Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

COURTNEY ZIESKA

Minneapolis,MN

Summary

  • Experienced food and customer service professional with over 15 years in high-pressure environments. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction and drive sales through effective communication and relationship-building. Skilled in both restaurant operations and childcare, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional service and care. Strong culinary background with expertise in food preparation, menu development, and kitchen safety, contributing to improved operational efficiency and customer ratings.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Cook and Server

Flagstone Presbyterian Home Service
Eden Prairie, MN
08.2021 - Current
  • Led setup and takedown of breakfast and lunch service for care residents.
  • Maintained comprehensive knowledge of dietary needs and meal plans for each resident.
  • Demonstrated understanding of advanced medical diets to meet specific health requirements.
  • Provided compassionate support to memory-impaired and physically impaired adults.
  • Ensured compliance with Health Department codes and regulations during food service operations.
  • Prepared and served meals by reviewing recipes and combining and cooking ingredients.
  • Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.
  • Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to maintain optimal freshness and reduce waste.
  • Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.
  • Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
  • Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
  • Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
  • Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.

Lead Child-Watch

Burn Boot Camp
Eden Prairie, MN
02.2017 - 07.2019
  • Oversaw child-watch room operations and ensured safety of children daily.
  • Managed daily cleaning processes for gym facilities to maintain hygiene standards.
  • Trained new employees in child-watch and cleaning departments, enhancing team performance.
  • Planned and directed instructional methods for educational and vocational programs.
  • Conducted classes and provided direct care to children, fostering developmental growth.

Server

Redstone American Grill
Eden Prairie, MN
10.2013 - 04.2015
  • Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
  • Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
  • Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
  • Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
  • Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
  • Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
  • Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
  • Assisted in training new servers.
  • Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
  • Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
  • Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
  • Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.

Bartender/Server

Ruby Tuesday
Eden Prairie, MN
09.2009 - 09.2013
  • Poured wine, beer, and cocktails for patrons, ensuring timely service.
  • Maintained accurate records of bar tabs, transferring open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
  • Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands, contributing to increased sales.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues through effective communication.
  • Greeted regular visitors by name, promoting new offers and promotions.
  • Tracked customer orders and promptly communicated them to kitchen staff.
  • Managed inventory of liquor, beer, wine, and other beverage items.
  • Measured and mixed custom and menu drink orders using house ingredients.

Host/ Server

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar
Eden Prairie, MN
08.2008 - 09.2009
  • answers
  • Took orders from customers over the phone and in person.
  • Communicated order details to kitchen staff for preparation.
  • Confirmed customer orders on delivery documents prior to delivery.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner while following company policies and procedures.
  • Processed payments for orders with cash, credit cards, or other payment methods.

Server

The Waters of Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie, MN
01.2004 - 09.2006

Education

High School Diploma - Generals

Eden Prairie High School
Eden Prairie, MN
06.2007

Associate of Science - Early Childhood Development

Hennepin Technical College
Eden Prairie, MN

Skills

  • Customer service and support
  • Active listening
  • Service orientation
  • Effective speaking
  • Judgment and decision making
  • Critical thinking
  • Active learning
  • Time management
  • Computers and electronics
  • Personnel resource management
  • Education and training
  • Complex problem solving
  • Crisis management
  • Food safety
  • Dietary planning
  • Recipe execution
  • Meal preparation
  • Customer engagement
  • Problem solving
  • Grill and broiler operation
  • Cooking techniques
  • Written communication
  • Food pairing
  • Baking techniques
  • Breakfast cooking
  • Event catering
  • Catering Skills
  • Plating and presentation
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Opening and closing procedures
  • OSHA
  • Kitchen sanitation
  • Focused and disciplined
  • Food handling
  • Frying
  • Food preparation
  • Meat preparation
  • Grilling
  • Self motivation

Affiliations

Backpacking, gardening, camping and reading.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Cook and Server

Flagstone Presbyterian Home Service
08.2021 - Current

Lead Child-Watch

Burn Boot Camp
02.2017 - 07.2019

Server

Redstone American Grill
10.2013 - 04.2015

Bartender/Server

Ruby Tuesday
09.2009 - 09.2013

Host/ Server

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar
08.2008 - 09.2009

Server

The Waters of Eden Prairie
01.2004 - 09.2006

High School Diploma - Generals

Eden Prairie High School

Associate of Science - Early Childhood Development

Hennepin Technical College

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