AMANI T SANDERS
Sarasota,FL
Summary
Experienced hospitality leader with luxury food and beverage expertise in Forbes Five-Star environments. Skilled in multi-outlet operations, beverage service design, and team leadership. Committed to enhancing global hospitality standards through education and consulting, with a focus on supporting small and BIPOC-owned establishments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Fine Dining Server
131 Main Restaurant
Sarasota, FL
12.2025 - Current
- Fine-dining server providing elevated, guest-focused service with strong menu and wine knowledge.
- Demonstrated precision, professionalism, and seamless execution.
Food and Beverage MIT
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Westlake Village, CA
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Led multi-outlet food&beverage operations across casual, upscale, and banquet settings, managing teams of up to 59 staff while maintaining Forbes Five-Star service standards.
- Supported high-profile events and VIP service in both restaurant and banquet settings, coordinating closely with culinary, sommelier, and event teams to ensure seamless execution.
- Developed and implemented service innovations including a Smoothie of the Day program and standardized espresso recipes, driving guest engagement and beverage revenue.
- Fostered high-performing team cultures through coaching, mentorship, and schedule agility, consistently improving morale, service consistency, and labor alignment.
- Created a digital Facilities Audit Tracker to streamline maintenance communication, reducing downtime and improving crossdepartmental efficiency.
Aquatic Supervisor - Pool Operator
Splashdown Waterpark
Manassas, VA
05.2018 - 08.2021
- Spent four 4 years working my way up from a Lifeguard 1 position to an Aquatic Supervisor and Pool Operator with a certification in Pool & Spa Operations
- Managed a team of twelve to fifteen lifeguards
- Ensured the safety of patrons of an aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies
- Performed routine maintenance on pools and filter systems and ensured proper water chemistry
- Trained in CPR and aquatic emergencies alongside EMS
Hostess - Lead Takeout Specialist - Server
Hyatt Hotels Red Lobster
Manassas, VA
09.2019 - 11.2020
- Worked as a hostess for a few months before promotion to Takeout Specialist
- Promoted to Head Takeout Specialist and fully trained six 6 new Takeout Specialists
- Monitored correct monetary exchange with customers and coordinated meals accurately
- Adhered to guest satisfaction in the restaurant
- Greeted guests upon entry and confirmed their reservations
- Seated guests and ensured proper flow of rotation in front of house
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA05.2024
Skills
- CPR certification
- Payroll management
- Event coordination
- Multi-outlet operations
- Cross-team collaboration
- VIP service delivery
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Wine pairing expertise
- Service innovation strategies
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Bottle service expertise
- Upselling techniques
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership skills
- Guest relations management
- Spa and wellness services
Leadership Experience
National Society for Minorities in Hospitality
National Chair (2023–2024)
National Programs Director (2022–2023)
Chapter President (2020–2022)
- Led national initiatives supporting minority students pursuing hospitality careers
- Coordinated programming, mentorship, and professional development efforts
Thurgood Marshall Scholar Ambassador
Virginia State University | 2020 – 2024
Student Activities Board (TAB)
Executive Board Member
Department of Student Activities (DSA)
Lead Intern
Hospitality Department Culinary Club
Sous Chef
Student Government Association
Student Council Member | 2021-2023
Independent Research
- Conducted independent wine research in the Douro Valley, Portugal, focusing on the history, production, and cultural significance of Port wine.
- Studied heritage viticulture and regional identity within one of the world’s oldest wine regions.
- Published written research and reflections through hospitality research platform and blog, The Hospitality Humanitarian, exploring beverage as a cultural and experiential element of hospitality.
Languages
- English (Native)
- Spanish (B2 proficiency)
- French (A1 proficiency)
Timeline
Fine Dining Server
131 Main Restaurant
12.2025 - Current
Food and Beverage MIT
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
07.2024 - 07.2025
Hostess - Lead Takeout Specialist - Server
Hyatt Hotels Red Lobster
09.2019 - 11.2020
Aquatic Supervisor - Pool Operator
Splashdown Waterpark
05.2018 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Virginia State University