Elizabeth Merriman
Lexington,KY
Summary
Restaurant management professional with experience leading front of house teams, supporting daily operations, and maintaining strong guest service in high volume fine dining settings. Advanced from server to Lead Server and Assistant General Manager through reliable performance, clear communication, and hands-on mentoring, while balancing scheduling, training, inventory, and conflict resolution.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Merrick Inn
Lexington, KY
11.2025 - 09.2026
- Progressed from server to Lead Server and Assistant General Manager within approximately one year, demonstrating strong leadership, reliability, and operational knowledge.
- Led and supported front-of-house staff by providing guidance, scheduling, mentoring employees, and written training packets that set clear expectations for service and performance.
- Coordinated daily service operations by overseeing staff assignments and ensuring smooth workflow during peak hours. Responded effectively to changing business needs and high-pressure situations.
- Supported daily restaurant operations in a fast-paced, high-volume fine dining environment while maintaining a strong focus on guest satisfaction and team performance.
- Resolved customer concerns and operational challenges while ensuring professionalism and positive guest experiences.
- Collaborated with management and staff to identify solutions to operational challenges and enhance overall guest experiences.
- Conducted accurate front of house inventory to monitor supplies and maintain appropriate stock levels for efficient daily operations.
Lead Server
Merrick Inn
Lexington, KY
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Delivered attentive, professional service while managing multiple guests and competing priorities in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Built strong relationships with guests and coworkers through effective communication and a service-focused approach.
- Demonstrated reliability and initiative, leading to promotion from Lead Server to Assistant General Manager.
- Supported team members and upheld service standards, fostering a collaborative work environment.
General Manager
Paisano's Italian Restaurant
04.2022 - 10.2024
- Led restaurant staff and maintained accountability for daily operations, service standard and guest satisfaction.
- Managed restaurant operations while completing a Bachelor of Science degree at Eastern Kentucky University, demonstrating ability to juggle multiple high-priority commitments.
- Managed challenges in a fast-paced environment by making practical decisions and communicating effectively with employees and customers.
- Trained, supported, and mentored employees while helping develop a collaborative and accountable team culture.
- Addressed customer concerns professionally and worked to resolve issues while protecting the overall guest experience.
- Balanced operational responsibilities with employee needs and customer expectations while maintaining academic commitments.
- Demonstrated adaptability and leadership while managing changing priorities and high-pressure situations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY01-2024
Skills
- Restaurant Operations
- Operational Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Employee Training & Mentoring
- Staff Development
- Customer Service
- Guest Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Crisis Management
- Problem Solving
- Team Building
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Accountability
Certification
- Food Safety Manager Certificate
- Nail technician License
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
Merrick Inn
11.2025 - 09.2026
Lead Server
Merrick Inn
09.2024 - 11.2025
General Manager
Paisano's Italian Restaurant
04.2022 - 10.2024
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Eastern Kentucky University