Ashley Merritt
Marina,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented wait staff member with expertise in managing orders, processing payments, and upselling menu items, ensuring a seamless dining experience. Known for providing attentive service that caters to guests’ needs, while remaining knowledgeable about menu updates and dietary requirements. Proven ability to maintain a positive attitude during peak hours, enhancing customer satisfaction. Eager to leverage international experience gained in Japan to contribute effectively to a dynamic restaurant team.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Bartender /Banquet Server
Wedgewood Weddings
Carmel By The Sea
05.2024 - Current
- Prepared dining areas by placing linens, setting tables, and adding decorations.
- Organized buffet arrangements and removed used service items.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of service corridors, storage areas, and pre-function spaces.
- Ensured excellent guest experience by efficiently guiding them to seats and serving refreshments.
- Accommodate special dietary needs and specific guest requests.
- Guaranteed timely arrangement and dismantling of wedding events by maintaining open communication with team members.
- Crafted unique cocktails for each event, serving groups of 50-200+ guests.
Bartender
Aussie Bar
Okayama, Japan
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shifts, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs
- Designed original cocktails to strengthen the bar’s market image and drive up earnings.
Waitress
Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel, California
03.2019 - 10.2022
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business
Waitress
West Side Grill
Gilroy, California
08.2016 - 08.2019
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns
- Maintained detailed knowledge of specials and currently available items to provide guests with informative menu descriptions
- Participated in dining room sidework such as refilling condiment bottles, preparing menus and arranging silverware packages
Education
Japanese Language -
California State University - Monterey Bay
Seaside, California12.2024
Presentation High School -
Presentation High School
San Jose, CaliforniaSkills
- Safe Food Handling Knowledge
- Patron Rapport
- Dining Room Management
- Liquor, Beer and Wine Knowledge
- Professional appearance
- Fast paced environment adaptability
- Team player attitude
- Health Code Compliance
- Clear and Effective Communication
References
- Previous Boss: Jason Hunt, +81 09-2290-8136, aussiebar.shj@gmail.com
- Financial Advisor: Mark Rovai, (925) 354-5260
- Previous Manager: Sam Dakis (831) 917-7474, sammydakis@yahoo.com
- Previous Manager: Horacio Narvaez (831) 261-4540 horacionarvaez2307@gmail.com
Languages
Japanese, Limited Working
Languages
Japanese
Limited
Timeline
Event Bartender /Banquet Server
Wedgewood Weddings
05.2024 - Current
Bartender
Aussie Bar
01.2023 - 09.2023
Waitress
Carmel Valley Ranch
03.2019 - 10.2022
Waitress
West Side Grill
08.2016 - 08.2019
Japanese Language -
California State University - Monterey Bay
Presentation High School -
Presentation High School