Emma Kawaoka
San Luis Obispo,CA
Summary
I have lots of knowledgeable guest service experience in busy retail settings and cafe settings. I have had many years of experience in cashiering as well as shelve restocking. I work well as a team and get along with my coworkers and always put in my best effort. I am used to working under pressure, even when there is a line out the door. During these rush hours I continue to use excellent customer service, despite the stress levels. I always look forward to learn new things and I enjoy a good challenge. Meeting knew people is also something I enjoy in the workplace, as well as satisfying people's needs.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Barista
Lucy's Coffee Company
11.2023 - Current
- Brewed and served coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic drinks according to company standards.
- Kept product inventory stocked during times of customer congestion and high demand.
- Prepared and stocked baked goods, toasts, and light snacks to compliment beverage choices.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by crafting high-quality coffee beverages and providing exceptional service.
- Streamlined drink preparation process for increased efficiency and consistent taste.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the workspace, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for customers.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver timely and accurate orders during peak hours.
- Provided personalized recommendations based on customer preferences, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintaining accountability for daily register balances.
- Ensured optimal espresso extraction with precise grinding adjustments, regular machine maintenance, and quality control measures.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Memorized recipes for specialty coffee beverages and seasonal offerings.
- Check though daily checklist tasks including, opening and closing tasks that consist of prepping food and drinks, setting up the shop as well as closing cleaning tasks such as mopping.
Barista
Kraken Coffee Co (PBS Creative)
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment..
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Memorized recipes for specialty coffee beverages and seasonal offerings.
- Recommended products based on solid understanding of individual customer needs and preferences.
- Completed successful daily cash audits to correctly balance drawers at end of shifts.
- Monitored supply levels at counter and maintained customer areas to meet typical demands.
- Used POS system to accurately enter orders and process payments.
- Elevated customer loyalty by using strong communication abilities to resolve customer problems.
- Prepared specialty drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes and mochas.
- Learned every menu item's preparation and numerous off-label drinks to meet customer needs.
- Minimized spoilage with proper use of first-in-first-out stock procedures.
- Explained beverage preparation and offered samples to help customers choose ideal items.
- Prevented infections and maintained store professionalism by cleaning and sanitizing work areas daily.
- Successfully opened and closed the cafe
Guest Advocate
Target
11.2020 - 12.2022
- Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by providing extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
- Correctly and efficiently check out guests at a register while properly bagging their items, while also handling their money/cards/checks. Also experience with sales of alcohol.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
- Trained new personnel regarding company operations, policies and services.
- Quickly and accurately answered customer questions, suggested effective solutions and resolved issues to increase customer satisfaction.
- Recommended, selected and helped locate and obtain out-of-stock product based on customer requests.
- Collected and returned unpurchased or returned items to correct shelf locations and arranged displays to promote sales.
- Applied highly effective selling skills while properly engaging and presenting solutions to customers.
- Increased efficiency and team productivity by promoting operational best practices.
- Operated balers
- Assisted guests with price changes and price checking
- Checked product shelves to review for proper price labels and handled price change when requested by a leader
Hostess
Kanpai Sushi
11.2019 - 12.2019
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions and informed of accurate wait times.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating and menu information.
- Assigned patrons to tables suitable for needs and restaurant section rotation.
- Supported bussers with keeping the dining area ready for every guest.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
- Collected information from arriving customers to seat groups or place them on waitlist.
- Documented reservations, alerted servers and managers of large groups and prepared seating.
- Documented reservations and communicated changes to guests.
- Recorded available tables after seating each party using specialized seating software.
Seasonal Pumpkin Patch
Brookshire Farms
10.2018 - 11.2018
- Sanitized tabletops, toys and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Led children in creative, athletic and educational activities while maintaining safe and orderly group.
- Introduced children to educational games and activities to boost learning.
- Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
Seasonal Produce Associate
Okui's Strawberry And Fruit Stand
03.2017 - 09.2017
- Stocked fruits and vegetables and removed old or poor quality products.
- Pleasantly greeted customers and provided prompt and courteous service.
- Maintained safe, neat and clean working environment and closely monitored for wet floors or other hazards.
- Monitored refrigeration, freezer and cooling areas for proper functioning and reported issues to supervisor.
- Helped customers complete purchases by moving heavy items, collecting payments and bagging purchases.
- Answered phone calls to answer any questions customers may have about our produce or our store hours
- Made phone calls to certain waitlisted customers for highly recommended produce
- I have worked here for the years 2017-2020, as well as 2023.
Education
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, CA06.2024
High School Diploma -
San Luis Obispo High School
San Luis Obispo, CA06.2021
Skills
- Customer Service
- Guest Satisfaction
- Payment Processing
- Brand Loyalty
- Product Sales
- Inventory Management
- Beverage Preparation
- Cash Register Operation
- Coffee and Tea Expertise
- Food Preparation
Timeline
Barista
Lucy's Coffee Company
11.2023 - Current
Barista
Kraken Coffee Co (PBS Creative)
10.2022 - 11.2023
Guest Advocate
Target
11.2020 - 12.2022
Hostess
Kanpai Sushi
11.2019 - 12.2019
Seasonal Pumpkin Patch
Brookshire Farms
10.2018 - 11.2018
Seasonal Produce Associate
Okui's Strawberry And Fruit Stand
03.2017 - 09.2017
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration
Cuesta College
High School Diploma -
San Luis Obispo High School
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