Joseph D. Lawrence
West Hollywood,CA
Summary
Excellent motivated Server/Manager with an engaging personality and flexible approach. Prepared to bring abilities developed over a 20 year career to new results-driven team. Dependable, quality-focused professional well-versed in serving delicious food and beverages while upselling to increase profits. Dedicated food service professional well-versed in food and beverage operations and guest services. Successful at building relationships with customers to increase loyalty and repeat business.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Zeke's Smokehouse
Montrose, CA
06.2011 - 03.2020
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine, cider and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals and walk-in business.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Server
Zeke's Smokehouse
Hollywood, CA
06.2004 - 09.2010
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales number.
- Received outstanding customer recommendations for a consistent interim of four years.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Consistently Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers, recognized as the top seller with outstanding customer satisfaction.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Was the specially selected server out of large crew to remain during staffing changes
Manager
The Farm Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
08.1996 - 10.2003
- Wine Seminary Training
- Reviewed performance data to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress and activity levels.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Improved operational planning and business frameworks to enhance resource utilization and reduce waste.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Conducted monthly inventories of raw materials and components of work floor operations.
- Evaluated report data to proactively adjust and enhance operations.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
Education
Creative Writing
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CAEnglish And Creative Writing
Wayne State University
Detroit, MichiganVocal Music
Interlochen Music Academy
Interlochen, MIYoung Poet's Summer Workshop
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, MISkills
- PPE Guideline Compliance
- Customer Service and Rapport
- Conflict and Complaint Resolution
- Specials Promotion and Upselling
- High Volume Dining with order accuracy
- Verbal and Written Communication
- High Energy and Stamina
- Team Leadership
- Microsoft Office
- Adaptable and Flexible in fluid environment
- Food and Beverage Pairings
- Wine and Liquor Knowledge
- Menu Memorization and Presentation
- Point of Sale Systems
- Cool Under Pressure
Timeline
Server
Zeke's Smokehouse
06.2011 - 03.2020
Server
Zeke's Smokehouse
06.2004 - 09.2010
Manager
The Farm Of Beverly Hills
08.1996 - 10.2003
Creative Writing
Santa Monica College
English And Creative Writing
Wayne State University
Vocal Music
Interlochen Music Academy
Young Poet's Summer Workshop
Kalamazoo College
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