Ashley Denlinger
Dubuque
Summary
Results-driven hospitality expert specializing in team training and operational management. Recognized for implementing effective onboarding and training programs that enhance service quality and compliance. Strong ability to foster collaboration among staff, ensuring high performance and guest satisfaction in fast-paced environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Food and Beverage Assistant Manager
Diamond Jo Casino - Dubuque
Dubuque
08.2024 - Current
- Assisted in managing daily operations of food and beverage services.
- Oversaw hiring processes for new food and beverage personnel, facilitating seamless onboarding and integration.
- Supervised and trained staff in food and beverage service standards, procedures and regulations.
- Trained and mentored staff on service standards and best practices.
- Implemented training programs for new employees, ensuring adherence to service protocols and elevating service quality.
- Coordinated events and special functions, enhancing guest experiences and driving customer satisfaction.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues to maintain satisfaction.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations in food service areas.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring stock levels met demand.
- Prepared reports on employee performance evaluations, attendance records, and disciplinary actions.
- Planned and helped execute opening of new restaurant (Bell Street Eatery)
- Handled any POS issues, including price changes, creating new buttons and maintaining reports
Beverage Specialist
The Spot Nutrition Club
05.2023 - 10.2025
- Assisted in menu planning, incorporating seasonal ingredients and trending flavors into innovative new beverages.
- Elevated customer satisfaction by offering personalized beverage recommendations tailored to individual preferences.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly and professionally for enhanced guest experiences.
- Conducted quality control checks, ensuring consistent taste and presentation of all served products.
- Implemented inventory management procedures, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels.
- Boosted repeat business by implementing loyalty programs that rewarded frequent customers.
Server Trainer/ Server/Customer Service Leader
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Mentored new hires during training, fostering quick integration into team dynamics and enhancing overall productivity.
- Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards and led by example to instill in new servers.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, resolving issues and preventing negative reviews or feedback.
- Cultivated relationships with regular customers, driving repeat business and loyalty to the establishment.
- Maintained cleanliness standards throughout dining areas, contributing to a positive dining experience for guests.
- Streamlined order taking and input into POS systems, minimizing errors in food preparation and billing.
General Manager
HuHot Mongolian Grills LLC
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Directed daily operations, including budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations to ensure operational efficiency.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Oversaw budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations to align resources with organizational goals.
- Monitored productivity levels among staff and made strategic scheduling decisions to optimize labor costs.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
Server/ Bartender/ Associate Manager/ Bar Manager
Red Robin
06.2016 - 10.2023
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Built strong relationships with regular customers to enhance loyalty and repeat business.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Utilized upselling techniques and in-depth menu knowledge to boost sales and promote specials effectively.
- Led and inspired employees to improve engagement and productivity during service.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
Server/ Bartender/ Cocktail Server
Q Casino
01.2013 - 06.2016
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of dining area to enhance guest experience.
- Bussed and reset tables promptly to maintain cleanliness and facilitate smooth service.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Executed opening and closing duties, including sales report printing, shift setup, cash drawer preparation, and inventory management.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
Education
Associate of Science - General Studies
Southern New Hampshire University
Online03-2019
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Quality control
- Food quality standards
- Sanitation standards
- Safe handling procedures
- Food spoilage prevention
- Food presentation
- Food and beverage pairings
- Cash handling
- POS system proficiency
- POS operations
- Restaurant operations
- Staff scheduling
- Team member training
- New employee mentoring
- Employee mentoring
- Training expertise
- Compliance management
- Customer service strategy
- Guest relations management
- Effective time management
- Exceptional communication
- Guest relations management
- Staff scheduling
- POS operations
- Employee orientations
Timeline
Food and Beverage Assistant Manager
Diamond Jo Casino - Dubuque
08.2024 - Current
Server Trainer/ Server/Customer Service Leader
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
10.2023 - 09.2025
General Manager
HuHot Mongolian Grills LLC
10.2023 - 09.2024
Beverage Specialist
The Spot Nutrition Club
05.2023 - 10.2025
Server/ Bartender/ Associate Manager/ Bar Manager
Red Robin
06.2016 - 10.2023
Server/ Bartender/ Cocktail Server
Q Casino
01.2013 - 06.2016
Associate of Science - General Studies
Southern New Hampshire University