Jacqueline Ward-Kotas
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Dynamic and adept Lead Server and Manager with a proven track record at Trattoria Aroma, where I enhanced team performance and dining experience through expert mentorship and exceptional wine and food knowledge. Skilled in POS systems and upselling, I thrive in fast-paced environments, significantly improving service efficiency and team cohesion. I'm a friendly professional with strong understanding of hospitality and food and beverage industries. I am dedicated to delivering positive customer experience through genuine hospitality.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Server, Manager
Trattoria Aroma
Williamsville, NY
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees
- Assisted other servers in food and wine knowledge.
- Worked in conjunction between the front and back of house, especially on busy nights, so that everything ran smoothly.
- Hosted, helped tend bar, served and bussed tables, and assisted tables with wine choices.
- I filed all vendor receipts, employee files, reprinted menus, reconfigured the wine list, and adjusted food and wine prices.
- I was responsible for interviewing, hiring, and letting go of employees when the owners flew back and forth overseas.
Server
Coco Bar and Bistro
Buffalo, NY
05.2020 - 07.2024
- Assisted in opening the restaurant and patio for lunch most days of the week.
- I worked at Coco on and off during the COVID lockdowns, taking work-from-home jobs in between.
- Served tables during lunch and dinner, doing many doubles, while occasionally hosting and bartending during lunch
Server
Sea Bar
Buffalo, NY
06.2017 - 07.2019
- Served tables 6 days a week, occasionally bartending when needed
- Gained knowledge of Japanese cuisine, sake, and sushi.
- Only left to care for a sick relative before Sea Bar shut its doors.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Medaille College
Buffalo, NY05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in English Literature
University At Buffalo
Buffalo05-2014
Skills
- Liquor, wine, and food knowledge
- skilled upselling
- Proficient in most POS systems
- Eager team player who learns quickly, gets along with everyone, and helps other team members without being asked
Timeline
Lead Server, Manager
Trattoria Aroma
08.2024 - 02.2025
Server
Coco Bar and Bistro
05.2020 - 07.2024
Server
Sea Bar
06.2017 - 07.2019
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Medaille College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in English Literature
University At Buffalo
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