Helen Ortega
Houston
Summary
Dedicated professional with experience as a hostess and barista, specializing in customer service and team training. Capable of thriving in fast-paced environments while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization. Proven track record in guest engagement and effective complaint resolution. Motivated to leverage skills and knowledge in diverse work settings to drive team success.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Hostess
Brassica
Houston
01.2026 - Current
- Greeted and seated guests in a welcoming manner.
- Assisted guests with menu inquiries and dining recommendations.
- Resolved guest complaints with professionalism, ensuring a positive dining experience.
- Created an enjoyable atmosphere by engaging in friendly conversation with guests.
- Trained new staff on hosting procedures and customer service standards to enhance team performance.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the front-of-house area.
- Supported serving staff, food runners and bussers to keep dining room presentable and ready for guests.
- Accommodated guests with children and special needs to promote a comfortable dining experience.
- Assisted in preparing the restaurant for opening and closing shifts.
- Handled cash payments and reconciled daily transactions accurately.
- Utilized POS system to total meal costs and add taxes for final bill calculation.
- Coordinated with kitchen and serving staff to address dining details and ensure smooth operations.
Barista
Rare Tea
Houston
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Managed morning rush of customers daily with efficient, levelheaded customer service.
- Assisted in training new baristas on standard operating procedures.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth operations during busy hours.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines to pass state inspections.
Barista
Okie Dokie
Houston
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Prepared and served a variety of coffee beverages to customers.
- Operated espresso machines and other coffee equipment efficiently.
- Crafted complex, hand-crafted beverages tailored to individual customer preferences.
- Provided friendly service and shared product knowledge to enhance customer experience.
- Handled daily morning rush efficiently, ensuring smooth service and customer satisfaction.
- Maintained calm demeanor during high-volume periods and special events.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the coffee shop environment.
- Stocked shelves with ingredients needed to make coffee drinks.
- Sliced fruits daily for use in food preparation, ensuring freshness and quality.
Waitress
Eggcellence Cafe
Houston
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Provided excellent customer service in fast-paced cafe environment.
- Took and processed customer orders efficiently at Eggcellence Cafe.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing any complaints or concerns promptly.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries and special requests.
- Developed positive relationships with regular customers through friendly conversation.
- Handled cash transactions accurately during busy service hours.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area throughout shifts.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal delivery.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Maintained a clean work station by restocking supplies, wiping down counters.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mayde Creek Highschool
Houston, TX05-2025
Skills
- Guest engagement
- Customer service
- Complaint resolution
- Dining etiquette
- POS system operation
- Cash handling
- Safe food handling
- Menu expertise
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Upselling
- Item promotion
- Basic Spanish
- Customer relationship management
- Staff training
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Hostess
Brassica
01.2026 - Current
Barista
Rare Tea
09.2024 - 05.2025
Barista
Okie Dokie
08.2022 - 05.2023
Waitress
Eggcellence Cafe
05.2021 - 09.2021
High School Diploma -
Mayde Creek Highschool