Essence Lewis
Rochester,NY
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished catering and food service professional with prior work in social and corporate markets. Notable success in large-scale event planning, food preparation and menu development. Currently seeking a event coordinating/food service management role.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Dining and Catering
Episcopal Church Home
Rochester, NY
12.2020 - Current
- Planned and implemented menus for all dining services, including special events.
- Created and maintained a budget for food purchases, labor costs, and other expenses associated with running the dining service.
- Monitored food safety standards in accordance with applicable health codes and regulations.
- Supervised staff of cooks, servers, dishwashers, bartenders, and other personnel.
- Oversaw the ordering of supplies such as food items, paper goods, utensils, and beverages.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to ensure competitive pricing on food products and services.
- Coordinated catering services for large events or meetings held on-site or off-site locations.
- Ensured compliance with local health codes by monitoring the cleanliness of work areas at all times.
General Manager
Texas de Brazil
washington, dc
05.2017 - 12.2020
- Enhanced team member productivity by improving monitoring systems and motivational strategies
- Led employee performance reviews and discussed improvement strategies with each team member
- Collaborated with staff to maximize customer satisfaction, streamline procedures and boost bottom-line profitability
- Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance and achieve daily performance objectives
- Successfully organized and executed hundreds of shows and events, fostering client retention
- Developed and retained strong customer rapport through proactive contact
- Gathered event requirements, including venues, budgets, guest lists, catering and event timelines through face-to-face client meetings
Front of House manager/ Event Sales Lead
The Boathouse
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed all front of house certifications and re-certifications.
- Monitored all FOH staff certifications to ensure compliance with industry standards
- Consistently received positive feedback from guests for the quality of service
- Booked large groups of people for weddings, seminars, conferences and other events and offered the best available room rates
- Cultivated long-lasting relationships with outside vendors including florists and restaurants so that guests could secure valuable deals on services and meals
- Hired and mentored all new employees while also demonstrating the best methods for servicing clients and guests
- Directed florists, photographers, musicians, officiants and ceremony participants during pre-ceremony, ceremony and post-ceremony events
- Planned menus to align with event theme or budget, coordinated catering services and selected appropriate entertainment
Education
Culinary Safety
ServSafe
Rochester, NY01-2023
University of Alabama
2011
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Miles College
2011
Skills
- Microsoft office / Outlook/ Windows XP
- Attention to detail
- Sales and marketing
- Legal research
- Social media activities
- Issue and conflict resolution
- Project management
- Staff development
- Capital improvement planning
- Menu development
- Operations management
- Customer service best practices
- Employee recruitment expertise
- Customer-oriented
- Organization and prioritization
- TIPS certified
- Influencing and persuasive
- Labor and food cost control
- Proven sales record
- Staff development talent
- In house- Culinary arts education
Timeline
Director of Dining and Catering
Episcopal Church Home
12.2020 - Current
General Manager
Texas de Brazil
05.2017 - 12.2020
Front of House manager/ Event Sales Lead
The Boathouse
01.2016 - 01.2017
Culinary Safety
ServSafe
University of Alabama
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Miles College
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