Jay Higa
Honolulu,HI
Summary
Well-trained Assistant Restaurant Manager promoting 20+ years of expertise in food and beverage industry. Passionate leader with know-how to develop positive working environment and improved employee retention. Great customer service and conflict resolution skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Ruscello Nordstrom
04.2022 - 07.2024
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
- Pitched in to help host, waitstaff, and bussers during exceptionally busy times such as dinner hour.
- Immediately resolved issues with patrons by employing careful listening and communication skills.
- Performed daily administrative tasks, such as ordering supplies, processing invoices and reconciling accounts.
- Managed team of up to 100 restaurant staff, maintaining exceptional customer service and quality standards
Restaurant Manager
Yummy Group
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
- Pitched in to help host, waitstaff, and bussers during exceptionally busy times such as dinner hour.
- Immediately resolved issues with patrons by employing careful listening and communication skills.
- Performed daily administrative tasks, such as ordering supplies, processing invoices and reconciling accounts.
Dining Room Supervisor
Mariposa
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Circulated throughout dining room to assess general satisfaction of guests and identify appropriate opportunities to ask guests about dining experiences.
- Coordinated high-quality dining services to meet or exceed guest expectations, enforcing quality standards and facilitating smooth operations.
- Maintained responsibility for food, beverage and kitchen equipment ordering, regularly assessing departmental needs and verifying sufficient stock levels.
- Communicated effectively with dining staff and guests alike to promote adherence to dining room policies and standard operating procedures.
Restaurant Manager
Herringbone Waikiki
04.2017 - 03.2020
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
- Pitched in to help host, waitstaff, and bussers during exceptionally busy times such as dinner hour.
- Immediately resolved issues with patrons by employing careful listening and communication skills.
- Performed daily administrative tasks, such as ordering supplies, processing invoices and reconciling accounts.
Flight Attendant
Empire Airlines
05.2013 - 04.2017
- Attended FAA and company trainings in customer service, conflict resolution tactics, and safety procedures to keep abreast of all new requirements and procedures.
- Greeted passengers, assisted with carry-on baggage storage and delivered onboard announcements.
- Facilitated communication between flight deck and cabin crew prior to and during flights to promote smooth operations.
Server
Tony Roma's Restaurant
11.2008 - 04.2013
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
Flight Attendant
Aloha Airlines
11.2002 - 10.2008
- Attended workshops and trainings in customer service, conflict resolution tactics, and safety procedures to keep abreast of all new requirements and procedures.
- Greeted passengers, assisted with carry-on baggage storage and delivered onboard announcements.
- Facilitated communication between flight deck and cabin crew prior to and during flights to promote smooth operations.
- Verified aircraft and passenger compliance with policies, regulations, and safety guidance.
- Performed pre-flight safety checks to verify oxygen masks, life jackets and other emergency equipment in good working order.
Education
Associate of Arts - Communication Studies
Honolulu Community College
Honolulu, HIAssociate of Arts - Communications
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HISkills
- Food and beverage knowledge
- Inventory Control
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Guest Relations
- Restaurant Operations
- Training and mentoring
Timeline
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Ruscello Nordstrom
04.2022 - 07.2024
Restaurant Manager
Yummy Group
10.2021 - 04.2022
Dining Room Supervisor
Mariposa
04.2021 - 10.2021
Restaurant Manager
Herringbone Waikiki
04.2017 - 03.2020
Flight Attendant
Empire Airlines
05.2013 - 04.2017
Server
Tony Roma's Restaurant
11.2008 - 04.2013
Flight Attendant
Aloha Airlines
11.2002 - 10.2008
Associate of Arts - Communication Studies
Honolulu Community College
Associate of Arts - Communications
University of Hawaii At Manoa