Dana Engel
Summary
Experienced foodservice professional with a strong background in hospitality and customer engagement. Proven ability to build relationships and manage time effectively in high-pressure restaurant settings. Skilled in providing exceptional service to tables of all sizes, ensuring accuracy and satisfaction. Committed to meeting customer needs to foster loyalty and enhance overall dining experiences.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Char and Lemon
01.2021 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Took and processed orders accurately using point-of-sale system.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation.
- Answered phone calls to assist guests with reservations, take-out orders, and inquiries about private event space.
- Adjusted responsibilities to fulfill daily operational requirements.
Server
Josie & Tony's
Norwalk
03.2025 - 04.2026
- Catered to luxury private membership, delivering exceptional service to enhance guest experience.
- Greeted members by name, maintained tables through crumbing, pre-bussing, and neatly folding napkins when guests left their seats.
- Enhanced customer recommendations by deepening knowledge of Italian wine varieties.
Server
La Plage Restaurant
Westport
03.2024 - 01.2025
- Thrived in high volume fine-dining environment, enhancing guest experience
- Delivered exceptional hospitality, contributing to guest satisfaction
- Attended classes to deepen wine knowledge for informed recommendations
General Manager
Tacomida
Shelton
09.2023 - 03.2024
- Directed daily operations to enhance restaurant functionality and customer experience.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Managed staff scheduling to align workforce availability with peak service demands.
- Oversaw inventory management to maintain stock levels and minimize waste.
- Developed training programs for new employees to enhance service standards.
Server & Bartender
Chaplin
Shelton
04.2021 - 02.2024
- Served high volume of daily customers, maintaining quality service standards.
- Delivered excellent customer service, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with restaurant staff to streamline operations and improve service flow.
- Facilitated onboarding process for new servers to enhance team performance.
Server
Artisan Restaurant
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Provided exceptional food and beverage service in fine dining setting.
- Delivered food and drink promptly to ensure a seamless dining experience.
- Maintained clean and presentable dining area to enhance guests' comfort.
Server/Bartender
Aspetuck Valley Country Club
05.2015 - 01.2018
- Delivered fine dining service to members at private country club, enhancing guest experience.
- Crafted delicious cocktails for guests, contributing to an inviting atmosphere.
- Coordinated and executed banquet events at country club, ensuring seamless operations and member satisfaction.
Cashier/Barista
Harborview Market
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Prepared coffee for bar, took food orders, rang up and checked out guests, assisted with food prep and sandwich assembly.
- Executed customer transactions with precision at checkout.
- Guided customers in finding products and answering inquiries.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of checkout area.
Server
Don Memo Restaurant
01.2021
- Provided excellent customer service in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Served guests in fast casual setting, collaborating with team to ensure smooth operations.
- Took and processed food and beverage orders accurately.
- Assisted guests with menu selections and dietary preferences.
- Assisted guests with menu selection by highlighting specials and explaining restaurant flow.
Education
Housatonic Community College
04-2026
High School -
Clovis East High School
Clovis, CA06-2011
Skills
- Exceptional customer service
- Fine dining service
- Mixology techniques
- Menu contribution
- Wine selection
- Suggestive sales
- Upselling strategies
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Highly reliable
- Strong work ethic
- Training and development
Timeline
Server
Josie & Tony's
03.2025 - 04.2026
Server
La Plage Restaurant
03.2024 - 01.2025
General Manager
Tacomida
09.2023 - 03.2024
Server & Bartender
Chaplin
04.2021 - 02.2024
Server
Char and Lemon
01.2021 - Current
Server
Don Memo Restaurant
01.2021
Server
Artisan Restaurant
01.2019 - 01.2021
Server/Bartender
Aspetuck Valley Country Club
05.2015 - 01.2018
Cashier/Barista
Harborview Market
01.2013 - 01.2015
Housatonic Community College
High School -
Clovis East High School