Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Accolades
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Lakya Pettus

North Little Rock,Arkansas

Summary

Dynamic Banquet Captain with proven expertise at Doubletree By Hilton, excelling in team management and event execution. Recognized for enhancing guest satisfaction through exceptional service and effective staff training. Skilled in inventory management and food safety, consistently ensuring seamless operations in high-pressure environments. Committed to delivering memorable dining experiences.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Banquet Captain

Doubletree By Hilton
07.2021 - Current
  • Assisted in setup and breakdown of banquet events, ensuring efficient workflow.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to guests, enhancing overall dining experience.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate meal service during events.
  • Monitored tables for guest satisfaction and promptly addressed needs.
  • Trained new staff on service standards and operational procedures.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of banquet areas throughout events.
  • Supported event planning by communicating requirements with event coordinators.
  • Adapted quickly to changing circumstances and guest requests during high-pressure situations.
  • Ensured timely preparation of function spaces according to client specifications, providing them a hassle-free experience on their special day.
  • Maintained clear communication channels between all departments involved in banquets, contributing to successful event outcomes.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations, maintaining a safe working environment for both staff and guests.
  • Managed staff scheduling, resulting in reduced labor costs and improved team efficiency.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by overseeing banquet operations and ensuring smooth execution of events.
  • Resolved customer complaints effectively, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for improvement.
  • Supervised and mentored kitchen and serving staff.
  • Adapted quickly to last-minute changes, ensuring events proceeded smoothly despite unforeseen challenges.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining safe environment for both staff and guests.
  • Managed inventory of banquet equipment, ensuring availability and quality for events.
  • Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
  • Refilled beverage glasses, cleared and reset tables, and stocked service areas.
  • Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
  • Monitored staff money handling for suspicious behaviors like card skimming.
  • Processed customer payments to accurately record transactions.

Banquet Server

Doubletree By Hilton
03.2018 - Current
  • Provided exceptional service during high-volume events, ensuring guest satisfaction and prompt attention to needs.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate timely meal service, enhancing overall event efficiency.
  • Trained new servers on protocols and service standards, fostering a knowledgeable and cohesive team environment.
  • Managed setup and breakdown of banquet spaces, maintaining organization and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Adapted quickly to changing event requirements, demonstrating flexibility in fast-paced settings.

Restaurant Server

Olive Garden Restaurant
03.2017 - 03.2018
  • Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Managed dining area operations, maintaining cleanliness and organization during high-volume service periods.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate food delivery to guests.
  • Trained and mentored new servers on menu knowledge and customer engagement techniques.

Fast Food Cashier

Popeyes
11.2016 - 07.2017
  • Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
  • Ensured accuracy in cash handling and daily financial reconciliation.
  • Trained new staff on operational procedures and customer service protocols.
  • Managed inventory levels, restocking supplies to maintain service flow.

Banquet Server

Marriott
12.2012 - 11.2016
  • Assisted with inventory management, tracking supplies and equipment for seamless operational flow during events.
  • Implemented feedback from guests to improve service delivery, contributing to higher satisfaction rates at events.
  • Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining composure under pressure in fast-paced banquet environments.
  • Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.

Education

No Degree -

Arkansas College of Barbering & Hair Design
Little Rock, AR
09-2012

High School Diploma -

North Little Rock High School
North Little Rock, AR
05-1996

Skills

  • Team management
  • Banquet setup
  • Team member development
  • Staff leadership
  • Staff supervision
  • Exceptional leadership
  • Employee development
  • Food safety
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Inventory management
  • Beverage management
  • Team player
  • Time management
  • High volume dining
  • Customer service
  • Food running
  • Operations reporting
  • Table and tray bussing

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Supervised team of 10-15 staff members.

Certification

  • Waterford Talent Program, Doubletree by Hilton - [2022-2023]

Accolades

I am Currently the reigning Employee of the Year for 2024

I have Received Employee of the Month, as well as Employee of the Quarter 2018

I have been Employee of the Year 2022

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Banquet Captain

Doubletree By Hilton
07.2021 - Current

Banquet Server

Doubletree By Hilton
03.2018 - Current

Restaurant Server

Olive Garden Restaurant
03.2017 - 03.2018

Fast Food Cashier

Popeyes
11.2016 - 07.2017

Banquet Server

Marriott
12.2012 - 11.2016

No Degree -

Arkansas College of Barbering & Hair Design

High School Diploma -

North Little Rock High School