Justin Parra
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Hardworking professional with proven relationship-building and time management skills in fast-paced restaurant environments. Successful at handling tables of all sizes with accuracy and impeccable service skills. Strives to meet customer needs, drive satisfaction and promote long-term loyalty.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Ritual House
Pittsburgh , PA
2023.03 - 2024.08
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies..
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
Server
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Pittsburgh , PA
2020.03 - 2023.07
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies..
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to maintain adequate levels of necessary supplies.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service quality and menu offerings.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
Manager
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
Pittsburgh , PA
2018.02 - 2022.01
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
- Monitored budgets and expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
- Initiated new projects that resulted in increased productivity across all departments.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, vacation requests.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Assessed team member's skillsets and assigned tasks accordingly for optimal efficiency.
- Implemented new technologies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer service.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to develop action plans for improving services offered.
- Developed annual goals for each department based on market trends and competitor analysis.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure timely completion of projects within budget constraints.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.
- Reviewed contracts before signing them on behalf of the organization.
- Organized special events such as conferences or training sessions for employees.
- Managed vendor relationships by negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
- Scheduled interviews for potential candidates and conducted reference checks prior to hire.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Assigned tasks to associates to fit skill levels and maximize team performance.
- Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Oversaw daily operations, maintaining efficiency and quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements, resultingin an increase in operational efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activity to inform business strategy.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to achieve company objectives.
- Managed inventory levels to meet demand without overstocking, reducing waste.
- Streamlined communication channels, improving information flow and decision-making speed.
- Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, maintaining a positive brand image.
- Managed annual budgeting and forecasting, optimizing resource allocation.
- Led a team of XX employees, ensuring high productivity and excellent customer service.
- Facilitated team meetings and workshops to foster collaboration and share best practices.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback and coaching for team development.
- Directed recruitment, hiring, and training of new staff members.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers to reduce costs.
- Established and monitored KPIs to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Oversaw marketing initiatives, increasing brand awareness and sales.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through the development of a customer service excellence program.
- Enhanced team morale and retention through recognition programs and career development opportunities.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
- Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
- Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
Life Insurance Underwriter
Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance
, PA
2014.11 - 2017.07
- Reviewed and evaluated applications for life insurance policies to determine risk factors.
- Analyzed medical records, financial data, and other pertinent information to assess applicants' insurability.
- Evaluated mortality rates, morbidity trends, and other statistics to set premium rates.
- Determined the amount of coverage based on applicant's age, health status, and lifestyle choices.
- Conducted interviews with applicants to clarify unclear or incomplete information.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations regarding life insurance products.
- Developed new underwriting strategies to reduce risks associated with issuing life insurance policies.
- Processed requests for policy changes such as increasing coverage amounts or changing beneficiaries.
- Assessed customer needs in order to recommend appropriate life insurance products.
- Identified fraud or misrepresentation in applications by researching details of each case thoroughly.
- Verified accuracy of all documentation submitted by applicants for underwriting purposes.
- Performed periodic reviews of existing policies to ensure that they remain current and up-to-date.
- Provided technical advice and guidance to agents concerning underwriting matters.
- Researched relevant case histories from past experience when making decisions about complex cases.
- Investigated potential claims involving high value cases requiring special handling.
- Attended industry seminars on underwriting practices and procedures.
- Utilized automated systems for processing large volumes of applications efficiently.
- Prepared reports summarizing the results of underwriting activities.
- Maintained detailed records regarding completed underwriting assignments.
- Entered and maintained risk information in various information systems.
- Inspected financial statements, credit information and title data to complete underwriting process.
- Solicited and evaluated insurance applications to approve or decline risks based on company guidelines.
- Negotiated coverage, policy pricing and service delivery during meetings with customers, agents, or brokers.
- Determined level of acceptable risk by reviewing applications for coverage and loss control reports.
- Examined documents to determine degree of risk from health, financial standing and value and condition of property.
- Applied rating to encourage safe, profitable distribution of risks.
- Reviewed company records to determine amount of insurance on single risk or group of closely related risks
Education
Alderson Broaddus University
Philippi, WVSkills
- Beverage Preparation
- Food Delivery
- Food inspection
- Safe Food Handling
- Table Bussing
- Table Setting
- Order Management
- Guest Engagement
- Point of Sale (POS) system operations
- Sales expertise
- Regulatory Compliance
- Suggestive Selling
- Order Accuracy
- Effective customer upselling
- Wine Pairings
- Dining crew workflow optimization
- High-volume dining
- Menu presentation
- Liquor, wine, and food service
- POS operation
- Guest Seating
- Sales Techniques
- Performance Improvement
- Strong Work Ethic
- Relationship Management
- Guest Relations Management
- Business Administration
- Staff Development
- Performance Management
- Business Development
- Contract Management
- Marketing
- Workforce Management
- Policy Implementation
- Expense Tracking
- Operations Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Performance Evaluations
- Sales management
- Salesforce Management
- Lead Generation
- Staff Management
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Server
Ritual House
2023.03 - 2024.08
Server
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
2020.03 - 2023.07
Manager
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
2018.02 - 2022.01
Life Insurance Underwriter
Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance
2014.11 - 2017.07
Alderson Broaddus University
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