Heather Aviles
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Polished fine dining server specializing in multi-course dining, menu expertise, and consultative wine service. Known for cultivating regular guests, creating memorable experiences and driving sales through thoughtful presentation of special menu features, desserts and pairings.
Brings strong leadership, teamwork ,and a commitment to elevated hospitality standards.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Lead Server
Feather + Quill
Windermere, Florida
02.2020 - 02.2023
- Maintained extensive knowledge of menu items ranging from the origin of ingredients to cooking methodology to educate diners and answer all questions.
- Orchestrated multi-course dining service, synchronizing with kitchen and support staff to deliver a refined and cohesive guest experience.
- Recommended wine pairings based on guest preferences and meal choices, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Prepared and maintained tables to fine dining standards, executing precise table resets between courses.
- Led structured pre-service briefings, ensuring FOH alignments on reservations, guest celebrations, chef's specials, and nightly operational objectives.
- Increased wine sales by 12% through personalized pairing recommendations and thoughtful engagement.
Server
Menagerie
Orlando, FL
10.2018 - 06.2021
- Delivered exceptional service in a high end restaurant, focusing on providing a refined and personalized dining experience.
- Demonstrated strong section management, ensuring seamless service execution and guest satisfaction.
- Enhanced average check size by curating guest experiences that highlighted chef's specials and dessert courses.
- Consistently received five-star guest feedback and contributed to a 10% increase in repeat business through relationship-driven, memorable dining experiences.
- Trained and mentored junior servers, fostering a team-oriented environment and ensuring consistent service quality.
General Manager
Guys And Dolls
Endicott, New York
05.2014 - 08.2018
- Oversaw all aspects of business including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service, and sales.
- Managed labor and operating budgets, optimizing staffing levels while maintaining service standards.
- Managed inventory labels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
- Drove guest satisfaction and sales through attentive service standards and team leadership.
Server
Skylark Diner
Vestal, New York
08.2009 - 04.2014
Server
Nick's Pizza & Restaurant
Endicott, NY
06.2005 - 12.2009
Education
Introductory Sommelier (in Progress) - Introductory Sommelier Course
Court of Master Sommeliers
11.2025 - 12.2025
Certified Culinarian - Culinary Arts
Professional Culinary Academy
Buffalo, NY 12.2024 - 09.2025
Skills
- Steps of service and course pacing
- Guest engagement and anticipation of needs
- Menu knowledge and pairing suggestions
- Team leadership and server training
- POS system and order accuracy
- Wine and spirits knowledge
- Fine dining and upscale casual service
Timeline
Introductory Sommelier (in Progress) - Introductory Sommelier Course
Court of Master Sommeliers
11.2025 - 12.2025
Certified Culinarian - Culinary Arts
Professional Culinary Academy
12.2024 - 09.2025
Lead Server
Feather + Quill
02.2020 - 02.2023
Server
Menagerie
10.2018 - 06.2021
General Manager
Guys And Dolls
05.2014 - 08.2018
Server
Skylark Diner
08.2009 - 04.2014
Server
Nick's Pizza & Restaurant
06.2005 - 12.2009