Carlos Cecena
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with extensive experience at Darden, excelling in customer service and staff management. Proven track record in enhancing guest experiences through suggestive selling and effective communication. Recognized for developing unique menus and fostering team collaboration, driving sales growth while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and service excellence.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender/ Mixologist
Books A Whiskey Society
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Developed and maintained extensive knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and wine pairings.
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced bar environment.
- Created unique drink recipes to enhance menu offerings and attract clientele.
- Trained new bartenders on techniques, equipment usage, and customer interaction protocols.
Banquet and Fine Dining Server
JPrime Steakhouse
07.2022 - 11.2024
- Delivered exceptional customer service in high-pressure fine dining environment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service and order accuracy.
- Trained and mentored junior servers on menu knowledge and service standards.
- Developed wine pairings and provided recommendations to enhance guest experience.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly to maintain a positive dining atmosphere.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional fine dining service and anticipating guests'' needs.
- Maintained a polished appearance, contributing to the upscale ambiance desired by patrons.
- Worked closely with the sommelier to provide personalized wine selections based on guests'' tastes and meal choices.
- Adhered to all company policies and procedures while consistently delivering high-quality service experiences for every guest interaction.
Server
Fridas Mexican Restaurant
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Delivered exceptional customer service by anticipating guest needs and resolving issues promptly.
- Coordinated food and beverage orders to ensure timely delivery and high-quality presentation.
- Trained new staff on menu knowledge, service protocols, and health standards to enhance team performance.
- Managed cash register operations accurately, ensuring correct billing and efficient payment processing.
Restaurant Manager
Darden
06.2015 - 07.2020
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere with open communication channels for all employees to voice concerns or suggestions freely.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
- Mentored and developed staff members for career advancement opportunities, leading to a more skilled and motivated workforce.
- Developed, implemented, and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
- Established strong relationships with local suppliers to secure competitive pricing on quality ingredients without sacrificing taste or presentation.
- Developed comprehensive marketing plans for special events, promotions, and community outreach efforts to boost brand visibility.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through streamlined processes, efficient scheduling, and strategic vendor negotiations.
- Achieved consistent compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting regular staff training sessions.
- Streamlined operations, adopting new scheduling system to ensure optimal staffing levels.
- Monitored daily operations to ensure seamless service delivery, addressing any issues promptly.
- Cultivated strong team culture, organizing team-building activities that improved morale and teamwork.
- Enhanced team performance by leading weekly training sessions focused on customer service excellence and menu knowledge.
- Maintained meticulous financial records, enabling accurate budgeting and financial planning.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Assisted in daily operations to ensure smooth restaurant workflow.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
Education
Associate of Science - Biology
San Antonio College
San Antonio, TX12.2017
Skills
- Strong multitasking
- Customer service
- Highly reliable
- Team player attitude
- Clear and effective communication
- Outgoing personality
- Engaging personality
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Customer service expertise
- Handling difficult customers
- Hospitality service expertise
- Service-oriented mindset
- Professional appearance
- Suggestive selling
- Sales expertise
- Salesmanship
- Staff management
- Basic accounting
- Fluency in language
- Conversant in language
- Marketing and sales experience
- Outstanding customer service
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Bartender/ Mixologist
Books A Whiskey Society
11.2024 - 06.2025
Banquet and Fine Dining Server
JPrime Steakhouse
07.2022 - 11.2024
Server
Fridas Mexican Restaurant
07.2020 - 07.2022
Restaurant Manager
Darden
06.2015 - 07.2020
Associate of Science - Biology
San Antonio College