Elizabeth Lewis
Salinas,CA
Summary
Efficient and results-driven Food Service Manager with background in managing fast-paced dining establishments. Skilled in team leadership, operational management, and customer service enhancement. Demonstrated ability to improve workflow and streamline operations for increased efficiency. Impact made in previous roles includes elevating guest satisfaction through strategic service improvements and fostering a positive work environment for staff.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Culinary Services
Vista Harden Ranch
Salinas, CA
02.2025 - Current
- Developed innovative menus that reflect seasonal ingredients and regional flavors.
- Managed kitchen operations ensuring high standards of food quality and safety.
- Collaborated with staff to streamline food preparation processes and enhance efficiency.
- Coordinated special events, adapting menus to meet diverse dietary needs and preferences.
- Fostered a positive work environment encouraging creativity and teamwork among staff members.
- Developed care plans tailored to individual resident needs and preferences.
- Collaborated with families to address concerns and improve resident satisfaction.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review policies and procedures.
- Trained new employees on policies and procedures related to their job duties.
- Trained culinary team on best practices for cooking techniques and presentation skills.
- Oversaw inventory management to reduce waste and maintain optimal stock levels.
- Implemented health regulations to ensure compliance with local food safety standards.
- Managed staffing levels, trained new employees, and conducted performance evaluations.
- Maintained records related to inventory, purchases, production costs.
- Supervised preparation of meals according to established standards and recipes.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in terms of efficiency and cost savings throughout operations.
- Developed relationships with local farmers and vendors for sourcing fresh produce and meats.
- Developed menus for special events and holidays, ensuring that items met dietary requirements.
- Coordinated with vendors on deliveries, pricing, and quality assurance measures.
- Created a budget and ordered food supplies to meet the needs of the facility.
- Reviewed menus regularly to ensure accuracy and make recommendations accordingly.
- Directed daily operations of culinary staff members in all kitchens.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
Senior dining manager
Bjs Brewhouse
Salinas, CA
03.2020 - 12.2024
- Managed daily operations and staff in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Trained and mentored team members on service standards and procedures.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring supply levels met restaurant needs.
- Developed team cohesion through regular meetings and feedback sessions.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining excellent customer service standards.
- Ensured all safety protocols were followed in the kitchen area.
- Evaluated employee performance through observations in the dining room or kitchen area.
- Created promotional campaigns to increase customer traffic during peak hours or special events.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to provide updates on goals and objectives and discuss any issues or concerns.
- Supervised staff of 30+ employees; trained new hires on company policies and procedures.
- Monitored food quality, customer service, and cleanliness standards to ensure a positive dining experience.
- Maintained compliance with local health codes and sanitation regulations.
- Managed daily operations including scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, and resolving disputes between staff members.
- Reviewed closing reports at end of shifts and corrected mistakes.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank.
- Inspected restrooms and dining and serving areas to foster cleanliness and proper setup.
Restaurant Manager
Outback Steakhouse
Salinas, CA
10.2014 - 07.2020
- Organized special events in restaurant, including receptions, promotions and corporate luncheons.
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
- Developed, implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
- Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflows for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction.
- Applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies.
- Prepared for and executed new menu implementations.
- Resolved challenging customer complaints to full satisfaction, promoting brand loyalty and maximizing repeat business.
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in community.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Recognized and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance to boost company morale and productivity.
- Purchased adequate quantities of necessary restaurant items, including food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
- Skillfully interacted with external vendors to obtain best quality in pricing and product.
- Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Created fun team building activities to engage staff in up-selling to meet revenue targets.
- Strategically developed effective marketing plans to increase sales and profits while managing costs.
- Carefully developed lucrative annual food and beverage marketing plan and strict budget to maximize profits.
Clerk Cashier
Food4less
Salinas, CA
09.2012 - 10.2014
- Checked prices for customers and processed items sold by scanning barcodes.
- Assisted customers by answering questions and fulfilling requests.
- Promoted customer loyalty and consistent sales by delivering friendly service and knowledgeable assistance.
- Answered questions about store policies and concerns to support positive customer experiences.
- Educated customers on promotions to enhance sales.
- Replenished sales floor merchandise and organized shelves, racks and bins for optimal appearance.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items and join reward programs to promote loyalty, satisfaction and sales numbers.
- Counted cash in register drawer at beginning and end of shift.
- Requested official identification for Alcohol purchases and verified details, consistently meeting strict legal standards of underage sales.
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions and highlighted sales to customers.
- Reviewed and resolved differences between accounting information and cash drawer.
- Trained as Customer service trainer and provided back-up coverage to provide customers with optimal support.
- Quickly and accurately counted drawers at start and end of each shift.
- Provided expertise on products, including demonstrating features, answering questions, and redirecting objections to highlight positive aspects.
- Checked identification for proof-of-age and refusing alcohol and tobacco sales to underage customers.
- Mentored new team members on POS system operation, customer service strategies and sales goals.
- Worked closely with General manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments, and issue receipts.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors and resolving discrepancies.
- Processed POS transactions, including checks, cash and credit purchases or refunds.
Caretaker
Paul Lumbi Board And Care Home
Salinas, CA
03.2008 - 08.2012
- Restocked supplies and rotated items to maintain efficient operations and prevent expiration of perishable goods.
- Remained alert to problems or health issues of clients and competently responded.
- Monitored and assisted residents through individual service plans.
- Recognized and reported abnormalities and/or changes in patients' health status to case manager.
- Determined specific needs and provided most appropriate level of services for patient well-being.
- Documented residents' behavior in terms of mental status, sleeping and eating patterns in medical record books.
- Planned, prepared and served meals and snacks according to prescribed diets.
- Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned station and service areas.
- Performed household tasks such as laundry, dusting, washing dishes and vacuuming.
- Scheduled and accompanied clients to medical appointments.
- Ran errands for customers, including shopping, and picking up other necessities.
- Helped clients with hygiene-related tasks such as brushing teeth, bathing, grooming and toileting.
- Shopped for groceries regularly in order to keep house stocked with necessities.
- Helped clients manage money, pay bills and shop for groceries or personal items.
Education
North Salinas High School
Salinas, CASkills
- Marketing and Advertising
- Recruitment
- Performance improvement
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Staff Scheduling
- Food Plating and Presentation
- Food Preparation and Safety
- Order Delivery Practices
- Recipes and menu planning
- Trained in performance and wage reviews
- Food service background
- Menu development
- Cost reduction
- Communication skills
- Event coordination
- Team leadership
- Dietary planning
- Inventory management
- Food safety
- Allergen awareness
- HACCP compliance
- ServSafe manager
- Recipe development
- Budgeting master
- Leadership trained
- Professional demeanor
- Time management abilities
- Payroll administration
- Front of house management
- Health and safety regulations
- Organization and prioritization
- Customer engagement
- Operations management
- Labor and food cost control
- Point of sale (POS) system operation
- Schedule coordination
- TIPS certified
Timeline
Director of Culinary Services
Vista Harden Ranch
02.2025 - Current
Senior dining manager
Bjs Brewhouse
03.2020 - 12.2024
Restaurant Manager
Outback Steakhouse
10.2014 - 07.2020
Clerk Cashier
Food4less
09.2012 - 10.2014
Caretaker
Paul Lumbi Board And Care Home
03.2008 - 08.2012
North Salinas High School