Jose Olivas
Romeoville,IL
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
SERVER
Hampton Social
Chicago, IL
08.2021 - Current
- Persuaded or influenced guest purchase by enticing with higher margin items and add-ons.
- Checked in with guests throughout meal service, replenishing drinks and catering to additional requests.
- Prioritized multiple tasks in dynamic environment and stayed calm and composed.
- Greeted and accommodated guests, building positive experience from first interaction.
- Created and maintained optimal communication chain, reducing guest dissatisfaction.
- Trainer for FoH
- Lead and run events
Server
Hawksmoor
Chicago
06.2024 - 12.2025
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction and retention.
- Trained new team members on restaurant policies and menu items for consistent service delivery.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and order accuracy.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently during peak hours to optimize dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
BARTENDER
Bar Louie
Chicago, IL
02.2021 - 08.2021
- Prepared beverages and cocktails according to mixing and presentation standards and recipes.
- Wiped down bar and counters and cleaned equipment to maintain hygiene of work areas.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and dealing with intoxicated guests.
- Maintained understanding of menu items to answer patron questions regarding food, drinks and preparation methods.
- Took beverages orders from guests and delivered drinks within reasonable time frames.
- Handled guest complaints promptly, contacting supervisor immediately for assistance with escalated issues.
- Checked identification of customers to verify age requirements for alcohol purchases.
- Mixed and served alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to established recipes.
- Ran Sections along with food running and bussing responsibilities to help the flow of the restaurant
- Arranged bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.
- Suggested additional items to customers to increase bar sales.
- Displayed and retained extensive knowledge of liquor, wine and beer.
BANQUET CAPTAIN
Grand Lux Cafe
Chicago, Illinois
10.2018 - 09.2020
- Personable Restaurant professional skilled in maintaining efficiency, accuracy, and friendly demeanor in high-volume environments
- Works collaboratively with FOH and BOH crew to support seamless restaurant operations
- Memorizes menu offerings, makes catered recommendations, and fulfills special requests to drive guest engagement and satisfaction
- Payment processing
- Guest engagement
- Customer relations
- Food safety
- Customer service
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Time management
- Detail oriented
- Administrative support
- Memorized menu additions, changes, and limited offerings and answered questions regarding dietary restrictions and nutrition information
- Offered information on new menu items, seasonal and daily specials, and pairings.
- Adhered to all safety, sanitization, and food handling guidelines and regulations.
- Trained new servers in company policies, guest service standards, and best practices.
- Kept food service and preparation areas clean, neat, and properly sanitized.
- Processed guest payments, including offering itemized receipts for items ordered, running credit card transactions, and calculating change for cash payments
- Seated guests quickly by maintaining dining room cleanliness and coordinating table assignments.
- Supported bussers with table-cleaning during high-volume shifts and checked on assigned tables to verify seating availability
- Supported opening and closing duties, including reconciling cash tills and assisting in kitchen and bar areas.
- Delivered food and beverages quickly to customers, verifying each order to maximize satisfaction.
- Processed orders and payments using POS system terminals and registers.
- Managed billing and payments with POS system and accurate order input.
Server
Bottleneck Management
Chicago, Illinois
03.2016 - 10.2018
- Adhered to all safety, sanitization, and food handling guidelines and regulations.
- Offered information on new menu items, seasonal and daily specials, and pairings.
- Memorized menu additions, changes, and limited offerings and answered questions regarding dietary restrictions and nutrition information
- Delivered food and beverages quickly to customers, verifying each order to maximize satisfaction.
- Seated guests quickly by maintaining dining room cleanliness and coordinating table assignments.
- Supported bussers with table-cleaning during high-volume shifts and checked on assigned tables to verify seating availability
- Trained new servers in company policies, guest service standards, and best practices.
- Processed guest payments, including offering itemized receipts for items ordered, running credit card transactions, and calculating change for cash payments
- Supported opening and closing duties, including reconciling cash tills and assisting in kitchen and bar areas.
- Processed orders and payments using POS system terminals and registers.
- Kept food service and preparation areas clean, neat, and properly sanitized.
- Helped customers pair beverages with food orders by offering knowledgeable advice on wine and liquors.
- Supported team consistently, helping with hostess, food delivery and bussing needs.
BANQUET SERVER
Grand Lux Cafe
Chicago, Illinois
10.2013 - 03.2016
- Memorized menu additions, changes, and limited offerings and answered questions regarding dietary restrictions and nutrition information
- Adhered to all safety, sanitization, and food handling guidelines and regulations.
- Offered information on new menu items, seasonal and daily specials, and pairings.
- Processed guest payments, including offering itemized receipts for items ordered, running credit card transactions, and calculating change for cash payments
- Seated guests quickly by maintaining dining room cleanliness and coordinating table assignments.
- Trained new servers in company policies, guest service standards, and best practices.
- Supported opening and closing duties, including reconciling cash tills and assisting in kitchen and bar areas.
- Supported bussers with table-cleaning during high-volume shifts and checked on assigned tables to verify seating availability
- Kept food service and preparation areas clean, neat, and properly sanitized.
- Processed orders and payments using POS system terminals and registers.
- Managed billing and payments with POS system and accurate order input.
- Helped customers pair beverages with food orders by offering knowledgeable advice on wine and liquors.
BANQUET SERVER
Kenmare Catering Company
Chicago, Illinois
01.2012 - 10.2013
- Delivered superior guest service by proactively anticipating guest needs.
- Supported efficient banquet flow by setting up and manning beverage stations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization for banquet kitchen, coolers, and equipment.
- Resolved guest complaints with critical thinking and sound judgment.
- Arranged dining tables and place settings, and stocked buffets with serving implements.
- Assisted banquet captains with tasks such as organizing banquet pulls and setting up equipment.
- Monitored supply use and waste to control inventory and reduce hazards.
- Maintained adherence to safe food handling and sanitation practices.
- Observed all safety protocols when operating kitchen equipment such as carving tools and electric mixers.
- Completed event breakdown and transported furniture and equipment to vans or storage areas.
- Represented company with tidy and organized appearance and professional demeanor.
Education
High school - undefined
Morton East High School
Berwyn, Illinois06.2011
Skills
Strong work ethic
Exceptional customer service
Cash handling
Guest engagement
Hospitality service expertise
High volume dining
Timeline
Server
Hawksmoor
06.2024 - 12.2025
SERVER
Hampton Social
08.2021 - Current
BARTENDER
Bar Louie
02.2021 - 08.2021
BANQUET CAPTAIN
Grand Lux Cafe
10.2018 - 09.2020
Server
Bottleneck Management
03.2016 - 10.2018
BANQUET SERVER
Grand Lux Cafe
10.2013 - 03.2016
BANQUET SERVER
Kenmare Catering Company
01.2012 - 10.2013
High school - undefined
Morton East High School