Sonya Lessing
CT
Summary
Dynamic and reliable professional with a proven track record at Olive Garden, enhancing dining experiences through exceptional service and a strong work ethic. Skilled in safe food handling and outstanding customer service, I excel in high-pressure environments, ensuring guest satisfaction and loyalty. Expert at fostering team efficiency and building strong customer relationships. Efficient Server known for productivity and ability to complete tasks swiftly. Specialize in customer service, time management, and conflict resolution, ensuring smooth dining experiences. Excel in communication, adaptability, and teamwork, leveraging these skills to meet diverse customer needs and maintain high satisfaction levels.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Olive Garden
West Hartford, CT
08.2024 - Current
- Provide a warm and inviting dining experience by greeting guests within 30 seconds of arrival
- Efficiently serve soups and salads within 10 minutes, ensuring prompt and attentive service
- Proactively monitor tables, anticipating guests' needs and offering timely refills to enhance their dining experience
- Foster a welcoming atmosphere by treating guests with genuine hospitality in alignment with the 'When you're here, you're family' philosophy
- Support team efficiency by assisting fellow servers with drink refills and table service when needed
- Build strong guest relationships by remembering regular customers' preferences, enhancing loyalty and community engagement
- Adhere to strict food safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a high-quality dining experience and ensure guest satisfaction
Bartender/Server/Hostess
El Santo
West Hartford, CT
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Developed strong customer relationships by providing friendly, professional, and attentive service
- Prepared and served beverages efficiently, ensuring timely delivery for both bar patrons and servers
- Monitored inventory levels, tracking ingredient usage to maintain seamless bar operations
- Uphold strict cleanliness and sanitation standards, ensuring a well-maintained and organized workspace
- Effectively managed table assignments, coordinating with staff to optimize service flow
- Maintained a positive and composed demeanor, delivering exceptional service even in high-pressure situations
Retail Associate
Gulf Shrimp Fish Co.
Southington, CT
05.2020 - 06.2021
- Ensured a clean and sanitary environment by regularly sanitizing equipment, and strictly following proper food handling procedures.
- Conducted routine quality assurance checks to maintain optimal inventory standards and freshness.
- Handled and managed seafood products with precision, ensuring accurate weighing, and proper storage.
- Expertly prepared seafood, including cooking shrimp and lobster, filleting and skinning fish, and shucking clams.
- Developed in-depth product knowledge to provide expert recommendations on seafood selection, preparation techniques, and cooking methods.
Trainee
Fresh Monkee Smoothie Shop
Southington, CT
Lifeguard
Cape Cod Inflatable
Yarmouth, MA
Education
High School Diploma -
Hamden High School
Hamden, CT06-2020
Some College (No Degree) - Culinary Arts
Gateway Community College
New Haven, CTSkills
- Highly adaptable
- Efficient Skills Acquisition
- Strong team player
- Multitasker
- Effective Composition Under Pressure
- Energetic and enthusiastic
- Hostess support
- Table resetting
- Allergy awareness
- Guest engagement
- Food running
- Safe food handling
- Responsible beverage service
- Order accuracy
- Exception: Interpersonal Skills
- Charismatic and engaging
- Outstanding customer service
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Strong work ethic and reliability
Certification
- ServSafe
Timeline
Server
Olive Garden
08.2024 - Current
Bartender/Server/Hostess
El Santo
10.2022 - 02.2023
Retail Associate
Gulf Shrimp Fish Co.
05.2020 - 06.2021
Trainee
Fresh Monkee Smoothie Shop
Lifeguard
Cape Cod Inflatable
High School Diploma -
Hamden High School
Some College (No Degree) - Culinary Arts
Gateway Community College
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