Carmen Portillo
Spring ,TX
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with a strong work ethic and exceptional customer service skills, honed at Landrys Restaurant. Proven ability to enhance guest engagement and increase sales through effective upselling techniques. Adept at cash handling and maintaining high standards of service in fast-paced environments, ensuring memorable dining experiences for all patrons.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Landrys Restaurant
11.2024 - 08.2025
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
Host
Hearsay Gastro Lounge
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport
Server
Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Assisted servers with food delivery during peak hours to ensure timely service for all guests.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of menu offerings and daily specials to accurately inform guests about their options.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to communicate dietary restrictions or special requests from customers, ensuring accurate meal preparation.
- Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go.
Host
Casa Do Brasil
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Provided exceptional customer service by attentively listening to guest needs and promptly addressing any concerns or issues.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming atmosphere by quickly addressing spills and resetting tables after guest departure.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Facilitated positive first impressions for guests through friendly greetings, professional attire, and genuine enthusiasm for their visit.
- Managed reservations efficiently to accommodate walk-in guests and reduce wait times.
- Monitored dining area capacity to prevent overcrowding while maximizing available seating during peak hours.
- Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
- Answered phone calls
Host
Texas Roadhouse Restaurant
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, effectively managing large parties or unexpected events during busy shifts.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly greeting and seating guests upon arrival.
- Contributed to team success through effective communication and cooperation with coworkers and management.
- Took reservations by phone and walk-in, keeping scheduling demands, and kitchen output in time to avoid overbooking.
Sales Associate
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
Cashier
Food Town Grocery Stores
2019 - 2019
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
- Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
Education
Blinn College
College Station, TXAssociate of Science - Ultrasound Technician
Lone Star College
Houston, TXPsychology
Spring High School
Spring, TX05.2019
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Cash handling
- Guest engagement
- Hospitality service expertise
- Memory retention
- Customer service
- Safe food handling
- High volume dining
- Sales expertise
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Server
Landrys Restaurant
11.2024 - 08.2025
Host
Hearsay Gastro Lounge
08.2023 - 10.2024
Server
Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill
10.2022 - 08.2023
Host
Casa Do Brasil
08.2021 - 07.2022
Host
Texas Roadhouse Restaurant
01.2021 - 07.2021
Sales Associate
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
01.2020 - 12.2020
Cashier
Food Town Grocery Stores
2019 - 2019
Blinn College
Associate of Science - Ultrasound Technician
Lone Star College
Psychology
Spring High School