Elena Sasselli
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Focused Waiter with over 4 years of hands-on experience. Skillful in handling phone duties and reservations. Well-versed in coordinating large-scale events and intimate dining. Talented professional with expertise in Trainer role. Proactive and friendly professional with strengths in customer service, time management and effective planning. Decisive and disciplined professional with personable style and thorough approach.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server Trainer
Blanco Cocina & Cantina
Phoenix , AZ
2022.05 - Current
- Developed and presented comprehensive training materials on server setup, configuration, and maintenance.
- Provided one-on-one support to ensure successful completion of training objectives.
- Assisted with troubleshooting network issues related to servers.
- Monitored performance of trainees throughout the course duration to identify areas for improvement.
- Facilitated group discussions about complex topics related to server systems.
- Drafted assessments to evaluate understanding of key concepts taught during sessions.
- Coached staff members on best practices for optimizing server performance levels.
- Collaborated with other trainers to design innovative teaching strategies that engage learners more effectively.
- Encouraged team collaboration among participants throughout the course duration.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Educated waiters on menu, memorization strategies and how to convey information clearly.
- Welcomed guests with personable attitude and brought beverage orders while reviewing menu options.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
Server
Blue Cactus Grill
Norwalk , CT
2018.07 - Current
- seasonal position during the summer months
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies..
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Recorded meal selections and transactions in microsystem to deliver prompt service.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
Head Hostess
Blanco Cocina & Cantina
Tucson , AZ
2020.06 - 2022.05
- Greeted guests upon arrival and escorted them to their tables.
- Supervised a team of hostesses, ensuring all duties were completed in a timely manner.
- Assisted with seating arrangements for large groups and special occasions.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate records of reservations and wait times.
- Trained new staff on proper hosting procedures and policies.
- Ensured that the dining room was always clean, organized, and presentable.
- Monitored guests' needs throughout their stay and responded quickly to any issues or concerns that arose.
- Managed financial transactions including payments, refunds, discounts.
- Planned and executed parties for large volumes of guests coordinating custom menus and preparing elaborate tables.
- Checked dining and serving areas to verify proper cleanliness and readiness for guests.
- Tracked seated guests and available seating using computer-based and mobile reservation software.
- Answered telephone to provide dining information and take reservations.
- Stayed attentive to server availability and table turnover to quickly seat guests.
- Built positive relationships with other front-of-house and kitchen staff.
- Supported serving staff, food runners and bussers to keep dining room presentable and ready for guests.
- Utilized POS system to total meal costs and add taxes for final bill calculation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ2026-05
High School Diploma -
University High School
Tucson, AZ2022-05
Skills
- Server etiquette
- Effective Time Management
- Point of Sale (POS) system operations
- Order Accuracy
- Team Member Training
- New employee mentoring
- Policy Enforcement
- Upselling strategies
- Certified Trainer
- Tableside Service
- Cash Handling
- Quality Control
- High-volume dining
- Employee Mentoring
- Strong leadership
- Dining customer service
- Contract Negotiation
- Team Exercises
- Fast Learner
Affiliations
- Played competitive Varsity and Club volleyball from 2012-2022
Accomplishments
- Recognized as a top Server Trainer by Fox Restaurant Concepts in April 2024.
- Varsity team captain from 2020-2022
- Made the Dean's list all semesters so far at Arizona State University
Certification
- food handlers certification
Languages
English
Professional
Timeline
Server Trainer
Blanco Cocina & Cantina
2022.05 - Current
Head Hostess
Blanco Cocina & Cantina
2020.06 - 2022.05
Server
Blue Cactus Grill
2018.07 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Arizona State University
High School Diploma -
University High School
- food handlers certification
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