Brenna Carithers
Grand Rapids
Summary
Detail-oriented hospitality professional with 5+ years of experience in restaurant operations. Art and design student with experience in visual communications as well as supporting live arts programming, performances, and events. Works well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment bringing a calm, collaborative, and adaptable attitude to the workplace.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Assistant
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
06.2025 - Current
- Help to bring live performances, exhibitions, and community events to life from setup to close.
- Manage front-of-house operations during theatrical performances, creating a smooth, welcoming experience for audiences.
- Support bartenders as a barback during events, taking payments as well as keeping service areas stocked and organized.
- Work closely with the facilities manager to maintain a clean and inviting public space.
Server
1983 Restaurants LLC
09.2022 - 01.2025
- Provided personable and attentive service in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Kept up to date on seasonal menu items and specials to provide correct information to guests and demonstrated ability to learn new menu items quickly accurately.
- Ensured guests had a memorable experience by maintaining a high standard of presentation, timeliness, and accuracy.
- Built strong communication skills through constant collaboration with kitchen and support staff to accommodate specific guest needs and dietary restrictions.
Host / Busser / Food Runner
1983 Restaurants LLC
10.2019 - 09.2022
- Warmly greeted and seated guests, cultivating positive first impressions.
- Managed reservations and waitlists to ensure smooth service flow.
- Accurately answered guest questions and took reservations and to-go orders by phone.
- Trained new staff members on restaurant procedures and best practices to maintain service consistency.
- Quickly and efficiently cleaned and reset tables for service.
- Anticipated server needs, proactively refilling water glasses and clearing empty plates from tables.
- Delivered food promptly to tables, ensuring guest satisfaction and timely service.
- Collaborated closely with kitchen staff to ensure accuracy of orders, effectively minimizing errors and complaints.
- Managed food presentation before delivery, ensuring all dishes met high quality standards.
Publicity Manager
West Ottawa Theater
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Designed and posted engaging promotional content and graphics across social media platforms to build excitement and boost attendance for shows.
- Maintained and updated the theater’s website with current show information and graphics.
- Created and distributed posters and yard signs throughout the community, effectively expanding audience reach.
- Photographed and edited cast and crew headshots for marketing and display use.
Front-of-House Team Member
Chick-fil-A
04.2019 - 10.2019
- Provided friendly, efficient service in a high-volume setting.
- Maintained clean, organized dining areas with close attention to detail and presentation.
- Managed POS operations, ensuring accurate transactions and customer satisfaction.
- Restocked workstations with supplies to decrease customer waiting during busy periods.
Education
BFA - Digital Art and Design
Kendall College of Art And Design
Grand Rapids, MI12.2027
High School Diploma - undefined
West Ottawa High School
Holland, MI05.2021
Skills
- Event and front-of-house operations
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Audition)
- Figma
- Photography & basic photo editing
- Promotional material design
- Social media content creation
- Microsoft Office
- POS systems
- Open Table, Tok
Websites
Timeline
Event Assistant
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
06.2025 - Current
Publicity Manager
West Ottawa Theater
10.2022 - 05.2023
Server
1983 Restaurants LLC
09.2022 - 01.2025
Host / Busser / Food Runner
1983 Restaurants LLC
10.2019 - 09.2022
Front-of-House Team Member
Chick-fil-A
04.2019 - 10.2019
High School Diploma - undefined
West Ottawa High School
BFA - Digital Art and Design
Kendall College of Art And Design