Diane Sturgeon
Orlando,FL
Summary
Dynamic Restaurant Manager with extensive experience at Denny's Corporate, excelling in customer service and quality control. Proven track record in enhancing dining experiences and optimizing crew workflow. Skilled in cash handling and adept at resolving customer complaints, fostering loyalty and satisfaction in fast-paced environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Dennys Corporate
12.2024 - Current
- Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Developed, implemented, and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Restaurant Server, Shift Supervisor
Dennys Corp
03.2024 - 12.2024
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Stayed up-to-date on menu changes to help customers make food choices.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Supported needs of a 5 person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for full service restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Restaurant Server
Dennys Restaurant
09.2021 - 03.2024
- Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Stayed up-to-date on menu changes to help customers make food choices.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
Kitchen Manager
Days Inn By Wyndham
01.2017 - 08.2019
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Managed staff of 8 people.
Housekeeping Manager
Days Inn By Wyndham
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Communicated repair needs to maintenance staff.
- Evaluated employee performance and developed improvement plans.
- Placed orders for housekeeping supplies and guest toiletries.
- Worked with front desk to respond promptly to all guest requests.
- Completed schedules, shift reports, and other business documentation.
- Assigned housekeeping staff to specific shifts and room blocks based on abilities and daily requirements.
- Trained and mentored all new personnel to maximize quality of service and performance.
- Managed team productivity and workflow to exceed quality standards.
- Utilized chemicals and cleaning equipment in accordance with safety protocols and proper operating standards.
- Managed staff of 10 housekeepers.
Restaurant Server
Pizza Hut
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Stayed up-to-date on menu changes to help customers make food choices.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Skills Trainer, Lead
Cracker Barrell Old Country Store
05.2005 - 11.2009
- Trained and mentored new personnel hired to fulfill service roles.
- Established and maintained quality control standards.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
Education
High School Diploma -
Jac-Cen-Del
Osgood, IN05-2001
Skills
- Register operation
- Dining area maintenance
- Menu Memorization
- Dining customer service
- Detail Oriented
- Quality Control
- Customer complain resolution
- Order Accuracy
- Service prioritization
- Efficient service
- Cash Handling
- Dining crew workflow optimization
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Dennys Corporate
12.2024 - Current
Restaurant Server, Shift Supervisor
Dennys Corp
03.2024 - 12.2024
Restaurant Server
Dennys Restaurant
09.2021 - 03.2024
Kitchen Manager
Days Inn By Wyndham
01.2017 - 08.2019
Housekeeping Manager
Days Inn By Wyndham
01.2014 - 12.2016
Restaurant Server
Pizza Hut
01.2013 - 01.2014
Skills Trainer, Lead
Cracker Barrell Old Country Store
05.2005 - 11.2009
High School Diploma -
Jac-Cen-Del