Denis Gracias
Summary
Hardworking professional with proven relationship-building and time management skills in fast-paced restaurant environments. Successful at handling tables of all sizes with accuracy and impeccable service skills. Strives to meet customer needs, drive satisfaction and promote long-term loyalty.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
The River Palm Terrace
Edgewater, NJ
02.2023 - 05.2026
- Served hot plates for our large steaks, including porterhouse and tomahawks for two ,using French service for an elevated presentation.
- Coordinated order-taking and guided guests in menu selections to enhance dining experience.
- We have it all at The River Palm,steaks, seafood and sushi. I guided our guests through the extensive sushi menu as well, addressing all allergy concerns and helping them build their own maki rolls if not on the menu.
- Assisted team by efficiently running food and clearing tables to maintain service flow.
- I pay close attention to detail , keeping the tables clean and neat , throughout our guests' dining experience.
Manager, server, bartender
Woodcroft steakhouse and seafood
Nutley, NJ
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed staff scheduling, liquor ordering, and customer relations, ensuring prompt resolution of issues.
- Bartended during peak hours, facilitating party bookings to enhance customer experience.
- Served food and beverages efficiently during peak dining hours, contributing to a positive dining atmosphere.
Server/Bartender
Donnatella's Ristorante
Harrington Park, NJ
10.2020 - 03.2022
- Focused on ensuring customer satisfaction and enhancing dining experiences.
- Possess over 10 years of experience in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task effectively while consistently meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrated attention to detail in all tasks performed.
- Clean work habits and personal grooming are always a must for me when it comes to it.
Server
Dante's Place.
Leonia, NJ
02.2018 - 10.2020
- Managed customer orders over the phone and provided table service, demonstrating strong multitasking skills.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff to fulfill customer requests and maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Assisted customers in opening wine bottles at a BYOB establishment to enhance their dining experience.
- Recommended daily specials to enhance customer dining choices.
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues to enhance team performance.
Server
Original Pancake House
Edgewater, NJ
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Advanced from bus person to food runner to Server in fast-paced restaurant.
- Highlighted comprehensive menu knowledge to enhance server performance.
- Delivered friendly, efficient service to foster positive customer interactions.
- Provided constant attention to customers' needs, ensuring they felt welcome, comfortable, and relaxed.
- Emphasized importance of comprehensive menu knowledge for servers.
Server/Bartender
Hackensack Golf Club
Oradell, NJ
10.2007 - 01.2018
- I was responsible for taking parties, and regular à la carte orders.
- Worked mostly as server and or head waiter there.
- Assisted with food running and bartending duties when necessary.
- Most members pay a lot of money to join the club; so they would expect great service always; had to greet each member by their last name and made them feel welcomed.
- Took care of the smallest detail even though might seem insignificant when put into action could make a huge difference.
Education
High school or equivalent -
El Salvador
Skills
- Server
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Customer-Focused
- Food Service
- Bartending
- Upselling
- Table Maintenance
- Rapid Order Processing
- Inventory Management
- Toast POS
- POS
- Effective Multi-Tasker
- Thrives Under Pressure
- Restaurant Experience
Timeline
Server
The River Palm Terrace
02.2023 - 05.2026
Manager, server, bartender
Woodcroft steakhouse and seafood
03.2022 - 01.2023
Server/Bartender
Donnatella's Ristorante
10.2020 - 03.2022
Server
Original Pancake House
11.2019 - 03.2020
Server
Dante's Place.
02.2018 - 10.2020
Server/Bartender
Hackensack Golf Club
10.2007 - 01.2018
High school or equivalent -
El Salvador