Carissa Lawton
Goose Creek,SC
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in hospitality and retail, skilled in multitasking and building rapport with customers. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction while maintaining high safety standards, ready to contribute to a vibrant team environment.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender/Cook
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Morgan Hill, CA
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, enhancing guest experience.
- Followed safety and sanitation protocols to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
Sales Associate
Cali Pet Goodz
Morgan Hill, CA
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Assisted customers in selecting pet products, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Maintained organized merchandise displays to improve product visibility and accessibility.
- Resolved customer inquiries and concerns promptly, promoting positive brand reputation.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Provided knowledgeable recommendations on pet care, fostering customer trust and loyalty.
Sales Associate
Home Depot
Morgan Hill, CA
02.2021 - 08.2021
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
Server/Bartender
Hash Stacks Cafe & Market
Western Springs, IL
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced environment, ensuring positive dining experiences.
- Collaborated with kitchen team to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Managed food and beverage orders efficiently, minimizing wait times for guests.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Processed payments accurately using point-of-sale systems, ensuring financial integrity.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, enhancing overall guest retention rates.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Culinary Lead
Grand Central Bakery
Portland, OR
12.2008 - 01.2019
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and service standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new culinary team members to enhance skills and efficiency.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage across all locations.
- Participated in strategic planning sessions to align culinary goals with overall business objectives of the bakery.
- Maintained strict adherence to local health codes and regulations, ensuring the safety of both customers and staff members through diligent oversight of food preparation processes.
- Consistently met or exceeded budget targets by closely monitoring expenses and making cost-effective adjustments as needed.
- Maintained proper storage, prep and service procedures and maintained equipment and workspaces to drive sanitary conditions.
- Communicated verbally and worked cooperatively with employees and customers.
Wine Steward/Server
Eleni's Philoxenia
Portland, OR
04.2001 - 11.2008
- Curated extensive wine selection, enhancing customer dining experiences with expert recommendations.
- Trained staff on wine service standards and proper pairing techniques to elevate guest satisfaction.
- Managed inventory control processes, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Led team in maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations within beverage service areas.
- Streamlined ordering processes through established relationships with suppliers, improving delivery times and product quality.
- Trained service staff on wines, spirits and cocktails to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.
- Managed cellar and beverage storage maintenance to prevent inventory spoilage.
- Handled questions and concerns skillfully and redirected customers toward higher profit items to increase per-ticket revenue.
Skills
- Strong multitasking
- Customer service
- Highly reliable
- Team player attitude
- Clear and effective communication
- Patience and tolerance
- Engaging personality
- Customer service expertise
- Responsible alcohol service
- Hospitality service expertise
- Service-oriented mindset
Timeline
Bartender/Cook
La Quinta Inn & Suites
08.2022 - 04.2023
Sales Associate
Cali Pet Goodz
10.2021 - 03.2022
Sales Associate
Home Depot
02.2021 - 08.2021
Server/Bartender
Hash Stacks Cafe & Market
09.2019 - 03.2020
Culinary Lead
Grand Central Bakery
12.2008 - 01.2019
Wine Steward/Server
Eleni's Philoxenia
04.2001 - 11.2008