Jacob Haley
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Talented and motivated server with a strong attention to detail that excels under pressure. Experience in Michelin Star restaurants and 5-star hotels dealing with high-level clientele and celebrities, maintaining the highest level of professionalism and service. I hold a strong interest in Japanese, French, and Italian cuisines, and because of my experience I have an extensive knowledge of Japanese cuisine, sake, and French wines. I’m hoping to continue moving up in my field and after reviewing the menus extensively I believe this would be a great step for me.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server Captain
Citrin By Mélisse
Santa Monica, CA
06.2023 - Current
- 1 Michelin Star rated French restaurant owned by renowned chef Josiah Citrin, attached to and operated by Mélisse- a famous 2 Michelin starred restaurant since the Michelin Guide’s inception in Los Angeles in 2008
- Use descriptive diction and imagery to upsell specific menu items that are a supplemental charge including several truffle and caviar dishes
- Additionally upsell high cost off-menu promotions such as a reserve 4 course wine pairing for $200 per person, a special 10 course tasting menu for $345 per person, and the optional 10 course reserve wine pairing for $500 per person
- Exhibit a thorough knowledge of the wine list - including varietals, vintages, history, and pairing options to assist in making selections
- Execute flawless wine service, including decanting, pouring, and presenting with precision and elegance
- Present food with flair and sophistication, describing ingredients, preparation methods, and culinary inspirations with eloquence
- Utilize French serving techniques “open-handed” and “valet” service
- Ensure proper mise en place is provided before each course and that finished dishes are removed in a timely manner
- Assist with taking jackets, opening doors, seating guests, and even occasionally filling in as bartender for Citrin and our 2 Michelin Star sister restaurant Melisse (knowledge of how to construct all classic cocktails)
Fine Dining Server
Ōwa
Venice, LA
05.2023 - 02.2024
- New Fine Dining Sushi concept open late night on weekends located in the heart of Venice on Abbott Kinney Blvd, opened in July 2023
- Provided a high-level dining experience with all accommodations necessary; anticipated guests needs; and responded urgently to requests to ensure guest satisfaction
- Suggested wine and sake pairings for specific menu items, demonstrating a thorough knowledge of our wine and sake lists
- Communicated effectively and efficiently with support staff to foster a seamless dining experience for guests
- Ensured meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of service, from table setup and presentation to food delivery and plate presentation
Fine Dining Server
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Los Angeles, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Actively promoted featured menu items, seasonal specials, and premium offerings to increase sales and enhance the guest experience
- Delivered dishes that required special serving techniques such as pouring a sauce or jus and described them with accuracy and elegance
- Resolved customer complaints quickly and efficiently, handled all guest interactions with the highest level of professionalism
- Introduced information and signed guests up for the Landry’s Select Club rewards program, receiving the record for most sold in 1 month and sold the 2nd most sold for our store in 2023 while only being part time
Fine Dining Server
Niku X
Downtown Los Angeles, CA
04.2023 - 09.2023
- Michelin Guide rated Yakiniku restaurant located inside the Intercontinental Hotel, led by Michelin-starred chef Shin Thompson, originally with 2 tasting menus for $245 and $350 respectively
- Maintained vast knowledge of Waygu beef, upsold certified Kobe beef and different cuts of A5 Waygu, also maintained knowledge of sake and wine, including how to properly serve each
- Leveraged my knowledge of the food and enthusiasm to inspire guest interest and drive sales of high-margin items
- Cooked cuts of Wagyu to the desired temperature of the guest, including dishes that require special cooking techniques while providing the guests with additional information about the wagyu itself including cut, prefecture, marbling score, etc.
Skills
- Menu Memorization
- Upselling and Suggestive Selling
- Tasting Menus and Seasonal Offerings
- Omakase and Kaiseki Dining
- Extensive Knowledge of Caviar
- Bartending and International Spirits
- Proper Wine Service
- Fast Learning
- Sense of Urgency
- Fine Dining Expertise
- Conflict and Complaint Resolution
- Knowledge of POS Systems; Toast, Aloha, Clover, TouchBistro, Etc
Accomplishments
- Helped retain our Michelin status at Citrin for the years 2023 and 2024.
- Served for several private events at Niku X including Macallan.
- Served for Richard Geoffroy- the previous producer for Dom Pérignon, and now producer of Iwa 5 Sake; as well as the Stop The Void event hosted by Josiah Citrin along with Walter Manzke, William Bradley of Addison San Diego, Marcus Jernmark of Habitué, and Carole and Niki Nakayama of N/Naka.
- Added 3 unique craft cocktails to the menu at Sunset Rooftop within my first 6 weeks, and eventually became FOH Manager.
- Was the first server at Benihana Santa Monica to surpass $5,000 in sales in a single shift.
Certification
- Servsafe Food Handler Certification
- Servsafe Alcohol Certification
- Level 1 Court of Master Sommeliers Certification
Additional former places of employment
- 1 Hotel West Hollywood (Shift Manager)
- Sunset Rooftop Lounge (FOH Manager)
- Benihana Santa Monica (Server)
- H&H Brazilian Steakhouse (Server)
- Manpuku West Hollywood (Server)
- 208 Rodeo (Server)
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Professional Working
Spanish
Limited Working
Education
Business Economics - Washtenaw Community College (Ann Arbor, MI)
Timeline
Server Captain
Citrin By Mélisse
06.2023 - Current
Fine Dining Server
Ōwa
05.2023 - 02.2024
Fine Dining Server
Niku X
04.2023 - 09.2023
Fine Dining Server
Morton’s The Steakhouse
03.2023 - Current