Brian Saunders
SUFFOLK,VA
Summary
Versatile hospitality professional with a record of advancing from server to manager and training staff across front- and back-of-house roles. Strong in guest service, inventory control, and special request coordination, with a focus on efficient operations, clean standards, and memorable dining experiences.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Server/Bartender
Ruby Tuesday Restaurant
SUFFOLK, VA
02.2024 - Current
- Facilitated onboarding for bartenders, servers, and host staff to enhance team integration and service efficiency.
- Took food and drink orders using the restaurant POS system.
- Described drink flavors and taste profiles for customers to help with ordering decisions.
- Monitored customer drink levels and recommended additional purchases to increase sales opportunities.
- Stayed calm and professional during busy periods to deliver strong customer service.
- Coordinated multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Worked with kitchen staff on ticket updates and special requests.
- Welcomed guests at the entrance to create a positive first impression. with friendliness and professionalism.
Real Estate Broker
Brian F. Saunders & Associates / Mossy Oak VA
Suffolk, Virginia
01.2019 - Current
- Advised clients on Virginia residential and land brokerage services.
- Negotiated purchase agreements and contract terms with buyers and sellers.
- Maintained relationships with current and prospective clients by providing exceptional customer service throughout the transaction process.
- Reviewed market trends to support pricing and listing strategies.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote the sale of residential properties.
- Managed real estate transactions from initiation to closing.
- Analyzed market trends and conducted research to identify potential buyers for properties.
- Advised clients on how best to price their property in order to maximize profits while still appealing to potential buyers.
- Maintained client relationships across Brian F. Saunders & Associates transactions.
- Prepared market analysis statistics and bid presentation for buyers and sellers.
- Conducted inspections of properties to assess condition, features, and other factors prior to listing them on the market.
- Trained and developed agents on consultative sales techniques while assessing needs of buyers to provide relevant properties.
- Monitored fulfillment of purchase contract terms.
- Provided guidance regarding local zoning laws, homeowner association rules, mortgage requirements, escrow procedures, title insurance policies.
- Attended continuing education classes regularly in order to maintain up-to-date knowledge about real estate law and industry practices.
- Actively participated in networking events as well as community activities such as homebuyer seminars or workshops in order to increase visibility within the industry.
- Listed properties for Brian F. Saunders & Associates and Mossy Oak VA.
Server/Bartender
Sushi Aka
Suffolk, Virginia
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Greeted guests and guided seating in the Sushi Aka dining room.
- Took food and drink orders using the restaurant POS system.
- Served meals and beverages with careful table timing.
- Managed bar tabs and processed cash and credit card transactions to ensure seamless guest billing.
- Measured and mixed house ingredients to prepare both custom and menu drink orders.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff on ticket changes and special requests to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Reset tables promptly after guests departed to prepare for new diners. and maintained clean dining areas throughout shift.
- Effectively multitasked within a fast-paced environment.
- Enforced safety and sanitation standards among bar staff to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Server/Bartender
Primo 116
Suffolk, Virginia
01.2007 - 02.2012
- Trained bartending staff and servers on service standards and drink preparation, enhancing overall customer experience.
- Led bartending team in managing inventory and control systems, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Collaborated with chef-owner on menu development and wine pairings, contributing to a cohesive dining experience.
- Participated in organizing quarterly wine dinners to showcase new selections. and presented pairing and wine details.
- Supported launch and daily restaurant operations for an authentic Italian restaurant in historic downtown Suffolk.
General Manager of Food Service
Terrapin Restaurant ( Va Beach)
Virginia Beach, Virginia
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Analyzed labor, payroll, and budget to optimize food service operations.
- Developed operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency, quality control, and safety compliance.
- Ensured food quality, sanitation, and guest service met established standards.
- Maintained compliance with local health codes, sanitation regulations, and company policies.
- Handled hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and staff training tasks.
- Trained and supervised staff across all areas of restaurant operations.
- Assisted front-of-house and back-of-house teams during service.
- Addressed guest concerns and helped maintain smooth dining room flow.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly while supporting high customer service standards.
- Coordinated inventory control, ordering, and vendor communication.
- Monitored daily financial transactions and prepared weekly reports for management review.
- Reviewed employee performance evaluations regularly to support productivity.
- Followed safety procedures and compliance requirements across restaurant departments.
- Assessed staffing levels in relation to expected business volume. based on expected daily business volume.
- Supported daily restaurant operations for Terrapin Restaurant in Virginia Beach.
- Built relationships with key customers to support revenue growth.
Server/Bar Manager
Trellis Restaurant
Williamsburg, Virginia
07.2001 - 01.2007
- Progressed to assistant manager, then bar manager, overseeing daily operations and staff management.
- Transitioned from server to bartender, enhancing beverage service quality and customer experience.
- Took on dining room manager responsibilities, ensuring efficient service and customer satisfaction before advancing to general manager at Terrapin.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Governmental Administration
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA05-2002
Skills
- Point of sale systems
- Drink mixing
- Wine service techniques
- Wine pairing recommendations
- Order coordination
- Guest relations
- Sanitation standards
- Order coordination
- Team training
- Guest relations
- Customer focus
- Extensive Wine Knowledge
- Team training
- Fine dining service
Timeline
Server/Bartender
Ruby Tuesday Restaurant
02.2024 - Current
Server/Bartender
Sushi Aka
06.2022 - 04.2024
Real Estate Broker
Brian F. Saunders & Associates / Mossy Oak VA
01.2019 - Current
Server/Bartender
Primo 116
01.2007 - 02.2012
General Manager of Food Service
Terrapin Restaurant ( Va Beach)
01.2007 - 01.2008
Server/Bar Manager
Trellis Restaurant
07.2001 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Governmental Administration
Christopher Newport University