Kayla Bastounes
Morris,Illinois
Summary
Reliable, enthusiastic and organized professional with 16 years experience of customer service in restaurant settings. Dedicated to facilitating exceptional experiences with every interaction and solving problems, while never having a complaint in regard to service. Upholds positive relationships with employers, coworkers and clients alike by consistently demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and dependability. Well spoken and upbeat with a proven history as an asset to previous teams. Motivated to join and contribute to a new company by demonstrating existing strengths, while gaining proficiencies.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Fine Dining Server
Cut 158 Chophouse
Joliet, Illinois
04.2023 - 01.2025
- Excelled at cultivating guest relationships
- Used knowledge of products and ingredients to guide guests through a meal, both financially lucrative to the restaurant as well as satisfying to the visitor
- Maintained constant communication with all staff via head set during shift
- Remained friendly, focused and authentic while efficiently dealing with unsatisfied customers
- Created repeat clientele through positive experiences and genuine interest in providing excellence every time
- Followed company policy, such as cleanliness and presentability of myself and work space, as well as always being on time
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash and card payments
- Performed all duties with limited supervision
Fine Dining Server
Morris Chop Shop
Morris, Illinois
10.2015 - 04.2023
- Communicated professionally with customers, colleagues and supervisors
- Memorized menu additions, changes, and daily specials and answered questions regarding dietary restrictions and nutrition information
- Adhered to all safety, sanitization, and food and alcohol handling guidelines and regulations
- Explained dishes in detail, covering ingredients, flavors and cooking methods
- Provided insight and suggestions for food and wine pairing
- Took accurate notes detailing customer orders to convey to kitchen staff
- Trained new servers in company policies, guest service standards and best practices
Server
Big Fish Grille
Wilmington, Illinois
11.2015 - 05.2022
- Checked identification before serving alcohol to comply with state and federal laws
- Promoted warm, fun atmosphere for guests and team members
- Set up and maintained appropriate stock levels for bar
- Engaged guests with friendly conversation to build bar loyalty and encourage repeat business
- Complied with strict sanitation standards for equipment, surfaces and glassware
- Served food to bar and lounge guests in a server capacity
Server
Chili's
Morris, Illinois
12.2012 - 02.2016
- Increased bill totals by suggesting drinks, desserts and other add-on purchases
- Satisfied customers with fast, friendly food service
- Kept dining areas presentable and customer-ready, quickly handling spills and resetting tables
- Restocked stations and completed side work on time
- Managed orders and payments with POS system
- Trained new hires to be informed and competent team members
Server
IHOP
Morris, Illinois
02.2009 - 12.2012
- Garnished completed dishes and prepared basic sides and desserts
- Communicated realistic food preparation times and opinions on menu items to manage customer expectations
- Minimized complaints by keeping drinks full and delivering correct orders
- Kept dining areas presentable and customer-ready, quickly handling spills and resetting tables
Education
High School -
Morris Community High School
Morris, IllinoisSkills
- Exceptionally strong verbal communication
- Item and service recommendation
- Team member support
- Guest engagement
- Positive and professional always
- Memorization of inventory and products
- Attention to detail
- Adept multitasker
- POS operation
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Fine Dining Server
Cut 158 Chophouse
04.2023 - 01.2025
Server
Big Fish Grille
11.2015 - 05.2022
Fine Dining Server
Morris Chop Shop
10.2015 - 04.2023
Server
Chili's
12.2012 - 02.2016
Server
IHOP
02.2009 - 12.2012
High School -
Morris Community High School
Similar Profiles
Emma TonelliEmma Tonelli
Lead Bartender/Bar Manager at Cut 158 ChophouseLead Bartender/Bar Manager at Cut 158 Chophouse
Inez OrtizInez Ortiz
HOSTESS/BUSSER/EXPO at Cut 158HOSTESS/BUSSER/EXPO at Cut 158
Carmen CruzCarmen Cruz
Dual Language Teacher at Huntley District 158Dual Language Teacher at Huntley District 158
Dominic AweDominic Awe
Outside Operator at delong companyOutside Operator at delong company
Kyle SmithKyle Smith
Landscaper at That Perennial PlaceLandscaper at That Perennial Place