Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Brenda Lara

Miami,FL

Summary

Dependable Host and Server, successful in providing fast, high-quality customer service to guests in restaurant settings. Adaptable professional with expertise in personnel development, team collaboration and resolving issues with customers, waitstaff and management. Friendly and welcoming, creating a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for guests, and a calm and smooth-running work experience for team-menbers.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Restaurant Server

Doherty Enterprises-Applebees
03.2024 - Current
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive and personalized service during busy shifts.
  • Increased table turnover rate by efficiently managing orders and ensuring timely delivery of meals.
  • Maintained a clean and welcoming dining environment for guest comfort and enjoyment.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate preparation and prompt delivery of special dietary requests.
  • Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to maintain positive relationships.
  • Boosted overall sales by confidently recommending daily specials and upselling menu items.
  • Contributed to team success by assisting fellow servers during peak hours, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Managed cash transactions accurately with attention to detail, minimizing discrepancies in daily reports.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of menu offerings, including ingredients and preparation methods to address customer inquiries effectively.
  • Reduced wait times for diners through effective communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams during peak hours.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
  • Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders.
  • Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.

Restaurant Host

Doherty Enterprises-Applebees
10.2023 - Current
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly greeting and seating guests upon arrival.
  • Maintained an organized reservation system for efficient guest accommodation and minimized wait times.
  • Assisted in increasing table turnover rate by promptly clearing and resetting tables after guest departure.
  • Communicated effectively with servers and kitchen staff to ensure seamless dining experiences for guests.
  • Collaborated with management to develop strategies for optimizing restaurant operations during peak hours.
  • Managed the flow of restaurant traffic, strategically assigning tables based on server availability and guest preferences for optimal efficiency.
  • Monitored wait times accurately, providing accurate estimates of wait time during busy periods while keeping guests informed and engaged.
  • Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.

Dog Walker

Wag! Dog Walkers
05.2022 - 09.2023
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing timely and attentive care for their pets.
  • Enhanced pet well-being through regular exercise, playtime, and companionship during walks.
  • Built trust with clients by consistently maintaining clear communication regarding their pets'' needs and progress.
  • Ensured safety of pets during walks by adhering to leash laws and monitoring for potential hazards.
  • Developed personalized walking routes for each pet to maximize enjoyment and cater to individual preferences.
  • Provided basic training reinforcement for dogs during walks, improving behavior both on-leash and at home.
  • Maintained professional relationships with clients, providing exceptional customer service at all times.
  • Offered tailored services such as medication administration or special accommodations for elderly or disabled pets as needed.
  • Improved overall pet happiness by creating a stimulating environment during walks that encouraged exploration and playtime.
  • Safeguarded client homes while picking up or dropping off pets, ensuring doors were locked upon departure.
  • Delivered peace of mind for clients by providing regular updates and photos of their pets during walks.

Clerical Intern

Iglesia De Dios Fuente Del Cielo
10.2016 - 03.2020
  • Improved filing system efficiency by reorganizing and updating documents.
  • Assisted in preparing reports by gathering and organizing relevant information.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail while proofreading documents, ensuring error-free correspondence.
  • Supported team members with data entry tasks for timely completion of projects.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping by diligently maintaining spreadsheets and databases.

Education

No Degree - Psychology

Barry University
Miami Shores, FL

High School Diploma -

Robert Morgan Educational Center
Miami, FL
06.2021

Skills

  • Detail Oriented

  • Order Management

  • Payment Processing

  • Collaboration & Teamwork

  • Organization

  • Cash Handling

  • Exceptional communication

  • Order Accuracy

  • Service prioritization

  • Customer Satisfaction

  • Memory retention

  • Exceptional customer service

Languages

American Sign Language
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

Restaurant Server

Doherty Enterprises-Applebees
03.2024 - Current

Restaurant Host

Doherty Enterprises-Applebees
10.2023 - Current

Dog Walker

Wag! Dog Walkers
05.2022 - 09.2023

Clerical Intern

Iglesia De Dios Fuente Del Cielo
10.2016 - 03.2020

No Degree - Psychology

Barry University

High School Diploma -

Robert Morgan Educational Center
Brenda Lara