Elena Canaris
Honolulu,HI
Summary
Experienced professional dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere and delivering exceptional service to ensure guest satisfaction. Proven track record in high-volume dining environments with a focus on exceeding customer expectations through personalized service.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Monkeypod Kitchen
06.2023 - Current
- 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.
Server/Barista
Honolulu Coffee Experience Center
09.2023 - 03.2024
- Multitasking: Efficiently handle food and drink orders in a fast-paced environment.
- Order Fulfillment: Utilize a numerical system to plate and deliver orders accurately.
- Collaborative Coffee Service: Work alongside teammates to prepare and serve coffee drinks.
- Customer Service: Take orders, make recommendations, and answer inquiries using Toast POS.
- Table Maintenance: Bus tables, manage trash, and ensure restroom cleanliness. Setting up, and cleaning.
- Opening and Closing Duties: Perform side work, handle coffee bar tasks, and communicate order modifications.
- Menu Knowledge: Assist customers in finding desired items and provide product information courteously.
- Efficient Checkout: Utilize Toast POS for quick and transparent transactions.
- Cleanliness Standards: Maintain impeccably clean workstations and adhere to food safety guidelines.
- Order Management: Enter orders accurately into Toast POS and relay special instructions to the kitchen.
Dog Walker
Green Dog Petcare
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Cleaned up after dogs and properly disposed of waste to keep community clean and free of potential hazards.
- Provided dogs with exercise and fresh air to promote dog health.
- Led dogs away from hazards, obstacles, and other animals to protect safety.
- Fed, walked, and cared for dogs during owners' absences and out-of-town trips.
- Responsible for client relations, scheduling, and communications.
- Transported 6-10 dogs to local hiking trails/parks.
- Provided off leash walks and behavioral training.
- Fostered a harmonious and safe group dynamic within the dog pack.
- Conducted operations in all weather and environments.
Director
Hello Hills Forest School
08.2016 - 05.2023
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Oversaw enrollment process, orientation, bookkeeping/quickbooks, payroll, website design/development, scheduling, marketing, communications, and program outreach.
- Created nature based Pre-K, elementary, homeschool, after school, summer camp, family and weekend programs.
- Developed curriculum and programs designed for individuals based on age and need, responding to participants’ specific interests, gifts, and skill sets.
- Conducted assessments and regular check-ins with clients in order to gauge their needs, and assess a plan for their family.
- Worked closely with park staff and city/government officials to obtain correct permits, insurance, creating on-site safety protocols
- Managed and hired staff, created job descriptions, conducted interviews and training.
- Created Employee and Parent Handbook
- Facilitated weekly meetings to relay important updates on scheduling and team member needs.
- Scheduled and provided transportation to and from school/summer camp programs.
- Provided families with resources and further education opportunities through trainings, hosting Q&As, connecting them with local resources and organizations that support their individual needs.
- Vetted vendors and contractors.
- Planned community events with stakeholders and families.
Server
Side Street Kitchen
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Customer Engagement: Create a welcoming environment, and share restaurant philosophy.
- Front-of-House Support: Assist team members, utilize POS, and complete various tasks.
- Sales Achievement: Exceed sales targets by upselling based on customer preferences.
- Establish menu knowledge to proactively recommend dishes.
- Efficient Table Management: Maintain positivity while serving multiple tables during peak hours.
- Training: Participate in customer service-based training to enhance satisfaction.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
Lead Teacher
Berkeley Forest School
01.2015 - 07.2017
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
- Facilitated social/emotional growth, provided conflict resolution tools, curated a collection of children’s books focusing on culture, family, community and life lessons.
- Directed the Forest Explorers family program; a two hour class designed to support parents/caregivers in exploring nature with their children. Song and story circle, creek exploration, arts and crafts.
- Connected individuals with local resources and organizations that support their individual needs.
- Community engagement through hands on interaction with local flora/fauna, connecting with community members, multi-age community based team building
- Led tours, cultivated learning opportunities, interfaced with community members
- Assistant administrative duties and tasks, receive and implement directions from supervisor
- Taught social skills and emotional support management.
Server
Sage Café
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Handled server and baking duties.
- Customer Service: Take orders, make recommendations, and answer inquiries using Toast POS.
- Weekly menu design, baking savory and sweet treats
- Innovated baked dishes and sandwich spreads
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
Server
Bun's Restaurant
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Guest Experience: Maintained welcoming atmosphere, shared restaurant information, took orders, and provided attentive service.
- Strategic Recommendations: Proactively suggested menu items and beverages to enhance revenue and satisfaction.
- Team Support: Assisted colleagues, operated POS, and completed front-of-house tasks efficiently.
- Sales Achievement: Exceeded sales targets by upselling based on customer preferences.
- Customer Relationship Building: Established rapport to encourage larger orders.
- Efficient Table Service: Managed multiple tables during peak hours without compromising service quality.
- Training Participation: Engaged in service-based training to enhance satisfaction.
Server
Cowpie Café Warren Wilson College
08.2009 - 01.2011
- Served vegan/organic meals to 350 students per meal.
- Thrived in a close-knit team environment under high-pressure conditions during busy mealtimes.
- Received kitchen safety training, prepped food, bussed tables, and assisted in end-of-shift cleanup.
- Cross-trained in food prep and kitchen support, providing assistance during peak periods.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Education -
Warren Wilson College/Environmental Education
Asheville, NC01.2013
Skills
- Leadership
- Detail-Oriented
- Strong Communication
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Toast and Aloha POS
- Open Table
- Effective Multitasking
- Exceptional Communication
- Guest Complaint Resolution
- Efficient Collaboration
- Safe Food Handling
- Upselling
- High-Volume Dining
- Performance Improvement
Timeline
Server/Barista
Honolulu Coffee Experience Center
09.2023 - 03.2024
Server
Monkeypod Kitchen
06.2023 - Current
Dog Walker
Green Dog Petcare
01.2022 - 05.2023
Server
Side Street Kitchen
03.2020 - 07.2022
Director
Hello Hills Forest School
08.2016 - 05.2023
Lead Teacher
Berkeley Forest School
01.2015 - 07.2017
Server
Sage Café
01.2013 - 01.2016
Server
Bun's Restaurant
01.2011 - 01.2013
Server
Cowpie Café Warren Wilson College
08.2009 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Education -
Warren Wilson College/Environmental Education
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