Elena Kolodji
Mt. Pleasant,SC
Summary
Versatile and dynamic, with a proven track record for enhancing team collaboration and guest satisfaction. Working to master food preparation and sanitation, alongside exceptional customer service skills, contributing to an increase in repeat business. Adept at multitasking and adapting to fast-paced environments, consistently ensuring seamless operations. I am eager to take the next step in the food and beverage world by working in an experienced kitchen alongside talented individuals.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
FOH/BOH Team Member
Mozzo Delicatessen
Charleston, SC
12.2024 - Current
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Cross-trained to work every aspect of the restaurant including prep, line, and FOH.
- Boost overall team morale with regular communication and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
- Work to achieve seamless communication between front and back of house to ensure smooth operation.
- Perform daily cleaning and maintenance tasks to keep kitchen clean and organized.
- Unload and stock kitchen and FOH supplies.
- Manage FOH to maintain consistency and ensure guest satisfaction on all levels.
- Maintain an atmosphere of calm and collectiveness during rushes.
- Do everything possible to keep guests happy and promote returning business.
- Complete prep in a timely manner.
- Ensure team members have everything they need to be successful.
- Maintain and operate espresso machine.
- Keyholder, so must maintain safety regulations when opening alone and be responsible for a smooth open and close.
FOH/BOH Team Member
The Co-Op Frose and Eatery
Sullivan's Island, SC
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Maintained a clean and organized environment and workspace.
- Cross-trained to help utilize skills as much as possible and be able to help wherever needed.
- Ensured timely completion of daily prep lists, supporting smooth shift transitions and minimizing downtime.
- Assisted in training new FOH team members.
- Operated food slicers, grinders and chopper in accordance with safety guidelines.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
- Lifted and carried heavy materials.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Maintained the flow between front and back of house.
- Improved communication on all fronts.
- Maintained customer relationships.
Barista
Tidal Grounds Coffee
Mt. Pleasant, SC
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with team members.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and foster loyalty.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Made and served brand-specific café beverages with focus on speed, quality and consistency.
- Trained new team members with positive reinforcement and respectful, encouraging coaching.
- Educated customers on coffee offerings, promoting upselling opportunities and enhancing their overall experience.
- Streamlined order processing through accurate cash handling and efficient use of the point-of-sale system.
- Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and building rapport with patrons.
Barista/FOH Team Member
Ruby's NY Style Bagels
Mt. Pleasant, SC
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.
- Managed inventory to ensure the business continued to run smoothly.
- Was a keyholder and ensured an efficient and optimal open and close.
- Maintained clear communication with BOH to reduce mistakes.
- Operated and maintained an espresso machine and other coffee-related machinery.
- Trained new team members with positive reinforcement and respect to ensure everyone felt comfortable and knowledgeable in their responsibilities.
Barista
Starbucks
Mt. Pleasant, SC
05.2021 - 10.2022
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and foster loyalty.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Trained new employees, sharing knowledge and expertise of coffees, teas, and merchandise.
- Adhered to strict food hygiene regulations, minimizing risk of contamination or illness among customers.
- Calculated weekly tips, converted coins to cash, and was responsible for accurately distributing tips to Starbucks employees.
- Managed the daily freezer pull for food items to ensure adequate supply for the following day.
- Learned to work and not become overwhelmed in a high stress, fast paced environment.
Host
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
Mt. Pleasant, SC
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, effectively managing large parties or unexpected events during busy shifts.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Provided exceptional customer service by attentively listening to guest needs and promptly addressing any concerns or issues.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Increased restaurant efficiency by maintaining an organized host stand, including menus, reservation logs, and seating charts.
- Ensured smooth operations during shift changes by communicating relevant information between incoming and outgoing staff members.
- Implemented table rotation system for optimal server workload distribution, resulting in improved service quality.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wando High School
Mt. Pleasant, SC01-2022
Skills
- Food preparation and sanitation procedures
- Multitasking proficiency
- Exceptional customer service
- Team player
- Effective time management
- Adaptable to change
- Cash handling
- Recipe execution
- Eagerness and quick to learn
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Experience on a cold side line and some experience on hot side
Timeline
FOH/BOH Team Member
Mozzo Delicatessen
12.2024 - Current
FOH/BOH Team Member
The Co-Op Frose and Eatery
09.2024 - 12.2024
Barista
Tidal Grounds Coffee
11.2023 - 02.2024
Barista/FOH Team Member
Ruby's NY Style Bagels
10.2022 - 06.2023
Barista
Starbucks
05.2021 - 10.2022
Host
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
08.2019 - 05.2021
High School Diploma -
Wando High School