KEMAL POLAT
Burlingame,CA
Summary
Experienced restaurant server with over 15 years in fine dining establishments within luxury hotels. Skilled in providing top-tier hospitality, enhancing guest experiences, and delivering exceptional service in high-end dining environments. Co-founder and owner of successful restaurant ventures, demonstrating strong leadership, business management, and team development skills.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant Server
Quattro Restaurant – Four Seasons Hotel
East Palo Alto, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Deliver exceptional fine dining service in a luxury hotel setting.
- Provide detailed menu knowledge and wine pairings to enhance the guest experience.
- Coordinate with kitchen and bar staff to ensure seamless service.
Co-Founder
Urban Kitchen
Burlingame, CA
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Established and managed a causal dining concept, overseeing daily operations.
- Designed menus and collaborated with chefs to curate high-quality dining experiences.
- Managed staff training, vendor relationships, and business growth strategies.
Co-Owner & General Manager
Il Piccolo Café
Burlingame, CA
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Led front-of-house operations, ensuring outstanding guest service.
- Supervised staff, maintained financial records, and optimized daily workflows.
- Built a strong customer base through community engagement and high service standards.
Restaurant Server
Evvia Restaurant
Palo Alto, CA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided attentive service in a high-volume fine dining environment.
- Assisted with wine pairings and menu recommendations tailored to guest preferences.
Restaurant Server
The Village Pub
Woodside, CA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided high-end table service, ensuring an elevated dining experience.
- Assisted with private events, VIP guests, and fine dining etiquette.
Restaurant Server
Michael Mina Restaurant
San Francisco, CA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Delivered exceptional service at a world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Maintained extensive menu knowledge, including premium ingredients and wine pairings.
Restaurant Server
Michael Mina Bourbon Steakhouse – Four Seasons Hotel
Washington, DC
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Delivered luxury hospitality and five-star service at a Mina’s steakhouse.
- Worked closely with sommeliers and chefs to enhance guest satisfaction.
Restaurant Server
Quattro Restaurant – Four Seasons Hotel
East Palo Alto, CA
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Ensured seamless service in an upscale hotel dining setting.
- Maintained strong guest relationships through attentive and personalized service.
Restaurant Server
Madera Restaurant
Menlo Park, CA
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Served at a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant, providing elite dining service.
- Assisted with VIP clientele, special event coordination, and high-end wine selections.
Education
Metallurgical Engineering -
Istanbul University
01.2002
Skills
- Fine dining service & etiquette
- Wine pairing & menu knowledge
- Guest relations & VIP service
- Leadership & staff training
- Business operations & restaurant management
- POS systems & order management
Certification
- Food Safety & Sanitation Certification
- ABC Certification
Timeline
Restaurant Server
Quattro Restaurant – Four Seasons Hotel
01.2024 - Current
Co-Founder
Urban Kitchen
01.2022 - 01.2024
Co-Owner & General Manager
Il Piccolo Café
01.2019 - 01.2022
Restaurant Server
Evvia Restaurant
01.2018 - 01.2019
Restaurant Server
The Village Pub
01.2017 - 01.2019
Restaurant Server
Michael Mina Restaurant
01.2017 - 01.2018
Restaurant Server
Michael Mina Bourbon Steakhouse – Four Seasons Hotel
01.2016 - 01.2017
Restaurant Server
Quattro Restaurant – Four Seasons Hotel
01.2015 - 01.2016
Restaurant Server
Madera Restaurant
01.2012 - 01.2016
Metallurgical Engineering -
Istanbul University