Alma Gartland
Sarasota,FL
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with extensive experience at Holland America Line, specializing in wine pairing and exceptional customer service. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through effective communication and sales promotion techniques. Adept at managing high-volume dining environments while maintaining food safety standards and fostering team collaboration.
Committed job seeker with a history of meeting company needs with consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
First watch
, FL
03.2022 - Current
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
Sommelier
Holland America Line
Seattle, Washington
06.2008 - 07.2020
- Made wine recommendations with knowledge and confidence of correct wine and food pairings.
- Assisted in preparing salads, appetizers and desserts to speed up food service.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Developed extensive knowledge of wines, including flavors, aromas, regions, and winemaking techniques.
- Planned events such as dinners, tastings, and festivals featuring different types of wines.
- Created detailed reports of food pairings and suggested wines for menu items.
- Reviewed wine list regularly in line with current trends, list appeals to diverse customer base.
- Assisted customers with selecting appropriate wines for their meals or special occasions.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Conducted staff training sessions on proper wine service procedures.
- Engaged guests through conversation about the various styles of wines available.
- Organized regular tastings and educational seminars in order to promote new products to customers.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of international wines, characters, and vintage merits along with detailed knowledge of house wines.
- Reviewed wine labels and vintages to recommend the best options for customers.
- Researched new vineyards, wineries, varietals, and vintage releases for potential selection additions.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Provided exceptional customer service by responding quickly and efficiently to inquiries regarding wine selections.
- Created ultimate wine experience by advising guests on wine choices and serving with accuracy and flair.
- Shared wine knowledge with employees, encouraging team to develop wine knowledge through regular training sessions.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Server
Kuramathi Tourist Island Resort
City Of Male , Maldives
06.2005 - 02.2008
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
Education
Associate of Science - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Saint Joseph College
Cavite City , Philippines 03-2002
Skills
- Menu knowledge
- Wine pairing
- Cash handling
- Food safety
- Customer service
- Team collaboration
- Sales promotion
- Time management
- Food preparation
- Communication skills
- Safe food handling
- Sales techniques
- Liquor, wine, and food service
- Hospitality service expertise
- Relationship management
- Wine service
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- High volume dining
- Point of sale (POS) system operations
- Guest engagement
- Beverage preparation
Timeline
Server
First watch
03.2022 - Current
Sommelier
Holland America Line
06.2008 - 07.2020
Server
Kuramathi Tourist Island Resort
06.2005 - 02.2008
Associate of Science - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Saint Joseph College