Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Ella Dane Porterfield

Houston,TX

Summary

I have happily worked in the service industry for a full decade in Houston, Texas where I was born and raised. I have been fortunate to grow with and experience the vibrant culinary scene in my hometown by working with incredible talent and varied industry professionals. With consistent growth and learning, I strive to be the team member everyone can rely on.

I am a proactive server with experience working both FOH and BOH. I am a focused and hardworking colleague who is knowledgeable in food safety, beverage service, various cuisine, and sanitation guidelines. Providing guests with a memorable dining experience while also showcasing genuine hospitality is very important to me, which over time has created meaningful and lasting relationships.

I look forward to continuing my professional journey in Austin, and playing a role in such a vibrant and dynamic culinary community.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Server

Riel Restaurant
11.2021 - Current
  • Referral, Ryan Lachaine, Executive Chef at Riel (713-256-9440)
  • Consistent by greeting each guest with a smile, giving appropriate eye contact, and having warm conversation
  • Connecting with guests by using names if possible and engaging enough to create a relationship
  • Using intuition to understand the specific needs of each guests through the dining experience, solve issues and build trust.
  • Working the POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
  • Present accurate check and process payments including cash handling and credit policies/procedures, also added and received gratuity.
  • Communicate additional meal requirements, allergies, dietary needs, and special requests to the kitchen.
  • Set tables according to the type of event and service standards
  • Complete closing duties, including storing all reusable items, breaking down goods, cleaning all equipment and areas, returning equipment to proper locations, restocking items, popping wine bottles, and sweep/mop.

Server Assistant

State Of Grace Restaurant
11.2020 - 08.2021
  • Referral, Sophia Zizzo, Assistant manager/Lead server, at Stage of Grace (630-881-7155)
  • Maintained adequate levels of condiments and well-stocked drink stations to keep service flowing smoothly.
  • Kept a close eye on guests to quickly spot when tables needed a clear for future patrons.
  • Managed customer deliveries and assisted with carrying out orders to promote maximum satisfaction.
  • Assisted with dining room set up prior to and after service period.
  • Transported dirty utensils, dishes and trays to kitchen to help team stay on top of cleaning.
  • Collected trash, wiped up spills and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean guests areas.
  • Offered product samples, answered questions and helped customers find items.
  • Assisted wait staff with timely food delivery and guest requests.
  • Checked dining area supplies of linens, wrapped silverware and replenished low stock.
  • Monitored dining room inventory and replenished as necessary.

Server, Bartender, Banquet , & VIP Band Crew

Karbach Brewing
09.2017 - 07.2020
  • Cicerone Level 1 certified
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet all customer needs.
  • Recruited and trained new bartenders and barbacks and scouted and auditioned performers for various special events.
  • Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
  • Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
  • Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines and mixers.
  • Worked as VIP Band staff, taking care of the bands who came to our brewery for festivals
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers and taking inventory.
  • Orchestrated numerous social functions, including private parties, business meetings and formal engagements.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
  • Set up glassware, liquor and other necessary supplies for special events.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.

Education

Associate of Arts - Yoga Philosophy

The Atrium Yoga School
Houston TX
05.2021

High School Diploma -

Taylor High School
Katy, TX
05.2013

Skills

  • Menu Memorization
  • Bill Computation
  • Point of Sale Knowledge
  • Food Preparation and Safety
  • Order Delivery Practices
  • Table Setting Knowledge
  • To-Go Order Preparation
  • Guest Seating Arrangements
  • Daily Specials Memorization
  • High-Volume Dining
  • Guest Relations Management
  • Food Running
  • Food Tray Carrying
  • Engaging with challenging guests

Timeline

Server

Riel Restaurant
11.2021 - Current

Server Assistant

State Of Grace Restaurant
11.2020 - 08.2021

Server, Bartender, Banquet , & VIP Band Crew

Karbach Brewing
09.2017 - 07.2020

Associate of Arts - Yoga Philosophy

The Atrium Yoga School

High School Diploma -

Taylor High School
Ella Dane Porterfield