Austen Merrell
Allen,TX
Summary
Hardworking Restaurant Manager with seven years overseeing high-traffic establishments. Talented at managing large, diverse teams of culinary and service personnel. Comfortable taking responsibility for everything from back-office operations to dining room performance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Lupe Tortilla
Allen, TX
07.2021 - Current
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Coached team members on food safety and sanitation processes, customer service, menu education and up-selling techniques to drive revenue.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs.
- Prepared employee schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels during peak periods.
- Resolved and investigated complaints regarding service, food quality and accommodations.
- Developed strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and increase sales in catering services.
- Maintained relationships with existing partners while cultivating new ones.
- Handled client questions and concerns via different communication channels to deliver exceptional customer service.
Restaurant Manager/Social Media Manager
Backporch Drafthouse
Temple, TX
07.2020 - 05.2021
- Greeted and encouraged feedback from customers to implement in-store operational changes.
- Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Performed restaurant walk-throughs to gauge timeliness and excellent service quality.
- Developed and maintained exceptional customer service standards.
- Updated computer systems with new pricing and daily food specials.
- Championed 100% guest satisfaction by providing excellent dining experience.
- Scheduled and directed staff in daily work assignments to maximize productivity.
- Performed checkouts of servers and bartenders to ensure that all tickets were accounted for.
- Used editing and graphic design tools to create content and visuals for social channels.
- Created content for Facebook and Instagram.
Leasing Professional
Encore Landing Apartments
Temple, TX
10.2019 - 04.2020
- Maintained accurate records of all correspondence with and from tenants.
- Provided tours of property and amenities to prospective tenants and offered valuable information regarding major features.
- Promoted high level of customer service and assistance by greeting clients, responding to concerns, showing units and quickly resolving issues.
- Answered calls and responded to inquiries from various parties, using strong active listening and open-ended questioning skills to resolve problems.
- Prepared lease paperwork and obtained signatures and first payments from new residents.
- Responded quickly to concerns regarding community from prospective and current residents.
- Marketed property to prospective tenants by giving tours and pointing out key features.
- Developed event themes and concepts to ensure successful execution of events.
- Developed and executed social media marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness, engagement, and website traffic.
- Created content for social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Assistant Manager
Cactus Jack's Saloon
Temple, TX
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Reviewed sales reports to enhance sales performance and improve inventory management accuracy.
- Maintained inventory accuracy by counting stock-on-hand and reconciling discrepancies.
- Restocked beer and liquor on regular schedule and after special events to prepare for forecasted needs.
- Strategized long-term business needs by gathering guest relations feedback for process improvements.
- Monitored patrons to keep alcohol consumption at designated levels.
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards and productivity strategies which improved customer retention and bolstered sales.
- Monitored cash intake to eliminate discrepancies.
- Created list of signature beverage items to increase overall revenue and patron loyalty.
- Coordinated volunteers for special events to maximize efficiency and achieve desired outcomes.
- Managed social media accounts dedicated to fundraising campaigns with timely updates.
- Created and maintained a social media strategy to increase brand awareness, engagement, and website traffic.
Server/Cashier
Wings, Pizza, N Things
Temple, TX
11.2014 - 07.2017
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and anticipating condiments, napkins and other needs.
- Educated guests on daily specials and appetizers, entrees, desserts and other menu items.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Assisted customers in selecting appetizers, entrees and desserts and recommended alternative items for food allergies and gluten intolerances.
- Restocked nonperishable food items, condiments and napkins to keep pantry well-supplied.
- Prepared salads, appetizers and set up garnish stations to assist kitchen staff.
- Collaborated with host, bus person and cook to serve up food and beverage options.
- Greeted newly seated guests quickly and efficiently.
Assistant Manager
CST Brands
Temple, TX
02.2012 - 01.2015
- Assisted in overall day-to-day operations of store, including continuous development of effective store associates to achieve desired sales and results.
- Collaborated with staff to maximize customer satisfaction, streamline procedures and improve bottom-line profitability.
- Set schedules and delegated assignments based on team strengths to optimize floor coverage and service levels.
- Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
- Closely monitored customer behavior and purchasing preferences, offering constructive guidance to bolster services.
Education
High School Diploma -
Temple High School
Temple, TX06.2012
Skills
- Staff development
- Project management
- Marketing
- Decision-making
- Team management
- Planning and organizing
- Customer relations
- Adaptable
- Stable work history
- Labor and food cost control
- Hiring and training
- Catering Coordination
- Social Media Management
- Fundraising Events
- Event Marketing
Accomplishments
When Cactus Jack's burned down, I was one of three people who ran the fundraiser for the employees. I picked up donation items for a silent auction and raffle, had shirts and flyers made, even made donation jars! We raised over $7,000 for the staff.
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Lupe Tortilla
07.2021 - Current
Restaurant Manager/Social Media Manager
Backporch Drafthouse
07.2020 - 05.2021
Leasing Professional
Encore Landing Apartments
10.2019 - 04.2020
Assistant Manager
Cactus Jack's Saloon
07.2017 - 10.2019
Server/Cashier
Wings, Pizza, N Things
11.2014 - 07.2017
Assistant Manager
CST Brands
02.2012 - 01.2015
High School Diploma -
Temple High School