Gwendolyn May

Raleigh,NC

Summary

Seasoned Server Trainer from First Watch Daytime Cafe, adept in POS System proficiency and exceptional communication. Elevated customer satisfaction and team efficiency through expert mentoring and upselling strategies. Demonstrated leadership in high-volume dining environments, significantly enhancing guest experiences and operational smoothness. Organized sever with 15 years of serving and bartending experience. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Server Trainer

First Watch Daytime Cafe

11.2020 - 06.2024

Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.
Mentored new hires through the training process, ensuring they became productive team members quickly and efficiently.
Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, resolving issues and preventing negative reviews or feedback.
Demonstrated strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards and led by example to instill in new servers.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service during peak hours.
Ensured accurate order taking and input into POS systems, reducing errors in food preparation and billing processes.
Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of meals, maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction.

Sever

Another Broken Egg Cafe

08.2017 - 10.2020

Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.

Head Waiter

YardHouse Darden Restaurants

05.2015 - 08.2017

Developed strong rapport with returning guests, leading to increased customer loyalty and positive reviews.
Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
Supervised server staff and simultaneously served personal section of tables.
Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
Utilized knowledge of menu offerings to upsell specials and premium dishes, contributing positively to the restaurant''s overall revenue.
Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
Upheld high standards of professionalism when dealing with customer issues, supporting serving staff, and waiting on tables.
Improved communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams, resulting in smoother operations during peak hours.
Conducted regular performance evaluations for wait staff to continually improve service quality.
Ensured compliance with health department regulations through consistent monitoring of cleanliness standards throughout the dining area.
Stored food in designated containers and storage areas to increase shelf life, improve kitchen organization, and provide easy access during busy peak service times.
Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine, cider, and beer to increase daily beverage sales.

Education

Certification - Phlebotomy

Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway, SC

05.2010

Skills

Effective Time Management
Safe Food Handling
Menu Memorization
Order Accuracy
High-volume dining
Upselling strategies
Team Member Training
POS System proficiency
Safe handling procedures

Cash Handling
Bar terminology
Wine service
Allergy awareness
Food running skills
Dining area maintenance
Exceptional communication
Employee Mentoring
Training expertise

Timeline

Server Trainer - First Watch Daytime Cafe

11.2020 - 06.2024

Sever - Another Broken Egg Cafe

08.2017 - 10.2020

Head Waiter - YardHouse Darden Restaurants