-capacity environment, ensuring precise order accuracy and timely delivery while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
- Sales Strategy & Performance: Consistently exceeded sales targets by participating in daily upselling initiatives and beverage competitions, directly contributing to increased store revenue.
- Operational Excellence: Played a pivotal role in a team that achieved the #1 store ranking on three separate occasions by adhering to strict service standards and quality control protocols.
- Conflict Resolution & Guest Relations: Proactively managed guest inquiries and resolved service challenges with a solutions-oriented approach to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Collaborative Teamwork: Communicated effectively with kitchen and floor staff to streamline operations during peak hours, ensuring seamless service flow and a unified team dynamic.
- Compliance & Safety: Maintained rigorous standards for food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations (TABC/equivalent) to ensure a secure and compliant dining environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
MacArthur High School
Irving, TXSkills
Comprehensive Menu Knowledge: Expert at memorizing extensive food, wine, and craft beer menus, including ingredients and allergy information
High-Volume Service: Proven ability to maintain speed and accuracy in fast-paced, high-capacity environments
Wine & Beverage Pairing: Skilled in suggesting wine profiles and artisanal pairings to enhance the guest dining experience
Advanced POS Proficiency: Expert in using Toast (handheld tablets) and traditional POS systems for seamless ordering and payment processing
New Store Openings (NSO): Experienced in launching new restaurant concepts, from intensive initial training to establishing brand culture
Revenue Management: Skilled in calculating end-of-night earnings, managing cash drawers, and coordinating accurate tip distribution for large teams
Sales & Upselling: Consistently meets and exceeds sales goals through suggestive selling and participating in store-wide competitions
Conflict Resolution: Calm and professional when handling guest concerns, ensuring a positive resolution and repeat business
Timeline
Server
Olive Garden Restaurant
01.2025 - 03.2026
Server/Bartender
Postino Wine Cafe
11.2023 - 11.2024
Server/Bartender
Romanos Macaroni Grill
02.2020 - 07.2022
Server
Pluckers Wing Bar
03.2019 - 04.2021
High School Diploma -
MacArthur High School