David Walker
Fine Dining Server/Restaurant Manager
San Diego,CA
Summary
Passionate, knowledgeable, and personable fine dining server with extensive management experience. Seeking to start a new career path in the accounting field by leveraging my detail-oriented, analytical skills and enthusiasm for learning new things.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Server/Assistant Manager
Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood
10.2022 - Current
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Worked closely with team members to schedule breaks and shifts to meet state regulations.
- Scheduled staff to establish adequate coverage during peak business hours.
Server
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, Oceana Coastal Kitchen
03.2022 - Current
- High end, chef driven cuisine
- Top two in every sales competition since joining the company.
- Shared knowledge of menu items, wine, beer, and cocktails, 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.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
Assistant Restaurant General Manager
SSP America
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Although I was enjoying settling in to a new position managing restaurants in the San Diego Airport, I was furloughed as a result of the pandemic.
Server
Seasons 52
08.2019 - 01.2020
- During my brief tenure at Seasons 52, I made significant progress in building a base of regular guests
- One kind lady went so far as to email corporate with a glowing review of my service.
Executive Assistant/Compliance Specialist
City of Trees Ventures/Farmer's Reserve
01.2016 - 05.2019
- Reporting directly to the CEO, I carved out my own niche with this position, taking on the duties and responsibilities of both an Executive Assistant and a Compliance Specialist
- Administrative responsibilities included:
- Supporting executives through a variety of tasks related to organization and communication
- Maintaining communication with vendors/partners via phone and email
- Using general IT knowledge as well as Microsoft Office and G Suite to ensure efficient operation of the office
- Compliance responsibilities included:
- Running the MJ Freeway compliance software system
- Creating forms for the collection of data from the garden for entry into state-mandated compliance software
- Creating and updating internal inventory tracking spreadsheets
- Verifying and maintaining list of all vendor/partner licenses
- Coordinating compliance inspections with regulatory bodies
- Interacting with various compliance related portals, including CDFA, DPR, BCC, and the Sacramento County Ag Commissioner
- Providing pesticide training to all employees in compliance with state and county regulations
Server, Bartender, Assistant Manager, General Manager
Porterhouse Grill
04.2008 - 08.2015
- Traditional American Steakhouse located in Athens, GA, home of the University of Georgia
- During my seven years at Porterhouse Grill, I progressed from Server/Bartender to Assistant Manager to General Manager
- Along the way I performed virtually every duty (other than cooking) in the restaurant
- During my tenure
- I initiated the marketing of the semi-private banquet room as a space for rehearsal dinners and Greek functions, successfully booking it for every weekend of three straight academic years
- I conceived and implemented a strategy of featuring local artists on the restaurant's walls
- Each quarter featured a different local artist, and all art displayed was available for purchase
- This win-win situation was a cost-effective way to keep the vibe fresh while giving a diverse array of local artists the opportunity to showcase their work
- I assisted with the creation, development, and execution of an off-site catering program
- I oversaw a complete rebuild of the wine list.
Banquet Lead/Server/Bartender/Wine Guy
Sperata Restaurant
11.2006 - 03.2008
- Sperata is "a fusion of fine American and European dining." Working under Chef Christopher Hope (London, Switzerland, and Hong Kong)
- I oversaw the wine list and was the go-to "wine-guy" on the floor, available to consult with any table
- I helped Chef select wine pairings for many wine dinners and often helped at the sister wine bar, Picasso Cafe
- I coordinated events held in the upstairs banquet room
- Able to accommodate up to a hundred guests, we hosted diverse events from rehearsal dinners and sorority functions to a gathering of Formula One drivers.
Server/Bartender
Last Resort Grill
10.2003 - 01.2006
Education
Two Semesters in Physics/Music -
Columbia University in The City of New York
New York, NY 08.1997 - 05.1998
High school or equivalent in College Prep -
Savannah Country Day School
Savannah, GA 08.1990 - 06.1997
Skills
Microsoft OfficeG SuiteScheduling
Inventory
TrainingCustomer ServicePOSServerFast Learner
Banquet ExperiencePersonal Assistant ExperienceRestaurant ExperienceRestaurant ManagementAssistant Manager ExperienceBartendingCertification
California Responsible Beverage Service, 01/01/22, 01/01/25
Timeline
Server/Assistant Manager
Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood
10.2022 - Current
Server
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, Oceana Coastal Kitchen
03.2022 - Current
Assistant Restaurant General Manager
SSP America
01.2020 - 03.2020
Server
Seasons 52
08.2019 - 01.2020
Executive Assistant/Compliance Specialist
City of Trees Ventures/Farmer's Reserve
01.2016 - 05.2019
Server, Bartender, Assistant Manager, General Manager
Porterhouse Grill
04.2008 - 08.2015
Banquet Lead/Server/Bartender/Wine Guy
Sperata Restaurant
11.2006 - 03.2008
Server/Bartender
Last Resort Grill
10.2003 - 01.2006
Two Semesters in Physics/Music -
Columbia University in The City of New York
08.1997 - 05.1998
High school or equivalent in College Prep -
Savannah Country Day School
08.1990 - 06.1997