Kalanie Ayala
Ardsley Country Club
Oak Park,IL
1
Certification
10
years of professional experience
Enthusiasm for fostering exceptional dining experiences is demonstrated through a strong background in hospitality management and service excellence. A commitment to cultivating a positive work environment and engaging with guests reflects close alignment with values of fine dining. Expertise encompasses effective staff training, meticulous menu management, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, all contributing to a mission of outstanding service and quality.
Work History
Restaurant/Dining Room Manager
4 Years 10 Months- Led dining room operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and high service standards.
- Implemented training program for front of house staff to maintain high standards of customer service.
- Collaborated with bartender for monthly rotation of cocktail menu
- Trained service staff on menu knowledge, etiquette, and dining room procedures.
- Managed inventory control processes, reducing waste and ensuring timely supply availability.
- Oversaw scheduling and labor management, balancing staffing levels with operational needs for cost efficiency.
- Ensured wine list was current to enhance guest selection and dining experience.
- Boosted employee morale and retention through effective communication and team-building activities.
- Optimized workflow by cross-training employees in various roles throughout the dining room operation.
- Coordinated with other departments such as banquets and catering to ensure seamless event execution.
Front of House Manager-In-Training
8 Months- Worked closely with Assistant Directors of Front Office, Director of Front Office, and Assistant Director of F&B
- Coordinated guest flow in lobby to enhance check-in experience
- Mediate guest concerns and construct resolutions
- Manage flow and maintain cleanliness of Herb N’ Kitchen Breakfast Buffet and Grab & Go
- Oversaw flow and cleanliness of Herb N’ Kitchen Breakfast Buffet and Grab & Go to maintain high service standards
Banquet Server
7 Months- Interact with guests to ensure a positive experience
- Active in the planning, set-up, execution, and breakdown of all events
- Work independently and in a team environment to maintain standards, efficiency of operation, and timeliness of service, while adhering to a schedule
- Set up banquet rooms according to event floor plans and service standards.
- Served plated meals, buffets, and beverages while maintaining attentive guest service.
Front Desk/Concierge Services
7 Months- Answered phones and responded to emails, diagnosed inquiries, addressed needs, and connected with appropriate department
- Coordinate leasing tour visits
- Monitored and organized large quantities of packages for timely distribution to residents’ units
- Submitted maintenance requests to ensure compliance with building standards and enhance resident satisfaction
- Assisting the leasing office with paperwork
- Resolved conflicts through effective troubleshooting techniques
- Updating social media resources
Bakery Intern
3 Months- Worked closely to Head Chef of Magic Kingdom
- Produced breakfast and lunch/dinner pastries.
- Responsible for execution of mousse and ganache, icing and garnishing over 900 cupcakes, piping tarts with famous “grey stuff” and completing by garnishing
- Making dessert platters and piping special occasion plates
Education
AS - Baking and Pastry Arts
Master of Business Administration - Hospitality
BS - Food Service Management
Skills
Hospitality and Food Service Operations
Wine List Management
Waste Management
Food Safety & Allergy Compliance
Menu Design
NorthStar POS Systems
Leadership
Hiring and Staff Training
Conflict Resolution
Team Leadership
Guest Experience
Guest Relations
Event Coordination
Service Standards
Certification
- Hospitality Human Resource Management and Supervision 2.0 Certification
- Johnson and Wales University
- ServSafe Food Safety Management
Timeline
Restaurant/Dining Room Manager
Ardsley Country Club
07.2021 - 05.2026Read More
Front of House Manager-In-Training
New York Hilton Midtown
07.2019 - 03.2020Read More
Banquet Server
Kirkbrae Country Club
10.2018 - 05.2019Read More
Front Desk/Concierge Services
The Promenade Apartments
10.2017 - 05.2018Read More
Bakery Intern
Be Our Guest
11.2016 - 02.2017Read More
Johnson and Wales University
BS from Food Service Management
Read More
Johnson and Wales University
Master of Business Administration from Hospitality
Read More
Johnson and Wales University
AS from Baking and Pastry Arts
Read More
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Increased guest satisfaction scores by 15% through exceptional hospitality initiatives at Ardsley Country Club.
- Improve service efficiency by 22% at Ardsley Country Club.
- Staff Training Excellence