Darren Lacaden
Summary
Proven hospitality professional with extensive experience at Dukes Canoe Club Waikiki, adept in guest engagement and POS system management. Excels in high-volume dining settings, ensuring order accuracy and exceptional customer service. Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to maintaining professional appearance, contributing to significant improvements in guest satisfaction. Dependable and successful providing fast, high-quality customer service to guests in restaurant settings. Adaptable professional with expertise in personnel development, team collaboration and resolving issues with customers, waitstaff and management.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Hualani's/Timber's Hokuala Resort
07.2021 - 08.2024
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- 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.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Built rapport with guests to enhance their dining experience and encourage return visits.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
Server/Bartender
Lilikoi's Bar and Grill
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- 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.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Mixed unique and interesting cocktails for customers, including bar specials.
Server/Floor Manager
Dukes Canoe Club Waikiki
01.2004 - 12.2019
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- 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.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
- Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performances, resulting in higher productivity levels.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly to identify areas for improvement or commendation.
- Created an inclusive workplace atmosphere that fostered teamwork among employees of diverse backgrounds.
- Completed efficient daily opening and closing processes to prepare teams and maintain optimal financial controls.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kapaa High School
Kapaa, HISkills
Strong Work Ethic
Exceptional customer service
Guest Engagement
Safe Food Handling
Food Running
High-volume dining
Service prioritization
Food safety understanding
Team Player
Reliable and Responsible
Timeline
Server
Hualani's/Timber's Hokuala Resort
07.2021 - 08.2024
Server/Bartender
Lilikoi's Bar and Grill
01.2021 - 07.2021
Server/Floor Manager
Dukes Canoe Club Waikiki
01.2004 - 12.2019
High School Diploma -
Kapaa High School
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