KARIN JOHNSTON
Fine Dining Server
South Lake Tahoe,CA
Summary
I am a highly motivated, hard-working, loyal individual with over twenty-five years in the service industry looking for my new long-term restaurant family. I recently passed the Level One Master Sommelier exam with a 96% on my first attempt, showing how dedicated I am to a lifetime career in this industry. I have consistently achieved the highest guest check averages at every restaurant I have ever worked for due to my extensive menu knowledge, food and wine pairing suggestions and upselling skills. I feel I would be an asset to your company because I bring professionalism, charisma and a positive attitude to every guest encounter and genuinely pride myself in being the best server I can be.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
FINE DINING SERVER
THE BISTRO AT EDGEWOOD
Stateline, NV
05.2022 - 10.2023
- Efficiently and flawlessly paced three and four course meals for my guests, all while conforming to the highest Forbes standards
- Proactively put together tasting notes for all the wines we serve to help my co-workers better understand and upsell our wines, thereby increasing overall revenue for our entire restaurant
- Made key decisions in the everyday running of the restaurant to assist our ever-changing management team
- Memorized daily specials, seasonal cocktail list and regular menu items thoroughly to effectively address guest questions and advise on possible allergens and substitutions
FINE DINING SERVER
CHART HOUSE
Stateline, NV
01.2020 - 05.2022
- Consistently recognized as the top seller of our loyalty rewards program
- Earned numerous prizes and rewards for upselling specific food and wines
- Entrusted to handle larger sections than other servers, as well as VIP guests on a regular basis
- Provided exceptional service in an upscale setting for discerning guests while conforming to corporate policies and procedures
SERVER/ MARKETING/ FOH TRAINER
STATELINE BREWERY
10.2018 - 12.2019
- Provided an exemplary dining experience in a restaurant that boasts over 120 tables in a high traffic tourist area
- Counted upon to make important decisions for fellow co-workers involving customer satisfaction
- Trained all front of house staff
- Introduced a marketing strategy that increased business by establishing connections with local concierges
- Consistently chosen by management to represent our high level of service at corporate functions and weddings.
SERVER, MANAGER, CATERING DIRECTOR
ARTEMIS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
South Lake Tahoe, CA
03.2012 - 09.2018
- Responsible for hiring and training front of house staff
- Managed all aspects of catering events from start to finish
- Established a loyal following of regulars over a period of almost seven years
- Dealt with any FOH issues on behalf of my staff
- In charge of daily paperwork and reports for the entire restaurant
- Introduced craft cocktails for a menu that previously only served beer and wine
- In charge of making weekly bar orders.
BARTENDER, OYSTER BARISTA, SERVER
GOOMBAY'S RAW BAR AND GRILL
Kill Devil Hills, NC
04.2008 - 10.2011
- Shucked oysters and ran the steamer bar while tending a full bar and servicing a continuously packed dining room
- Quickly and efficiently accommodated guests in a fast paced, high volume beach bar and restaurant
- Was invited back three summers in a row due to my high level of professionalism and a plethora of positive guest reviews.
LEAD FINE DINING SERVER, BARTENDER
EMBER RESTAURANT
11.2006 - 04.2011
- Regularly given the responsibility to ensure that VIPs were well taken care of
- Entrusted with the keys to our wine cellar where over 300 different wines were housed
- Provided excellent customer service consistently in the most upscale restaurant at the ski resort
- Handled all FOH issues on GMs days off.
Skills
- Passed the Level 1 Master Sommelier exam
- Excellent customer service
- Luxury experience management
- Incredible in depth menu memorization
Certification
Level One Master Sommelier
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
FINE DINING SERVER
THE BISTRO AT EDGEWOOD
05.2022 - 10.2023
FINE DINING SERVER
CHART HOUSE
01.2020 - 05.2022
SERVER/ MARKETING/ FOH TRAINER
STATELINE BREWERY
10.2018 - 12.2019
SERVER, MANAGER, CATERING DIRECTOR
ARTEMIS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
03.2012 - 09.2018
BARTENDER, OYSTER BARISTA, SERVER
GOOMBAY'S RAW BAR AND GRILL
04.2008 - 10.2011
LEAD FINE DINING SERVER, BARTENDER
EMBER RESTAURANT
11.2006 - 04.2011
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