Jacqueline Benson-Turcotte
Panama City
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in hospitality, customer service, and food preparation, adept at creating welcoming environments. Demonstrated ability to manage inventory, rotate stock, pay attention to detail, while ensuring quality standards are met. Skilled in developing customized experiences that cater to the diversity and preferences of all guests; enhancing overall guest satisfaction in order to develop ongoing, long-term relationships that benefit both parties. Proven track record in resolving guest complaints efficiently, contributing to positive guest experiences.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Front of House Staff Member
Andy’s Flour Power
Panama City Beach
02.2025 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries and ensuring a positive dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the dining area, contributing to a welcoming environment for guests.
- Assisted in food preparation and presentation, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timely service delivery.
- Bakery services, stocking front display cases, inventory control, special-order consultation with guests, following the process through, and ensuring that everything is correct.
Personal Chef
ASC, LLC
Panama City
10.2019 - Current
- Developed customized menus for clients, showcasing seasonal ingredients and diverse cuisines to enhance dining experiences.
- Managed food preparation and cooking processes, ensuring adherence to dietary restrictions and food safety standards.
- Established effective inventory management practices, reducing food waste and optimizing ingredient utilization.
- Educating both adults and children with hands-on kitchen instruction, providing detailed notes and recipes tailored to the client’s requests.
Executive Chef
LuLu’s Resto & Bar
Panama City
03.2022 - 10.2024
- Led culinary team in developing seasonal menus, enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative and diverse offerings.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by implementing efficient food preparation techniques, resulting in reduced waste and improved service speed.
- Trained and mentored junior chefs, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to coordinate kitchen activities, improving overall dining efficiency and guest interactions.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments, minimizing shortages and maintaining a well-stocked kitchen to meet service demands.
Guest Relations Associate
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
New Orleans
07.2015 - 08.2017
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues, enhancing visitor experiences at events.
- Collaborated with local partners to develop promotional materials, increasing awareness of attractions and activities in the greater New Orleans metro areas.
- Provided specialized concierge services for VIP guests, arranging transportation/logistics, lodging, restaurant reservations, planning excursions, tours, museum visits, boutique shopping, and procuring tickets to area-specific events and concerts.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Administration And Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI 01.2025 - 02.2026
C.A., C.C.C., Associate In Science - Culinary/Hospitality
Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, Florida, FL 08.2018 - 05.2020
Skills
- Customer Service and Concierge Services
- Inventory Management
- Small Event Planning
- Client Communication
- Quality Assurance
- Staff Training
- Special Orders
- Logistics Coordination
- Guest Relations
- Handling Complaints and Resolving Issues to Guest Satisfaction
- Training and Mentoring
- Guest Follow-Up (feedback)
- Point of Sale (POS) System Operations
- Service Prioritizing
- Conflict Resolution
- Multitasking Abilities
Timeline
Front of House Staff Member
Andy’s Flour Power
02.2025 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Administration And Management
Johnson & Wales University
01.2025 - 02.2026
Executive Chef
LuLu’s Resto & Bar
03.2022 - 10.2024
Personal Chef
ASC, LLC
10.2019 - Current
C.A., C.C.C., Associate In Science - Culinary/Hospitality
Gulf Coast State College
08.2018 - 05.2020
Guest Relations Associate
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
07.2015 - 08.2017