JESSICA WRIGHT
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Enthusiastic and reliable professional takes pride in providing excellent customer service and creating memorable dining experiences for restaurant customers. Skilled in anticipating customer needs, addressing complaints and resolving issues in timely manner. Maintains focus and positive attitude in stressful situations and high-volume environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Food & Beverage Director
Columbia Gorge Confections
04.2019 - 05.2023
- Oversaw cross functioning dynamic teams; fostering a culture of excellence through strategic training, coaching, and mentorship.
- Efficiently managed vendor relationships, streamline logistics, and enforce rigorous cost control measures.
- Developed and refined systems for streamlined product ordering, efficient flow, and meticulous tracking, reducing errors and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Direct human resources functions, including recruitment, payroll, and performance management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Successfully manage high-volume sales and production operations, optimizing processes for maximum efficiency.
- Oversee point-of-sale systems, invoicing, and order tracking, guaranteeing accurate and timely transactions.
- Planned operations to effectively cover needs while controlling costs and maximizing service.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Provided guests with information about menu items, specials and promotions to provide quality service.
- Supported and assisted team members in handling guest inquiries and requests and in resolving guest complaints.
Food & Beverage Server
The 6th Street Bistro
07.2017 - 10.2018
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
Beverage Sales Representative
Western Beverage
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Addressed each customers' needs and wants to recommend suitable product options.
- Maintained routine communication with clients to assess overall satisfaction, resolve complaints, and promote new offerings.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Contacted customers and prospects to generate new business to achieve company growth goals.
- Used consultative sales approach to understand and meet customer needs.
- Kept detailed records of inventories, completed sales and customer information to enhance customer experiences.
- Clarified customer requests, forwarded product information and answered questions to support sales operations.
- Supported customers continuously from sales process to product set-up and use.
- Managed sales plan activities, promotions and product launches resulting in expanded revenues and branding.
Food & Beverage Business Consultant
Freelance
07.2008 - 05.2023
- Provided expert guidance on opening or altering existing food & beverage locations through analyzing cost-effective strategies, best practices for vendor management, and logistics to optimize operational efficiency.
- Designed and executed structured control systems that ensured consistent and long-term success for clients, resulting in improved profitability.
- Conducted comprehensive training programs for business owners and staff, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to operate efficiently and maintain high-quality menu standards.
- Collaborated with clients to identify and address ongoing challenges, utilizing effective communication strategies to deliver practical solutions.
- Tailored vendor and logistics solutions to meet the specific needs and goals of individual clients, ensuring a personalized and effective approach.
- Managed cross-functional teams to bridge operational gaps and deliver exceptional customer experiences, prioritizing quality and satisfaction.
- Spearheaded the launch or enhancement of numerous hospitality businesses, optimizing their profitability.
- Focused on aligning menu offerings with the company's mission and objectives.
- Successfully coordinated and managed multiple locations, demonstrating impeccable time management and unwavering commitment to integrity.
- Delivered expertise in brand creation and promotion by implementing targeted marketing and sales strategies, effectively reaching and engaging specific markets to drive business growth.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Developed complete business plans and operational strategies for new and existing business.
- Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs.
Bartender
Walt's Pourhouse
07.2008 - 08.2010
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
Head Chef
Empire Cafe
06.2006 - 07.2008
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Interacted with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
- Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
Catering Assistant
Jake's Grill & Catering At The Govenor Hotel
09.2002 - 06.2006
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Delivered catered food and supplies to facility for on-time set-up.
- Helped chefs prepare and present food to event guests with strong attention to detail and presentation expertise.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Oversaw catering orders to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Arranged furniture and added decorations to assist in setting up for catering events.
- Monitored food preparation to determine correct temperature and proper cooking before serving.
- Coordinated with various vendors to establish necessary supplies for events.
- Supervised and trained junior catering staff to carry out correct tasks and apply best practices.
- Developed menus for special occasions and catered events to match theme and requirements of clients.
Food & Beverage Server
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
06.2000 - 10.2001
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Communication
Portland State University
Portland, OR07.2012
Associates of Science - Culinary & Hospitality Management
Lane Community College
Eugene, OR06.2000
Skills
- P&L Responsibility
- Creative Strategies
- Upscale Dining
- Effective Customer Service
- Customer Experience
- Performance Strategies
- Waste Reduction
- Banquet Coordination
- Catering Events
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- POS Terminal Operation
- Staff Scheduling
- Monitoring Food Preparation
- Menu Pricing and Writing
- Labor and Overhead Cost Estimation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Supply Ordering and Management
- Front of House Management
Timeline
Food & Beverage Director
Columbia Gorge Confections
04.2019 - 05.2023
Food & Beverage Server
The 6th Street Bistro
07.2017 - 10.2018
Beverage Sales Representative
Western Beverage
09.2015 - 06.2017
Food & Beverage Business Consultant
Freelance
07.2008 - 05.2023
Bartender
Walt's Pourhouse
07.2008 - 08.2010
Head Chef
Empire Cafe
06.2006 - 07.2008
Catering Assistant
Jake's Grill & Catering At The Govenor Hotel
09.2002 - 06.2006
Food & Beverage Server
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
06.2000 - 10.2001
Bachelor’s Degree - Communication
Portland State University
Associates of Science - Culinary & Hospitality Management
Lane Community College