Dominique Cooley
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Adept at enhancing customer experiences and boosting sales, I leveraged strong multitasking abilities and exceptional customer service skills at Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant. My proactive approach resulted in significant repeat business, underscoring my capacity to manage high-volume dining with efficiency and warmth. Expert in cash handling and guest engagement, I consistently met performance goals, contributing to the establishment's success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant
2023.01 - 2024.02
- 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.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Contributed to inventory management by monitoring stock levels.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that increased guest satisfaction.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and processed transactions swiftly, contributing to restaurant's financial accuracy.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Facilitated team-oriented atmosphere, assisting coworkers during rush periods to ensure smooth operations.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Kept up with fast-paced environments, ensuring timely delivery of orders during peak hours.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
- Increased sales by suggesting additional items like desserts and drinks based on customers' orders.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy and timely preparation of dishes.
- Assisted in planning and execution of special events, contributing to restaurant's reputation for hosting.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Trained new staff on menu knowledge and service protocols, raising team's overall performance.
- Enhanced team efficiency, collaborating effectively in high-pressure settings.
- Managed inventory of dining supplies to prevent shortages during service.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Built rapport with guests to enhance their dining experience and encourage return visits.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Supported needs of Number- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Type restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
Hospitality Worker
Hardees Resturant
2016.05 - 2023.11
- Performed general cleaning by sweeping and mopping floors, washing dishes and emptying trash.
- Prepared food and beverages and verified adherence of quality and safe food-handling standards.
- Reduced risks by maintaining clean and organised work environment.
- Collaborated with team members to consistently deliver high-quality service in a fast-paced environment.
- Communicated with customers to promptly resolve complaints and address inquiries.
- Delivered excellent customer service to support company reputation and patron satisfaction.
- Processed payments with focus on accuracy and correct cash-handling procedures.
- Greeted guests with friendly and professional acknowledgment to build rapport.
- Handled guest complaints professionally, resolving issues quickly to promote positive experiences.
- Supported restaurant operations by assisting servers during busy periods or covering shifts as needed.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service and promptly addressing concerns.
- Trained new staff members on proper customer service and hospitality policies.
- Ensured safety guidelines were followed by all team members to create a secure environment for guests and staff alike.
- Implemented effective time management strategies during high-volume periods which resulted in reduced wait times and increased guest satisfaction.
- Trained new staff on best practices in customer service, resulting in improved overall performance metrics.
- Maximized room occupancy rates with effective sales techniques and clear communication of amenities.
- Streamlined check-in and check-out processes for heightened efficiency and reduced wait times.
- Developed system for managing reservations more effectively, optimizing occupancy rates.
- Enhanced dining experience for customers with meticulous attention to detail in table setting and order accuracy.
- Increased repeat business by creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regular guests' preferences.
- Maintained pristine cleanliness in rooms and common areas, contributing to positive guest reviews.
- Delivered comprehensive training to new staff, ensuring high service standards were met.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that exceeded expectations.
- Improved guest satisfaction by providing prompt and courteous service.
- Enhanced safety protocols, ensuring secure environment for both guests and staff.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and adjust services accordingly, staying ahead of competition.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments, improving operational efficiency.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure quality products at competitive prices, improving profit margins.
- Built strong relationships with local businesses for cross-promotion, increasing local engagement.
- Coordinated events and functions, tailoring services to meet diverse client needs.
- Fostered culture of excellence among staff, leading by example and encouraging continuous improvement.
- Organized staff schedules to ensure coverage during peak times, maintaining service standards.
Customer Service Representative
MARKETLINK INC.
2011.01 - 2015.01
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
Education
Diploma - General Studies
Hoover High School
Des Moines, IA06.2006
Skills
Cash Handling
Guest Engagement
Strong Work Ethic
Exceptional customer service
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
Supply Restocking
Quality Control
Food safety practices
Performance Improvement
Table Bussing
Suggestive Selling
Guest Relations Management
Point of sale operation
Relationship Management
Dining area maintenance
Allergy awareness
Order Management
Beverage Preparation
Tableside Etiquette
Food sales and promotion
Guest Seating
Table Setting
Item promotion
Table setting knowledge
Ordering Procedures
Foreign language proficiency
Food station setup
Menu presentation
Daily specials memorization
Food and beverage pairings
Food Delivery
Regulatory Compliance
Order delivery practices
Bill computation
Food inspection
Front-of-house display creation
Wine service
Banquet Coordination
Food spoilage prevention
Wine pairing knowledge
Wine Pairings
Team Player
Reliable and Responsible
Warm and Friendly
Adaptable and Flexible
Reliability
Multitasking
Multitasking Abilities
High Energy and Stamina
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving
Cool Under Pressure
Excellent Communication
Relationship Building
Attention to Detail
Decision-Making
Teamwork and Collaboration
Effective Communication
Continuous Improvement
Time Management
Transactions and Cash Handling
Conflict and Complaint Resolution
Cleaning and sanitizing
Organizational Skills
Active Listening
Food handling
Food and Beverage Service
Staff Training
Workflow Coordination
Team Collaboration
Problem-solving abilities
Ability to Lift 30 Pounds
Food Safety Standards
Food Preparation and Safety
Upselling
Hospitality best practices
Interpersonal Skills
Time management abilities
Menu Recommendations
Food and Beverage Upselling
Upselling and Cross Selling
Table Monitoring and Turnover
Inventory Management
Specials Promotion and Upselling
Task Prioritization
Courteous Phone Demeanor
Analytical Thinking
Tableside Service
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification - National Restaurant Association.
- Food Handler Certificate (FHC) - American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Alcohol Server Certification - Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS).
- ServSafe Alcohol Certification - National Restaurant Association.
- Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) - National Restaurant Association.
Servsafe certified
Management Roles
Timeline
Server
Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant
2023.01 - 2024.02
Hospitality Worker
Hardees Resturant
2016.05 - 2023.11
Customer Service Representative
MARKETLINK INC.
2011.01 - 2015.01
Diploma - General Studies
Hoover High School