Ernest Esparza
Levelland,TX
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated professional with extensive experience at Chillax Grill, excelling in customer service and complaint resolution. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through effective communication and upselling techniques. Skilled in cash handling and maintaining food safety standards, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Waiter
Chillax Grill
Morton, TX
01.2025 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Assisted guests with menu selections and provided detailed descriptions of specials.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to enhance guest experience.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery.
- Trained new waitstaff on service protocols and restaurant standards.
- Handled payment transactions efficiently, ensuring accuracy in billing process.
- Managed reservations and seating arrangements to optimize table turnover rate.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, enhancing overall satisfaction levels.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas for optimal guest experience.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Supported fellow waitstaff through teamwork during busy times, sharing responsibilities as needed.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in positive feedback from guests.
- Processed cash and credit card transactions accurately, maintaining accountability for all sales revenue generated during shifts.
- Maintained professional demeanor under pressure while managing challenging situations involving dissatisfied customers.
- Balanced excellent customer service with efficient task completion by multitasking effectively throughout each shift.
- Managed multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining high levels of accuracy on order placement and delivery.
- Addressed guest concerns promptly and professionally, fostering a positive dining atmosphere.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively during busy shifts, ensuring prompt attention to all guests'' needs.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers, encouraging repeat visits and loyalty to the establishment.
- Contributed positively to the overall workplace culture through proactive communication, problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
- Contributed to efficient restaurant operations by assisting in bussing tables during peak hours.
- Assisted in training new waitstaff members, contributing to a cohesive team environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of diverse menu offerings, guiding guests towards optimal meal choices based on preferences or dietary requirements.
- Promoted restaurant specials and upsold menu items, increasing overall sales revenue.
- Effectively communicated dietary restrictions and allergies to kitchen staff, ensuring accurate meal preparation for guests.
- Adhered to company guidelines and safety protocols for proper food handling and presentation.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Folded napkins and prepared silverware sets to provide adequate supply for host station.
- Communicated with kitchen staff to enable accurate food preparation.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
- Supported needs of Number- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Type restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
Paper Shredder
Van Horn Court House
Van Horn, TX
05.2022 - 08.2024
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
High School Diploma -
Van Horn High School
Van Horn, TXSkills
- Customer service
- Order taking
- Cleanliness
- Service quality
- Problem-solving
- Cash handling
- Table setting
- Food safety awareness
- Memory retention
- Upselling techniques
- Food presentation
- Wine pairing
- Banquet coordination
- Guest engagement
- Complaint resolution
- Conflict management
- Portion control
- Allergy awareness
- Cross-selling and upselling
- Beverage knowledge
- Menu specials memorization
- Customer loyalty programs
- Courteous demeanor
- Specials recommendations
- Check accuracy
- Food service promotion
- Food service delivery
- Soft drink service
- Menu description knowledge
- Menu design
- Food hygiene
- Personal hygiene
- Seating management
- Large party coordination
- Beverage refills
- Food preparation knowledge
- Dessert recommendations
- Server collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making
- Menu memorization
- Order accuracy
- Guest relations
- Safe food handling
- Professional appearance
- Sales techniques
- Relationship management
- Service prioritization
- High volume dining
- Tableside service
- Order management
- Menu presentation
- Bill computation
- Table bussing
- Dining area maintenance
- Accurate money handling
- Basic math
- Time management
- Guest relations management
- Fine dining
- Quality control
- Item promotion
- Daily specials memorization
- Compliance standards
- Food spoilage prevention
- Food station setup
- Regulatory compliance
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Food handling safety
- Food safety
- Beverage service
- Buffet setup and takedown
- Food allergy awareness
- Table setting arrangements
- Dining customer service
- Serving expertise
- Calm demeanor
- Dining room preparation
- Check payment processing
- Special dietary requirements
- Menu item recommendation
- Table turnover
- Plate presentation
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Restaurant Waiter
Chillax Grill
01.2025 - Current
Paper Shredder
Van Horn Court House
05.2022 - 08.2024
High School Diploma -
Van Horn High School