Lauren Mims
Pelham,AL
Summary
Proactive, detail and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management, problem-solving skills, and proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently, in fast paced environments. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Coordinator
Jubilee Joe's Cajun Seafood Restaurant
Hoover, AL
02.2022 - Current
- Handled incoming company phone calls, addressing customer needs, concerns and deadlines to promote retention and satisfaction.
- Improved client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing excellent customer service.
- Analyzed catering orders and liaised with staff to set up equipment, supplies and menus to meet client expectations.
- Expedited setup and breakdown of events, minimizing disruptions to client''s schedules.
- Enhanced event success by coordinating with clients and understanding their specific catering needs.
- Increased repeat business through strong relationship-building with clients and vendors.
- Elevated guest experience by attentively addressing dietary restrictions and special requests from attendees.
- Solicited, negotiated and booked new and repeat business through previous clients, local businesses and event management companies to maximize catering revenue and meet and exceed goals.
- Ensured seamless execution of events with diligent planning and attention to detail.
- Communicated with customers to review catering goals and budget, deliver quotes and proposals, schedule event and carry out catering needs as contracted.
- Monitored and controlled banquet budget and coordinated with events budgets to maximize revenue and minimize expenses while providing quality guest service.
- Implemented creative solutions to logistical challenges, ensuring timely delivery of services despite unforeseen circumstances.
- Managed budgets for each event, ensuring cost-effective practices without compromising quality or customer satisfaction.
- Planned, scheduled and oversaw tastings allowing interested parties and clients to sample popular menu items prior to making selections.
- Maintained extensive calendar of events and attended necessary event meetings and conference calls.
- Implemented customer feedback system, leading to continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by meticulously planning and coordinating catering menus tailored to each event's theme.
- Negotiated contracts with clients, balancing their needs with business objectives to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
- Maintained meticulous records of all events, including client feedback, to inform future improvements.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning for events, ensuring profitability.
- Enhanced company's reputation by consistently delivering high-quality service and culinary excellence.
- Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in event requirements, maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
- Streamlined event setup and breakdown processes, significantly reducing client wait times.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Coordinated logistics for over 100 successful events, ranging from small meetings to large weddings.
- Collaborated with sales teams to secure new contracts and expand the company''s clientele base.
Server
Jubilee Joe's Cajun Seafood Restaurant
Hoover, AL
02.2022 - Current
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Enhanced team efficiency, collaborating effectively in high-pressure settings.
- Increased sales by suggesting additional items like desserts and drinks based on customers' orders.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and processed transactions swiftly, contributing to restaurant's financial accuracy.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Built rapport with guests to enhance their dining experience and encourage return visits.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Assisted in planning and execution of special events, contributing to restaurant's reputation for hosting.
- Facilitated team-oriented atmosphere, assisting coworkers during rush periods to ensure smooth operations.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
- Trained new staff on menu knowledge and service protocols, raising team's overall performance.
- Managed inventory of dining supplies to prevent shortages during service.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Kept up with fast-paced environments, ensuring timely delivery of orders during peak hours.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that increased guest satisfaction.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- 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.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Supported needs of [Number]- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for [Type] restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Manager
Golden Rule BBQ
Pelham, AL
04.2006 - 01.2022
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Conducted market research to identify customer needs and adjusted product offerings accordingly, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that effectively communicated brand values, increasing brand recognition.
- Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Spearheaded transition to remote work during global health crisis, ensuring business continuity and employee safety.
- Increased market share with strategic business development efforts, expanding into untapped markets.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plan, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Streamlined project delivery processes, significantly reducing time to market for new product launches.
Skills
- Client support expertise
- Effective time management
- Sales expertise
- Adaptability to change
- Customer relationship development
- Quality evaluation
- Attention to detail
- Steadfast reliability
- Collaborative team member
- Clear and concise communication
- Advanced problem-solving
Timeline
Catering Coordinator
Jubilee Joe's Cajun Seafood Restaurant
02.2022 - Current
Server
Jubilee Joe's Cajun Seafood Restaurant
02.2022 - Current
Manager
Golden Rule BBQ
04.2006 - 01.2022