James Wells
Fort Lauderdale
Summary
Expert in food and wine pairing, enhancing customer experiences at Sixty Vines Las Olas. Increased sales by 20% through effective upselling techniques, encouraging repeat visits. Skilled in customer relationship management, delivering tailored solutions and seamless service. Extensive menu knowledge and order management skills ensure exceptional dining experiences.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
SIXTY VINES LAS OLAS
Fort Lauderdale
03.2025 - Current
- Provided expert food and wine pairing recommendations, creating customized and memorable experiences for each customer.
- Utilized extensive wine knowledge, including regional characteristics and grape varieties, to guide guest selections and enhance their dining experience.
- Upsold customers, successfully increasing nightly sales and encouraging repeat visits to the restaurant.
SERVER
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Coconut Creek
05.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed multiple tables to deliver exceptional customer experiences in high-volume settings.
- Explained menu items and wine pairings while upholding impeccable dining area standards.
- Maintain extensive knowledge of all menu items and ingredients as well as cooking techniques.
- Developed comprehensive understanding of food, spirits, and wine pairings to enhance customer recommendations.
- Attend regular wine tastings to expand knowledge of wine and food pairings.
- Responded positively and friendly to customer complaints, ensuring resolution and satisfaction.
- Assist with opening and closing duties such as prepping tables, and dining areas, and ensuring items are stocked.
Restaurant Server
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Hollywood
03.2022 - 04.2023
- Take food and beverage orders from guests, enter orders in our point-of-sale system which relays orders to the kitchen and bar.
- Deliver food and beverages from kitchen and bar to guests in a timely manner.
- Prepare final bill, present check to guest, accept payment, process credit card charges or make change.
- Recommended menu items based on guest preferences, enhancing dining experience.
- Updated guests on specials and menu changes, promoting featured offerings.
- Answer questions about our food, beverages and other restaurant functions and services.
- Supported fellow servers during busy shifts, contributing to seamless service delivery.
Operations Manager/Sales Representative
Inman Orthodontic Lab
Coral Springs
10.2007 - 03.2022
- Managed the day-to-day operations and coordinated the work of 30 employees by setting expectations, offering clear direction and motivational leadership.
- Identified business and production issues, creating tailored solutions to address specific challenges.
- Developed annual reports evaluating costs to produce and promote each product, setting price points and sales goals based on comprehensive analysis.
- Interacted on a daily basis with customers serving as the primary technical expert as well as solving all business related customer service issues.
- Demonstrated products and explained services to potential clients at their offices and various trade shows.
- Delivered presentations at lunch and learn meetings and industry conferences, effectively communicating product benefits to potential clients.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Administraction
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Indianapolis, IN05-2002
Skills
- Table service
- Order management
- Menu knowledge
- Food pairing
- Beverage recommendations
- Upselling techniques
- Customer relationship management
Timeline
Server
SIXTY VINES LAS OLAS
03.2025 - Current
SERVER
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
05.2023 - 04.2024
Restaurant Server
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
03.2022 - 04.2023
Operations Manager/Sales Representative
Inman Orthodontic Lab
10.2007 - 03.2022
Associate of Science - Business Administraction
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana