Jessica Pionk
Charlevoix,MI
Summary
Restaurant professional with 20+ years of experience delivering consistent performance in high-volume operations. Proficient in customer service, ServSafe management, POS systems, and Micros menu updates. Trains staff for compliance and service standards while supporting a welcoming guest and employee experience.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Vernales
Harbor Springs, Michigan
03.2021 - Current
- Managed daily restaurant operations at Vernales, overseeing service, kitchen, and dining flow.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies, procedures, guest service techniques, and communication skills to support positive experiences.
- Coached team members on best practices to uphold high service standards.
- Cultivated guest relationships to enhance overall dining experiences.
- Resolved guest concerns promptly, improving service and guest satisfaction.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, maintaining positive guest relationships.
- Supported team collaboration, improving service flow and morale.
- Led team-building activities, strengthening staff communication.
- Supervised staff scheduling, shift coverage, and team assignments across service periods.
- Trained employees on Vernales service standards, safety rules, and guest handling.
- Monitored food quality, cleanliness, and presentation across front and back of house.
- Resolved guest concerns and supported service recovery with calm, professional communication.
- Responded to guest feedback on food, resolved issues, and ensured timely beverage refills.
- Completed regular supply audits, keeping stock levels ready for smooth operations.
- Coached staff on strategies to improve performance and customer relations.
Server
Vernales
Harbor Springs, Michigan
10.2017 - 03.2021
- Delivered food and beverages quickly and accurately to support positive dining experiences.
- Presented menu items and gave informed recommendations to help customers choose meals.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline service flow and elevate guest satisfaction.
- Resolved customer questions and concerns to enhance dining experiences.
- Greeted guests and provided attentive dining room service.
- Shared menus, specials, and beverage choices with guests.
- Entered food and drink orders in POS system(Micros).
- Inspected tables for cleanliness and proper settings before guest arrival. and reset settings during service.
- Handled guest requests with calm, professional communication at Vernales.
- Provided strong customer service to support guest satisfaction.
- Completed opening and closing duties, including dining area setup and supply restock.
- Provided consistent service for high volume of daily customers, ensuring timely and accurate order delivery.
- Processed money transactions accurately while following cash handling procedures.
- Used POS terminals to enter orders, split bills, and total checks.
- Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to support sales.
- Shared menu and product knowledge with clear enthusiasm.
- Coordinated with hosts, bussers, and kitchen staff to prepare for service and deliver orders.
- Communicated with kitchen staff about customer allergies and special requests.
- Helped train new servers.
- Checked food quality before serving to customers.
- Recommended dessert options to guests to enhance their meal experience., appetizers, and specialty drinks to support sales.
- Stayed current on daily specials, new menu items, and promotions.
- Prepared drinks to standard recipes.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to keep service organized.
Server/Bartender
Thirsty Sturgeon
Wolverine, Michigan
04.2015 - 01.2019
- Mixed cocktails and poured drinks to bar standards
- Measured and mixed house ingredients to prepare both custom and menu drink orders.
- Engaged customers in friendly conversation to create a welcoming and enjoyable bar atmosphere.
- Welcomed guests warmly upon arrival with friendliness and professionalism.
- Remained calm and poised during busy periods, promoting great customer service to guests.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance service quality, ensuring customers received exceptional experiences.
- Trained new servers on service routines, improving team efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Education
High School Diploma -
Petoskey High School
Petoskey, MI06-2004
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Inventory management
- Staff scheduling
- Point of sale systems
- Micros menu updates
- Clover ordering management
- Staff training
- Customer service
- ServSafe certification
Certification
- ServSafe Management Certified 7/7/2022-7/7/2027
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Vernales
03.2021 - Current
Server
Vernales
10.2017 - 03.2021
Server/Bartender
Thirsty Sturgeon
04.2015 - 01.2019
High School Diploma -
Petoskey High School