Kelvin Laster
Waiter/Server / Shift Manager
Cathedral City,CA
Summary
Server Trainer with a focus on wine service, food and beverage pairings, and structured server development. Builds customized training materials, coaches 3–6 servers per month through menu knowledge and service standards, and keeps training records aligned across shifts and locations. Strengthens guest experience by resolving service issues early and reinforcing consistent performance on the floor.
Overview
1
1
Languages
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Server Trainer
Carmine's Italian Restaurant
11.2011 - 05.2025
- Worked closely with other trainers to maintain consistency across multiple locations or shifts.
- Developed customized training materials for various positions within restaurant.
- Enhanced service levels by interacting proactively with guests and staff to uncover and meet individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of each server's progress throughout training process.
Supervisor Lead Catering and Delivery Person
Chick Fil a Pentagon City
12.2020 - 06.2024
- Executed daily opening and closing procedures to company standard.
- Attended and contributed to regular managerial meetings.
- Delivered high quality training for new team members.
- Evaluated staff performance, communicating feedback, and setting personal goals.
Server Trainer
M&S Grill (McCormick and Schmidt)
07.2006 - 10.2011
- Trained and developed service staff into highly professional and successful team.
- Collaborated with management to identify areas of improvement in service quality.
- Handled escalated service issues with prompt and professional approach.
- Monitored compliance with health codes and safety regulations among all servers.
Server / Trainer / Host
Sine Irish Pub
07.2004 - 08.2006
- Led workshops on wine pairing, enabling servers to make knowledgeable recommendations to guests confidently.
- Assisted team members with learning menus and offering guests targeted suggestions.
- Shared best practices for upselling menu items, increasing overall sales revenue for restaurant.
- Trained and developed service staff into highly professional and successful team.
Assistant Manager
Chipole Mexican Grill
02.2000 - 02.2004
- Handled escalating problems to improve customer relations, maintain brand loyalty and recapture lost revenue opportunities.
- Supported senior managers with day-to-day operational requirements.
- Coordinated employee schedules to provide adequate staff coverage.
- Supported recruiting, training, and professional development efforts.
Education
Certification - Architecture
Phoniex Institute of Techonology
Phoniex, AZGen. Study - undefined
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, CASkills
Wine service
Server management
Food and beverage pairings
Bill computation
Table management
Inventory control
Point of sale systems
Staff training
Shift supervision
Schedule coordination
Performance feedback
Service recovery
Affiliations
US Navy Veteran 1985 - 1990
Timeline
Supervisor Lead Catering and Delivery Person
Chick Fil a Pentagon City
12.2020 - 06.2024
Server Trainer
Carmine's Italian Restaurant
11.2011 - 05.2025
Server Trainer
M&S Grill (McCormick and Schmidt)
07.2006 - 10.2011
Server / Trainer / Host
Sine Irish Pub
07.2004 - 08.2006
Assistant Manager
Chipole Mexican Grill
02.2000 - 02.2004
Gen. Study - undefined
College of the Desert
Certification - Architecture
Phoniex Institute of Techonology