Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Bartender

David Torres

Peoria Heights,IL

Summary

Adept at orchestrating memorable events and enhancing guest experiences, I leveraged my event planning and exceptional customer service skills at Fusion 45 and 12 Bar to significantly improve customer satisfaction. My ability to manage crises and coordinate with vendors ensured seamless event execution, leading to a noticeable increase in repeat business.

I have 28 years in the restaurant industry and have excelled at every position I have been in. The past 20 years has been primarily fine dining, but started at 16 as a cashier at Wendy's and groomed for management at a young age. I come from a family of hard workers and I always try my best. After management, I fell in love with serving and my love of food and spirits evolved over the years.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Event Coordinator/ FOH Manager

Fusion 45 and 12 Bar
03.2023 - Current
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
  • Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Handled customer complaints effectively, resolving issues promptly to maintain brand reputation and garner positive reviews.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient front-of-house operations and staff management techniques.
  • Promoted upselling strategies among servers, leading to higher average check values per transaction.
  • Increased repeat business by creating personalized interactions with guests and recognizing loyal customers'' preferences.
  • Adhered to safe work practices, food safety regulations, and corporate guidelines.
  • Oversaw staff schedules to ensure optimal coverage during peak hours without exceeding labor budget constraints.
  • Managed inventory levels to ensure adequate stock availability while minimizing waste and spoilage costs.
  • Collaborated with back-of-house teams to deliver seamless dining experiences and high-quality service standards.
  • Coordinated special events such as weddings or corporate functions, ensuring flawless execution from planning to completion stages.
  • Developed strong vendor relationships for better pricing negotiations, resulting in cost savings for the restaurant.
  • Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
  • Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.

Server

Vie
03.2017 - 02.2023
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • 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.
  • Chef Paul Virant's flagship Michelin starred restaurant. Menu constantly changing. Very seasonal.

Banquet Captain

Claras
06.2015 - 03.2017
  • Ensured timely preparation of function spaces according to client specifications, providing them a hassle-free experience on their special day.
  • Maintained clear communication channels between all departments involved in banquets, contributing to successful event outcomes.
  • Evaluated employee performance routinely through constructive feedback which contributed towards professional growth and development.
  • Handled client inquiries promptly and professionally, fostering excellent rapport and driving repeat business.

III Forks Steakhouse

Server/ Corporate Trainer
03.2012 - 06.2015
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Traveled the country training servers for high end steakhouse

Server

Chicago Cut Steakhouse
03.2011 - 03.2012
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • 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.

Restaurant Manager

Peaches Cafe and Steakhouse
06.2008 - 02.2011
  • Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.

Server Trainer

Canone Club
10.2006 - 06.2008
  • Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.
  • Mentored new hires through the training process, ensuring they became productive team members quickly and efficiently.
  • Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, resolving issues and preventing negative reviews or feedback.
  • Demonstrated strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards and led by example to instill in new servers.

Server

Dixons
02.2004 - 03.2005

First Fine Dining position. Beginning of love of wine and pallette growth.

Bartender

Als Charhouse
08.2003 - 02.2004
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.

Server/Bartender

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
10.2002 - 08.2003
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • 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.

Corporate Server Trainer

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
09.1999 - 10.2002
  • Championed ongoing professional development opportunities for current servers, fostering a culture of continuous growth within the team.
  • Implemented ongoing refresher courses to ensure all servers remained up-to-date on company policies, industry trends, and best practices in customer service.
  • Mentored struggling servers, providing personalized coaching sessions to improve their skill sets and confidence levels.
  • Reduced employee turnover rates with thorough onboarding programs for new servers, emphasizing company culture and expectations.

Server

Cracker Barrel
07.1998 - 09.1999

Assistant Manager

Wendys Fast Food
12.1995 - 07.1998
  • Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.

Education

Incomplete - Business

DePaul University
Chicago, IL

None - General Studies

Southeastern Community College
West Burlington, IA

Skills

  • Event Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Time Management
  • Guest Relations
  • Event Setup and Breakdown
  • Schedule Management
  • Crisis Management
  • Special events planning
  • Vendor Relations
  • Guest Management
  • Corporate Events Planning
  • Room Setup and Breakdown
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Cash Handling
  • Guest Engagement
  • Professional Appearance
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • Memory retention
  • Cleanliness standards
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Menu Memorization
  • Food Running
  • High-volume dining
  • Service prioritization
  • Sales expertise
  • Food safety understanding
  • Sales Techniques
  • Order Accuracy
  • Quality Control
  • Supply Restocking
  • Food safety practices

Certification

Bassett

Servesafe food handler

Timeline

Event Coordinator/ FOH Manager

Fusion 45 and 12 Bar
03.2023 - Current

Server

Vie
03.2017 - 02.2023

Banquet Captain

Claras
06.2015 - 03.2017

III Forks Steakhouse

Server/ Corporate Trainer
03.2012 - 06.2015

Server

Chicago Cut Steakhouse
03.2011 - 03.2012

Restaurant Manager

Peaches Cafe and Steakhouse
06.2008 - 02.2011

Server Trainer

Canone Club
10.2006 - 06.2008

Server

Dixons
02.2004 - 03.2005

Bartender

Als Charhouse
08.2003 - 02.2004

Server/Bartender

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
10.2002 - 08.2003

Corporate Server Trainer

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
09.1999 - 10.2002

Server

Cracker Barrel
07.1998 - 09.1999

Assistant Manager

Wendys Fast Food
12.1995 - 07.1998

Incomplete - Business

DePaul University

None - General Studies

Southeastern Community College
David Torres