Laura Leighton
Customer service.
Toledo,OH
Summary
Friendly server/ bartender with strong history of excellent guest service. Effectively multi-tasked to efficiently complete various food and beverage functions. Trained in set-up, restock and takedown. Skilled in cleaning and disinfecting to meet company standards. I consider myself highly motivated with a engaging personality and flexible approach. Upbeat, friendly and anticipating customer needs to facilitate enjoyable dining experiences.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Server Assistant/ Dishwasher
Cooper Hawks Winery
11.2022 - Current
- Kept close eye on customers to quickly spot leaving guests and clear tables for future patrons.
- Assisted with dining room set up prior to and after service period.
- Transported dirty utensils, dishes and trays to kitchen to help team stay on top of cleaning.
- Bussed tables between courses and load and unloaded trays to expedite tasks.
Server/ Waitress
Miracle Lanes
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing and cash management practices.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays and delivery bags.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Noted special patron requests and followed up with kitchen to confirm delivery.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Shift Lead
Chubbys American Grill
09.2015 - 06.2018
- Completed store opening and closing procedures and balanced tills.
- Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance.
- Responded to and resolved customer questions and concerns.
- Kept employees operating productively and working on task to meet business and customer needs.
- Helped store management meet standards of service and quality in daily operations.
- Delivered superior training and leadership to teams to boost performance and help team members achieve performance targets.
- Created successful work schedules for each team member to maintain deadlines and fully staff shifts.
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Created incentive programs and contests to support and award top performers.
Baretender Lead
Andreas Sports Pub
12.2015 - 12.2019
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Mentored newly hired employees on operating equipment and safety and developed training manual to use for reference.
- Participated in cross-functional team-building activities.
- Prepared detailed reports on updates to project specifications, progress, identified conflicts and team activities.
- Managed schedules, accepted time off requests and found coverage for short shifts.
- Developed monthly and daily production output plans to deliver on customer service and financial metrics.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
Bar/Kitchen Team Leader
Forest View Recreation Bar& Grill
Temperance, MI
06.2005 - 08.2015
- Applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling and surface cleaning.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Pushed, pulled and transported large loads and objects.
- Maintained high personal grooming standards and uniform presentation.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Managed restaurant marketing, sales building and community involvement.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing and cash management practices.
- Supervised restocking of salad bar and buffet for lunch and dinner service.
- Noted special patron requests and followed up with kitchen to confirm delivery.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays and delivery bags.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Asked customers for feedback, solved problems and filled drinks throughout meal.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Scheduled numerous reservations and managed seating arrangements simultaneously in high-traffic [Type] restaurant while maintaining calm, professional demeanor.
- Collected orders and relayed them to bartenders quickly and accurately.
- Moved and set up seating, prepared extra silverware and notified kitchen prior to arrival of large groups.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals and walk-in business.
- Mixed both standard and specialized drink orders using liquor, bitters, sugars and fruits.
- Checked over [Number] daily IDs to verify ages and uphold [State] liquor laws.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
Caregiver, Special Needs
Sherry Nyhan
Lambertville, MI
01.2010 - Current
- Supported clients with mental support and physical activities to accomplish quality of life and sustain needs.
- Maintained clean personal areas and prepared healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
- Helped with home management tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping and routine cleaning.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Facilitated interactions with clients through communication aids.
- Prepared meals and snacks and fed clients.
- Determined specific needs and provided most appropriate level of services for patient well-being.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Changed dressings, bandages and binders to maintain proper healing and sanitary measures.
- Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
- Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Entertained, conversed and read aloud to keep patients mentally alert.
- Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments and shopping trips.
- Maintained frequent supervision of residents unable to call for assistance.
Education
Diploma -
Bedford Senior High School
Temperance, MI06.2001
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Willing to Learn
- Persuasive Approach
- Positive and Friendly Attitude
- Customer Relations
- Responsible and Trustworthy
- Basic Math
- Customer Service
- Stress Tolerance
- Social with Customers and Staff
- Problem-Solving Techniques
- Guest Accommodations
- Professional Relationships
- Operational Efficiency
- POS System Operations
- Suggestive Selling
- Food and Beverage Orders
- Order Taking and Processing
- Station Preparation
- Heavy Lifting
- Complaint Resolution
- Beverage and Ice Dispenser Refilling
- Problem Detection and Resolution
- Condiment Restocking
- Work Coordination
- Tabs and Food Running
- Menu Memorization
- Table Bussing
- Beverage Making and Delivery
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Attention to Detail
- Menu Recommendations
- Dish Preparation
- Customer Satisfaction Promotion
- Stocking and Replenishing
- Dependability and Self-Control
- Customer Preferences
- Service Bar Restocking
- Order Following
- Concern for Others
- Persistent with Challenges
- Cooperative and Good Natured
- Cash Register Operations
- Bussing Experience
Timeline
Server Assistant/ Dishwasher
Cooper Hawks Winery
11.2022 - Current
Server/ Waitress
Miracle Lanes
09.2019 - 06.2022
Baretender Lead
Andreas Sports Pub
12.2015 - 12.2019
Shift Lead
Chubbys American Grill
09.2015 - 06.2018
Caregiver, Special Needs
Sherry Nyhan
01.2010 - Current
Bar/Kitchen Team Leader
Forest View Recreation Bar& Grill
06.2005 - 08.2015
Diploma -
Bedford Senior High School
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