ASHLEY HENGST
IMPERIAL BEACH,CA
Summary
Dedicated banquet server and food service professional with 22 years of experience in delivering exceptional service and managing large events. Known for meticulous attention to detail, effective communication with guests, and collaboration with culinary teams to ensure seamless operations and outstanding dining experiences.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Banquet Server
Gaylord Pacific
Chula Vista, California
07.2025 - Current
- Served plated meals, buffets, coffee stations, and passed hors d'oeuvres to 100+ guests, ensuring high standards of service and guest satisfaction
- Delivered 5-star service by managing large trays, promptly refilling beverages, and efficiently clearing courses between dinner stages to enhance dining experience
- Anticipated and addressed guest needs, accommodating special dietary requirements, allergies, and table side requests to ensure comfort and satisfaction
- Prepare event spaces by setting tables with linens, cutlery, china, and glassware according to Banquet Event Orders (EOs/BEOs) and client specifications
- Conducted post-event breakdown, including clearing tables, cleaning service areas, and safely storing linens and equipment
Banquet Server
Royality Staffing
San Diego, California
02.2025 - Current
- Served food and beverages promptly, enhancing guest satisfaction during events.
- Greeted guests upon arrival and assisted throughout the event, ensuring a welcoming experience.
- Communicated effectively with guests to address requests and provide excellent service.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and presentation standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of banquet spaces, contributing to a positive event atmosphere.
- Set up dining areas according to event specifications and client preferences.
- Assisted in the setup and breakdown of banquet tables, chairs, linens, and other equipment.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
Banquet Services/Food and Beverage Manager
Marriott Vacation Club
San Diego
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Coordinated special events through banquet services, collaborating with sales team and culinary staff to enhance guest experiences.
- Maintained highest standards for food and beverage quality and service.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by introducing innovative food and beverage menu options tailored to guest preferences.
- Addressed customer complaints regarding food and beverage quality, ensuring timely resolution to maintain service standards.
- Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patrons, adhering to strict health code regulations.
- Coordinated daily and nightly shift safety and sanitation procedures for bar areas and banquet events
- Served tables and guests in a timely manner to ensure impeccable and prompt service
- Expedited orders working closely with back of house staff
Food and Beverage Manager
Hilton
San Diego, California
07.2014 - 07.2019
- Managed employee scheduling to optimize staffing levels
- Interview and hire individuals who bring passion and dedication to the company
- Oversaw daily store operations, including inventory ordering and timekeeping
- Analyzed monthly P&L with detailed critique
- Organize and execute large events working with sales team and culinary
- Led a Team of 20 to achieve the highest weekly grossing sales for a license store in San Diego in 2017
- Forecasted daily, weekly, and monthly revenues to meet budget targets
Server
Applebees
Portland, Oregon
09.2009 - 07.2014
- Clarified menu items and daily specials to enhance guest understanding and facilitate suggestive selling
- Expedited orders by collaborating closely with cooks and chefs to ensure timely service
- Welcomed guests at entrance and guided them to their tables
- Processing payments using Aloha POS
- Maintained clean, sanitized dining area to promote a welcoming environment for guests
Education
Associate of Arts - Business
Portland Community College
Portland, ORSkills
- Event setup
- Food service
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Customer focused
- Team collaboration
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Critical thinking
- Punctuality
Timeline
Banquet Server
Gaylord Pacific
07.2025 - Current
Banquet Server
Royality Staffing
02.2025 - Current
Banquet Services/Food and Beverage Manager
Marriott Vacation Club
01.2020 - 01.2025
Food and Beverage Manager
Hilton
07.2014 - 07.2019
Server
Applebees
09.2009 - 07.2014
Associate of Arts - Business
Portland Community College