Heather Knight
Las Vegas
Summary
Seasoned hospitality leader with 15+ years of progressive experience in food and beverage operations, culinary management, and front-of-house leadership. Proven success in driving revenue growth, optimizing service delivery, and leading high-performing teams in both fine dining and high-volume venues. Skilled in vendor negotiation, inventory control, POS systems, and aligning culinary operations with business goals. Committed to elevating guest experiences and fostering team excellence in a Director of Food and Beverage role. Hardworking professional with proven relationship-building and time management skills in fast-paced restaurant environments. Successful at handling tables of all sizes with accuracy and impeccable service skills. Strives to meet customer needs, drive satisfaction and promote long-term loyalty.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Server-Bartender
Ciao Vino
Summerlin
05.2032 - Current
- Processed gust orders efficiently to ensure prompt service.
- Crafted beverages according to customer preferences to enhance satisfaction.
- Delivered outstanding service, fostering positive customer experiences.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas throughout shifts.
- Assisted in training new servers on menu items and service protocols.
- Handled cash transactions and processed payments accurately at the register.
- Recommended menu items based on customer preferences and dietary needs.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to maintain satisfaction levels.
Front-of-House Manager
Hussong’s Cantina
Las Vegas
07.2021 - 05.2023
- Lead all FOH operations for a high-volume restaurant within a major resort property.
- Collaborate with executive chef and BOH leadership to streamline service and kitchen coordination.
- Oversee training, retention, and development for a team of 25+ FOH employees.
- Manage vendor relations, monitor inventory and ordering, and uphold brand standards.
- Implemented scheduling improvements and labor forecasting, resulting in a 5% reduction in labor costs.
- Contributed to a 15% increase in guest satisfaction scores through targeted service enhancement initiatives.
- Maintained consistent “A” ratings from the Health Department by ensuring a safe, clean, and compliant FOH environment for both staff and guests.
- A high-volume restaurant within a major resort property.
Front-of-House Manager
Dom DeMarco’s
Las Vegas
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Oversaw daily FOH operations in a popular Las Vegas eatery.
- Improved service protocols and facilitated seamless FOH-BOH communication.
- Developed employee performance and recognition programs, leading to a 20% reduction in staff turnover.
- A popular Las Vegas eatery.
Executive Personal Assistant
Private Household of Mike Cunningham
Medina
04.2012 - 06.2020
- Directed daily operations, event planning, and vendor management for a high-net-worth individual.
- Exercised discretion in confidential matters, including hiring and household staffing.
- Maintained office organization, communications, and scheduling, demonstrating exceptional administrative skills.
Chef Manager
Lager & Vine
Medina
03.2014 - 02.2015
- Directed BOH operations, seasonal menu development, and food/labor cost management.
- Restructured kitchen workflows, enhancing prep efficiency and product consistency.
- Maintained a flawless food safety record with continuous “A” ratings from local health inspectors.
Chef Manager
Thyme 2
Medina
05.2011 - 02.2014
- Led culinary operations in an upscale casual restaurant; implemented inventory systems and mentored staff.
- Created signature dishes that contributed to a 10% increase in customer return rate.
- Developed food and wine pairings for menu items and coordinated private wine-pairing events.
Education
Associate of Science -
Cuyahoga Community College
Parma, OH08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA05.2007
Certificate in Culinary Arts -
IUP Academy of Culinary Arts
Punxsutawney, PA12.2004
Skills
- Multi-unit F&B operations
- Staff recruitment and development
- Menu engineering and cost control
- FOH and BOH coordination
- Budget management and P&L oversight
- Customer experience excellence
- Health and safety compliance
- POS software expertise
- Leadership in fast-paced environments
- Micros POS systems
- Aloha POS systems
- Toast POS systems
- Upserve POS systems
- Touchpoint POS systems
- ChefTec software
- IPro40 software
- Microsoft Office suite skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- MyCRM expertise
Timeline
Server-Bartender
Ciao Vino
05.2032 - Current
Front-of-House Manager
Hussong’s Cantina
07.2021 - 05.2023
Front-of-House Manager
Dom DeMarco’s
08.2020 - 07.2021
Chef Manager
Lager & Vine
03.2014 - 02.2015
Executive Personal Assistant
Private Household of Mike Cunningham
04.2012 - 06.2020
Chef Manager
Thyme 2
05.2011 - 02.2014
Associate of Science -
Cuyahoga Community College
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Certificate in Culinary Arts -
IUP Academy of Culinary Arts