Ashley Cook
Frankfort,OH
Summary
Proven to excel in fast-paced environments, I leveraged strong multitasking and exceptional communication skills at Olive Garden to enhance guest relations and streamline operations. My adaptability and keen attention to detail led to a significant improvement in order accuracy and customer satisfaction, underscoring my commitment to excellence and team success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
To-Go Server
Olive Garden
04.2021 - Current
- Maintained timely communication with both kitchen staff and customers regarding any potential delays or issues, ensuring transparency and managing expectations effectively.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interfacing with customers over the phone or in-person, resulting in positive feedback and repeat business.
- Provided expert knowledge of menu items and ingredients when interacting with customers, facilitating informed decision-making for their meal choices.
- Managed multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring proper packaging and presentation for each item.
- Arranged items in containers and bags, taking care to segregate items by temperature and optimize loading order to maximize stability of to-go containers and protect food during transportation.
- Expedited food preparation for timely pick-up, ensuring top-notch service for all guests.
- Reviewed orders to determine appropriate delivery inclusions such as utensil type and quantity, napkins, straws, and promotional coupons.
- Served as a reliable team player by covering shifts when necessary to maintain optimal staffing levels during busy periods.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to a well-balanced till at shift''s end.
- Trained new employees on best practices for To-Go Server responsibilities, fostering team efficiency and consistency in service quality.
- Streamlined order assembly by effectively organizing completed dishes and coordinating with kitchen staff during peak hours of operation.
- Increased drink, appetizers, entree, and dessert orders by suggestively selling daily specials or popular items.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to address special dietary needs or requests, maintaining an inclusive dining experience.
- Improved customer loyalty by addressing any concerns or issues promptly and professionally, offering solutions that align with company policies while satisfying guest expectations.
- Washed hands regularly throughout shift to comply with safety and sanitation protocol.
- Supported overall restaurant operations by assisting other team members during high-volume periods as needed, fostering a collaborative work culture.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards through routine cleaning of workstations and dining areas, promoting a safe environment for all patrons.
- Contributed to a positive dining atmosphere by maintaining a clean and organized workspace, enhancing the overall guest experience.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate order processing.
- Coordinated effectively with kitchen staff to prioritize urgent orders, improving overall service speed.
- Trained new staff on to-go service best practices, raising team's performance standards.
- Improved team morale and efficiency with proactive communication and collaboration during peak hours.
- Enhanced customer experience by efficiently managing to-go orders and ensuring accuracy in every request.
- Utilized point-of-sale systems efficiently, reducing transaction times and increasing throughput.
- Fostered positive relationship with delivery services, ensuring smooth and timely order hand-offs.
- Contributed to menu development by providing feedback on customer preferences and trends.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and specials to provide accurate information and recommendations to customers.
- Addressed and resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, restoring customer satisfaction.
- Increased repeat customer rates by providing friendly and attentive service, making every interaction pleasant.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of health and safety protocols, ensuring compliance and protecting all stakeholders.
- Implemented system for double-checking orders before hand-off, drastically reducing errors and customer complaints.
- Streamlined order packing process, significantly reducing wait times for customers.
- Acted as liaison between kitchen and customers, providing real-time updates on order status.
- Managed phone and online orders with high degree of accuracy, ensuring customer satisfaction with every interaction.
- Encouraged upselling strategies among team, subtly increasing average order value.
- Answered to-go order phone calls, conveying menu options over telephone and accurately estimating time of delivery.
- Operated cash register to accept cash, debit and credit card payments from customers.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Utilized POS system to receive and process food and beverage orders.
- Followed safety and sanitation policies while handling food and beverages to uphold proper health standards.
- Cleaned and organized kitchen, dining and service areas.
Host
Olive Garden
01.2019 - 08.2022
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, effectively managing large parties or unexpected events during busy shifts.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly greeting and seating guests upon arrival.
- Provided exceptional customer service by attentively listening to guest needs and promptly addressing any concerns or issues.
- Contributed to team success through effective communication and cooperation with coworkers and management.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Increased restaurant efficiency by maintaining an organized host stand, including menus, reservation logs, and seating charts.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming atmosphere by quickly addressing spills and resetting tables after guest departure.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Facilitated positive first impressions for guests through friendly greetings, professional attire, and genuine enthusiasm for their visit.
- Monitored seating area and checked restrooms regularly to keep spotless.
- Ensured smooth operations during shift changes by communicating relevant information between incoming and outgoing staff members.
- Implemented table rotation system for optimal server workload distribution, resulting in improved service quality.
- Monitored dining area capacity to prevent overcrowding while maximizing available seating during peak hours.
- Consistently upheld company standards and policies, contributing to a positive reputation for the establishment among guests and peers.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of menu offerings and daily specials to accurately inform guests about their options.
- Developed rapport with regular patrons to foster sense of community within establishment.
- Streamlined check-in processes, reducing wait times for guests.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
- Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests.
- Seated patrons based on guest preferences and seating availability.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go stations.
- Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
- Promoted business loyalty by fostering positive customer relationships.
Tax Preparer
Jackson Hewitt
11.2018 - 04.2019
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive client information, fostering trust and loyalty among clients.
- Analyzed financial records to verify accuracy of tax returns.
- Provided exceptional customer service during peak tax season by remaining calm under pressure and addressing client concerns promptly and professionally.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing accurate and timely tax preparation services.
- Assessed client tax situations to determine best filing options.
- Maintained complete records of client tax returns and supporting documentation in secured areas.
- Built strong rapport with clients through clear communication and regular updates on the status of their tax filings.
- Communicated with clients regarding tax situations, providing guidance on financial decisions.
- Maintained compliance by adhering to current tax laws and regulations.
- Reviewed clients tax filing papers thoroughly to determine eligibility for additional tax credits or deductions.
- Prepared tax returns for clients in various industries according to government regulations and requirements.
- Handled complex cases involving small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those with investments or rental properties, showcasing versatility in expertise within the field of taxation.
- Reduced errors through meticulous review of financial documents and double-checking calculations.
- Managed multiple deadlines efficiently, ensuring all clients'' taxes were filed on time without compromising quality or accuracy.
- Researched complex tax issues utilizing online resources and professional tax software.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state tax regulations by staying up-to-date on the latest tax laws.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy by staying informed on changes in relevant regulations and applying that knowledge to each unique case.
- Prepared tax returns, extensions, tax planning calculations, and write-ups for organizations and entities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop best practices for efficient and effective tax preparation.
- Conducted thorough research to identify potential deductions and credits for clients, maximizing their returns.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of tax regulations and legislation, ensuring compliance in all prepared returns.
- Minimized clients' tax liabilities with strategic tax planning and advice.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in high client retention and satisfaction rates.
- Adapted quickly to new tax software and technologies, enhancing efficiency in tax preparation tasks.
- Analyzed prior year returns for discrepancies, correcting errors to favor clients' financial positions.
- Identified potential tax deductions and credits, maximizing clients' refunds or minimizing owed amounts.
- Offered guidance on state and federal tax regulations to clients, ensuring they understood their obligations and opportunities.
- Assisted clients with IRS audit preparation, significantly reducing stress and complexity of process.
- Proactively addressed and resolved client concerns, building trust and loyalty.
- Calculated estimated tax payments for clients.
- Utilized tax software to prepare returns and meet deadlines.
- Reviewed available data and compared against tax code to determine exemptions, deductions, and potential liabilities.
- Collaborated with clients to answer questions and provide advice on tax matters.
- Conducted reviews of internal tax documentation, reducing errors related to missed tax benefits.
- Prepared written responses or tax return amendments to resolve state and federal notices.
Assistant Manager
Little Caesars
05.2015 - 01.2017
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various projectstasks.
- Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
- Facilitated clear communication between employees and upper management through regular meetings and updates.
- Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performance and celebrating team accomplishments.
- Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations by conducting regular inspections of equipment/operations within the store.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust inventory orders accordingly.
- Facilitated team-building activities, enhancing team cohesion and morale.
- Oversaw daily operations to maintain store cleanliness and organization.
- Coached new employees, ensuring smooth onboarding process and quicker adaptation to their roles.
- Assisted in budget preparation, ensuring alignment with financial goals.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring safe environment for both staff and customers.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, significantly reducing shrinkage.
- Improved customer satisfaction by resolving complaints and inquiries promptly.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
Crew Member
Little Caesars
08.2010 - 05.2015
- Worked front counter, drive-thru and other areas.
- Took orders, prepared meals, and collected payments.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, handling multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or efficiency.
- Worked well with teammates and accepted coaching from management team.
- Collaborated with team members to complete orders.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing friendly and efficient service at the register.
- Cleaned and maintained all areas of restaurant to promote clean image.
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting customers and meeting quality expectations.
- Kept food preparation area, equipment, and utensils clean and sanitary.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns or issues promptly and professionally.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Assisted other team members to achieve goals.
- Maintained high-quality food preparation standards, adhering to company guidelines for safety and cleanliness.
- Helped maintain a clean and welcoming dining area for customers, boosting overall satisfaction during their visit.
- Trained new team members on procedures, customer service, and sales techniques.
- Collaborated with fellow crew members for seamless shift transitions, ensuring smooth operations throughout the day.
- Became familiar with products to answer questions and make suggestions.
- Addressed guest needs, questions, or concerns to create optimum experience onboard.
- Operated cash register to ring up final bill and process various forms of payment.
- Prepared products following restaurant, health, and safety standards and procedures.
- Ensured accurate order fulfillment with diligent attention to details while assembling meals.
- Assisted in reducing wait times by efficiently managing customer queues during peak hours.
- Ensured proper food storage protocols were followed, contributing to improved food safety measures within the establishment.
- Stocked shelves to organize aisles in assigned department.
- Exceeded performance expectations consistently, receiving recognition from supervisors for dedication to job responsibilities.
- Assisted with financial tasks such as cash handling, drawer reconciliation, and end-of-day deposits when needed.
- Strengthened workplace safety by promptly identifying potential hazards and taking corrective action.
- Boosted repeat customer rates by providing friendly and engaging service.
- Increased customer satisfaction with prompt and accurate order taking.
- Enhanced customer experiences by quickly addressing and resolving complaints.
- Achieved recognition for exceptional customer service, highlighting importance of customer interactions.
- Improved order accuracy by closely following preparation guidelines and double-checking orders before serving.
- Encouraged customer loyalty by remembering regular customer's preferences and making personalized recommendations.
- Improved team morale, leading to increased productivity and reduced turnover.
- Fostered positive team environment by assisting coworkers during rush periods.
- Contributed to achieving and maintaining high scores on health inspections by diligently following all health and safety guidelines.
- Streamlined drive-thru operations, significantly reducing wait times for customers.
- Enhanced team efficiency by consistently preparing workstations before peak hours.
- Maintained high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness, contributing to healthy dining environment.
- Streamlined communication between kitchen and front-of-house staff, ensuring timely order fulfillment.
- Accurately operated cash register to process customer payments.
- Kept kitchen, counter and dining areas cleaned and sanitized.
- Performed serving, cleaning and stocking to high standards and provided excellent customer satisfaction.
- Kept drawer balanced by accurately processing cash, credit and debit payments.
- Properly labeled and stored food and fresh ingredients in cooler or freezer to optimize freshness.
- Documented customer orders and conveyed special requests to kitchen staff.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Reconciled receipt totals, cash and credit payments to address shortages.
- Observed customer purchases in line and differentiated between standard portions.
Education
High School Diploma - Art And Media
Portsmouth High School
Portsmouth, OH05.2008
Skills
- Strong multitasking
- Quick Learner
- Sense of urgency
- Adaptable mindset
- Phone Etiquette
- Order Accuracy
- Salesmanship
- Cleanliness standards
- Personal hygiene
- Goal-Oriented
- Detail Oriented
- Food handling
- Payment Processing
- Service prioritization
- Ingredient Preparation
- ServSafe Food Manager
- Dining area maintenance
- Food Production
- Food inspection
- Guest Relations Management
- Safe Food Handling
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Customer Satisfaction
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Cash Handling
- Relationship Building
- Task Prioritization
- Self Motivation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Professionalism
- Staff Training
- Time management abilities
- Written Communication
- Customer Billing
Timeline
To-Go Server
Olive Garden
04.2021 - Current
Host
Olive Garden
01.2019 - 08.2022
Tax Preparer
Jackson Hewitt
11.2018 - 04.2019
Assistant Manager
Little Caesars
05.2015 - 01.2017
Crew Member
Little Caesars
08.2010 - 05.2015
High School Diploma - Art And Media
Portsmouth High School