David Joshua Cornelius
Jacksonville
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Lead Server with extensive experience at Taverna, excelling in customer service and team motivation. Proven expertise in POS systems and a strong attention to detail, ensuring high-quality dining experiences. Recognized for training staff effectively and enhancing operational efficiency in fast-paced environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Server
Taverna
Jacksonville
07.2025 - Current
- Train servers how to use our POS system, learn the menu, and the dining room layout.
- Serve guests with food and beverages in a positive manner.
- Provides information to help food and beverage selections.
- Prepare restaurant for dining by setting tables, outdoor seating, stocking server materials.
- Protect establishment and guests by adhering to sanitation, safety, and alcohol beverage control policies.
- Conclude dining experience by acknowledging choice of restaurant and inviting patrons to return.
- Obtain revenues by totaling charges, issuing bills, accepting payments, delivering bills and payments to host, and returning change or credit card and signature slip to patrons.
- Maintain table setting by removing courses as completed, replenishing utensils, refilling water glasses, and being alert to patron spills or other special needs.
Lead Server
Iguana on Park
Jacksonville
08.2021 - 07.2025
- Train servers how to use our POS system, learn the menu, and the dining room layout.
- Serve guests with food and beverages in a positive manner.
- Provides information to help food and beverage selections.
- Prepare restaurant for dining by setting tables, outdoor seating, stocking server materials.
- Protect establishment and guests by adhering to sanitation, safety, and alcohol beverage control policies.
- Conclude dining experience by acknowledging choice of restaurant and inviting patrons to return.
- Obtain revenues by totaling charges, issuing bills, accepting payments, delivering bills and payments to host, and returning change or credit card and signature slip to patrons.
Lead Line/Sous Chef
Midtown Table
Jacksonville
12.2020 - 08.2021
- Lead the kitchen team in the absence of the Executive Chef.
- Provide guidance to junior kitchen staff members.
- Coordinate junior kitchen staff members schedules with the management team.
- Train new line cooks.
- Assist the Executive Chef with writing and preparation of the daily restaurant menu.
- Oversee and organize the kitchen stock.
- Manage food and product ordering.
- Supervise all food preparation and presentation to ensure high quality standards.
Sous Chef
Rue Saint Marc
Jacksonville
06.2017 - 12.2020
- Lead the kitchen team in the absence of the Executive Chef.
- Provide guidance to junior kitchen staff members.
- Coordinate junior kitchen staff members schedules with the management team.
- Train new line cooks.
- Assist the Executive Chef with writing and preparation of the daily restaurant menu.
- Oversee and organize the kitchen stock.
- Manage food and product ordering.
- Supervise all food preparation and presentation to ensure high quality standards.
- Ensure cleanliness and safety standards within the kitchen.
Lead Line Chef
Taverna
Jacksonville
03.2015 - 06.2017
- Set up stocking stations with all necessary supplies.
- Prepare food for service.
- Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff.
- Work with servers to ensure orders are completed accordingly.
- Stock inventory as needed.
- Comply with safety standards and sanitary regulations.
- Cleanup and care of the kitchen area and food products.
- Follow instructions from the Sous and Executive Chefs.
- Was selected to be trained as a Sous Chef.
Lead Line Chef
BB’s Restaurant & Bar
Jacksonville
02.2013 - 03.2015
- Set up stocking stations with all necessary supplies.
- Prepare food for service.
- Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff.
- Work with servers to ensure orders are completed accordingly.
- Stock inventory as needed.
- Comply with safety standards and sanitary regulations.
- Cleanup and care of the kitchen area and food products.
- Follow instructions from the Sous and Executive Chefs.
Supervisor of Team Dining (part time)
TIAA Bank Stadium
Jacksonville
02.2013 - 02.2015
- Cook menu items, in cooperation with the kitchen staff, for the Jacksonville Jaguars players, the administration, and for private suite parties.
- Work with servers to ensure orders are completed accordingly.
- Stock inventory as needed.
- Oversee food preparation, presentation, and storage to ensure compliance with food health and safety regulations.
- Train staff on sanitation protocols.
- Resolving customer complaints.
Education
Liberal Arts and General Education Studies - Boston, MA
New England Conservatory
Boston, MA01.2013
H.S. Diploma - Natick, MA
Walnut Hill Arts H.S.
Natick, MA01.2011
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Flexible schedule
- Team motivation
- Typing speed: 20 wpm
- POS system expertise
- Customer service excellence
- Management skills
Timeline
Lead Server
Taverna
07.2025 - Current
Lead Server
Iguana on Park
08.2021 - 07.2025
Lead Line/Sous Chef
Midtown Table
12.2020 - 08.2021
Sous Chef
Rue Saint Marc
06.2017 - 12.2020
Lead Line Chef
Taverna
03.2015 - 06.2017
Lead Line Chef
BB’s Restaurant & Bar
02.2013 - 03.2015
Supervisor of Team Dining (part time)
TIAA Bank Stadium
02.2013 - 02.2015
Liberal Arts and General Education Studies - Boston, MA
New England Conservatory
H.S. Diploma - Natick, MA
Walnut Hill Arts H.S.