Jayla Johnston
Dunlap,TN
Summary
Outgoing Server bringing skills in order management, payment processing, and upselling. Stay current on menu items and consistently offer targeted recommendations to meet individual customer needs. Knowledgeable about handling special dietary requirements and general food safety standards.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Hostess
Calhoun's On The River
Knoxville, TN
02.2022 - Current
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions and informed of accurate wait times.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating and menu information.
- Assigned patrons to tables suitable for needs and restaurant section rotation.
- Supported servers, food runners and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Informed servers of newly seated parties for speedy service.
- Collected information from arriving customers to seat groups or place them on waitlist.
- Documented reservations, alerted servers and managers of large groups and prepared seating.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Documented reservations and communicated changes to guests.
- Stayed in open communication with kitchen team to assess cooking times, avoid worker overload and minimize customer dissatisfaction.
- Routinely supported other areas of restaurant by answering telephones.
- Recorded available tables after seating each party using specialized seating software.
- Collaborated with kitchen to inform customers of wait times and answer questions about food.
- Watched dining area staff to evaluate server loads and calculate accurate wait times.
- Maintained highly loyal clientele by delivering unparalleled service at every stage of restaurant dining experience.
- Maintained customer satisfaction and increased drink sales by directing customers to bar area while waiting for tables.
- Conducted dining room and server checks to assess readiness for expected customer loads.
- Assessed large restaurant and lounge according to state and federal cleanliness standards.
Server/Hostess
Cookie Jar Cafe
Dunlap, TN
11.2020 - Current
- 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.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing and cash management practices.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays and delivery bags.
- Replenished food items, paper products and canned goods to keep pantry well-stocked during busy periods.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Noted special patron requests and followed up with kitchen to confirm delivery.
- Supervised restocking of salad bar and buffet for lunch and dinner service.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals and walk-in business.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items and recorded order information.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Quickly and clearly communicated dining orders to kitchen staff, directing attention to special requests or dietary restrictions.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Psychology
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Knoxville, TN05.2025
High School Diploma -
Sequatchie County High School
Dunlap, TN05.2021
Skills
- High-Energy and Stamina
- Menu Memorization and Presentation
- Warm and Friendly
- Team Player
- Transactions and Cash Handling
- Cool Under Pressure
- Special Requests and Substitutions
- Order Accuracy and Delivery
Timeline
Hostess
Calhoun's On The River
02.2022 - Current
Server/Hostess
Cookie Jar Cafe
11.2020 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Psychology
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
High School Diploma -
Sequatchie County High School
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