Fernanda Soto
North Chicago,IL
Summary
Proven leader with extensive experience at Red Lobster, adept in team management and inventory control. Skillfully boosts customer engagement and resolves complaints, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. Achieved significant performance improvements through effective staff training and meticulous record-keeping. Balances strong recruitment abilities with a keen focus on operational excellence and profitability.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Red Lobster
08.2023 - Current
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement while recognizing outstanding achievements as well.
- Developed loyalty program to encourage repeat business, enhancing customer retention.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies, reducing waste through meticulous inventory management.
- Streamlined operations, adopting new scheduling system to ensure optimal staffing levels.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
Host/Server/Cashier
Red Lobster Seafood
08.2019 - 08.2023
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, effectively managing large parties or unexpected events during busy shifts.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Provided exceptional customer service by attentively listening to guest needs and promptly addressing any concerns or issues.
- Contributed to team success through effective communication and cooperation with coworkers and management.
- Facilitated positive first impressions for guests through friendly greetings, professional attire, and genuine enthusiasm for their visit.
- Ensured smooth operations during shift changes by communicating relevant information between incoming and outgoing staff members.
- Consistently upheld company standards and policies, contributing to a positive reputation for the establishment among guests and peers.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go stations.
- Advised customers about special offerings and menu items to help drive sales.
- Input orders accurately into POS terminal, split bills and accepted payments.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Assisted in planning and execution of special events, contributing to restaurant's reputation for hosting.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
Sales Representative
Vianney
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment, enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, resolving customer issues while adhering to company policies.
- Developed strong relationships with repeat clients, leading to increased loyalty and return visits.
- Collaborated with team members to meet and exceed monthly sales targets consistently.
- Promoted special offers and events by engaging with customers on the sales floor, driving awareness of promotions and boosting sales conversion rates.
- Handled customer complaints with empathy and patience, resolving issues to maintain positive store reputation.
- Trained new employees in sales techniques and store procedures, improving team effectiveness.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Managed promotional booth setup, creating attractive displays to draw in potential customers.
- Identified potential marketing opportunities to increase brand awareness.
- Packed, labeled, and shipped products to customers, providing accurate delivery timelines.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
Customer Service Representative
Navy Pier
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- 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.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently preparing and serving high-quality beverages.
- Created wide variety of hot and cold drinks in average shifts with consistently positive customer satisfaction scores.
- Sanitized equipment and wiped down counters and tables to prevent spread of germs.
- 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.
- Promoted additional items with beverages, increasing store sales.
- Followed exact recipes for mixing and preparing beverage and food items.
Education
High School Diploma -
Instituto Justice And Leadership Academy
Chicago06-2018
Skills
- Team management
- Inventory control and record keeping
- Customer engagement
- Staff management
- Complaint resolution
- Performance improvement
- Recruitment
Accomplishments
- Improved online restaurant reviews by successfully handling customer complaints and connecting with guests.
- Reduced employee turnover.
- Documented and resolved guest and staff dilemmas which led to a positive work environment.
Certification
- Allergen Awareness Training Certificate
- EcoSure Health Department Intelligence Certificate – Ecolab EcoSure.
- Professional Bartender's License/Certificate
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Red Lobster
08.2023 - Current
Host/Server/Cashier
Red Lobster Seafood
08.2019 - 08.2023
Sales Representative
Vianney
01.2018 - 10.2018
Customer Service Representative
Navy Pier
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Allergen Awareness Training Certificate
- EcoSure Health Department Intelligence Certificate – Ecolab EcoSure.
- Professional Bartender's License/Certificate
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
High School Diploma -
Instituto Justice And Leadership Academy
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