Branden McCurley
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Dynamic professional with expertise in guest relations and operational efficiency. Proven ability to manage entrance flow and server workloads to enhance service delivery. Strong collaborative skills with a focus on multitasking to ensure exceptional dining experiences.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Sunnyside Up Breakfast and Lunch Cafe
Albuquerque, New Mexico
07.2022 - Current
- Provided excellent customer service and knowledge of the menu for all guests.
- Assists with the tidying of tables, clearing and boxing leftovers, and keeping the dining area neat and pleasant.
- Communicates with kitchen and bar staff to ensure prompt and successful delivery of orders to the guests.
- Delivers a memorable dining experience by resolving any and all customer issues quickly.
- Trained new servers on restaurant procedures, menu knowledge, and customer service standards.
Bartender
Poki Poki Cevicheria
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Drove customer satisfaction with expertly-crafted drinks, craft beers, and broad wine selections.
- Maintained bar appearance through continuous cleaning, organizing, and supply replenishment.
- Balanced efficiency with exceptional service, managing average 50-75+ guests per hour.
- Operated Point of Sale systems and managed bar tabs.
- Trained and supervised bar team to deliver exceptional service to customers.
- Enhanced bar reputation by developing signature cocktails and seasonal specials.
- Ensured safety protocols were met due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Front Of House Manager
Poki Poki Cevicheria
01.2019 - 09.2019
- Managed work of 20+ FOH team members, including monitoring performance and motivating excellence in every interaction.
- Handled all ordering, inventory management, and tracking as part of effective budget control strategies.
- Trained all new team members and mentored existing employees to close knowledge and skill gaps.
- Improved team knowledge and abilities by training each in proper procedures and standards.
- Maintained high customer satisfaction with good conflict resolution skills and adequate employee coverage for expected demands.
- Investigated and resolved complaints regarding food quality, service, and accommodations.
- Often fixed technological issues within the company, varying anywhere from wireless networks, printers, phones, and Point of Sale concerns.
- First line of defense with complaints, anywhere from incorrect orders, to correcting team members, and developing them to avoid further future conflict.
House Supervisor
Poki Poki Cevicheria
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Trained all new team members and mentored existing employees to close knowledge and skill gaps.
- Boosted customer loyalty by implementing new engagement strategies and empowering employees to keep customers satisfied.
- Addressed accidents with in-depth investigations, detailed reports and recommendations to prevent future problems.
- Delivered consistently positive experiences to guests by directly handling escalated issues and training our team to serve customers' needs.
- Formulated sales strategies for FOH team and recommended strategies for product rotation, purchasing, and pricing of liquor beverages.
- Covered business and customer needs with effective schedules and work assignments. Further pointed upset guests over the phone in the correct path to solve their problems.
Employee
Poki Poki Cevicheria
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Coordinated smooth deliveries, completing items simultaneously to deliver delicious food and memorable experiences.
- Avoided waste and produced consistent results by memorizing recipes, portion sizes, and plating techniques.
- Covered kitchen needs at any station, filled in for absent team members and brought cooks up to speed.
- Protected customers and team members by cleaning and sanitizing counters and high-touch areas.
- Protected foods from spoilage with proper storage and stock rotation.
- Produced consistent dish quality using established recipes and cooking expertise.
- Answered phone calls ranging anywhere from customer orders, issues with past orders, or further problem solving.
Crew Member
Dion's
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Handled cash transactions, accurately counting cash and giving correct change.
- Greeted customers and asked open-ended questions to assess needs.
- Interacted with customers positively, answering questions about products and services.
- Operated all kitchen equipment safely and in accordance with OSHA regulations.
- Followed corporate recipes and standards to prepare consistent menu options.
- Kept kitchen clean by regularly attending to stations and completing in-depth checklists at closing.
- Worked in line with 30+ other cooks to complete assembly line orders, completing up to 100 orders per hour during busy periods.
- Answered phone calls ranging anywhere from customer orders, issues with past orders, or further problem solving.
Education
Degree - Computer Sciences, Cyber Security
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM08-2025
High School -
Manzano High School
Albuquerque, NMSkills
- Conflict Resolution
- Phone Etiquette
- Client Rapport
- Customer Relations
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Technical Support
- Punctual
- Interpersonal Skills
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Liquor, wine, and food service
Certification
• ServSafe Alcohol
• ServSafe Food Handler
• A+ 1101-1102 Certified
• ServSafe Food Handler
• A+ 1101-1102 Certified
Timeline
Server
Sunnyside Up Breakfast and Lunch Cafe
07.2022 - Current
Bartender
Poki Poki Cevicheria
09.2019 - 06.2022
Front Of House Manager
Poki Poki Cevicheria
01.2019 - 09.2019
House Supervisor
Poki Poki Cevicheria
01.2018 - 01.2019
Employee
Poki Poki Cevicheria
01.2017 - 01.2018
Crew Member
Dion's
01.2014 - 01.2017
Degree - Computer Sciences, Cyber Security
Central New Mexico Community College
High School -
Manzano High School