Lily DiCostanzo Burke
East Bethel,MN
Summary
Highly motivated and dependable individual with a background in front desk leadership and upselling techniques, with a track record of optimizing guest service operations and enhancing team performance in upscale environments. Effectively led training initiatives with integrity, strengthened service standards and managed high-volume guest interactions, resulting in increased guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Desk Lead & Trainer - Grand Opening Support
SUR by Vita Bella
Ramsey, MN
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Established front-of-house procedures, service standards, and daily operating practices to support the restaurant's grand opening.
- Led front-of-house operations, such as managing floor plans, strategically assigning sections to support balanced workloads and efficient service, and overseeing front desk operations, ensuring efficient guest flow, reservation management, seating coordination, and consistent service standards.
- Trained and onboarded front desk staff on guest service, professional etiquette, seating procedures, and front-of-house protocols to ensure high-quality service.
- Provided key leadership alongside management, reinforcing service standards and maintaining consistent execution during the restaurant’s launch period.
- Developed, filmed, edited, and published photo and video content for the company's social media to enhance brand visibility and engage guests.
Sales Associate - Seasonal
Radio Flyer
Schaumburg, IL
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Engaged customers by identifying needs and confidently presenting product features and benefits, contributing to increased sales.
- Delivered personalized product recommendations and knowledgeable guidance, creating positive customer experiences and increasing customer confidence in purchasing decisions.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of merchandise and promotions to ensure accurate, efficient customer service and enhance shopping experience.
- Built strong customer relationships through attentive service and effective communication, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Managed high-volume incoming calls, promptly addressing customer inquiries regarding products, services, availability, promotions, and store policies.
Front Desk Hostess & Trainer
The Capital Grille
Rosemont, IL
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Created a warm, welcoming, and professional atmosphere for guests by providing attentive service, maintaining a positive attitude, and ensuring each guest felt valued from arrival through departure.
- Managed multiple guest requests, phone calls, reservations, and seating responsibilities simultaneously during high-volume periods, ensuring seamless service and guest satisfaction.
- Managed reservations, waitlists, and high-volume phone inquiries while accurately providing information, accommodating guest requests, and organizing seating arrangements in a fast-paced environment.
- Resolved guest inquiries, concerns, and special requests promptly, ensuring a positive guest experience and fostering customer loyalty.
- Built strong guest relationships by recognizing customer preferences, special occasions, and providing personalized service that contributed to positive dining experiences and repeat visits.
- Communicated menu specials, promotions, and featured items to guests, enhancing their dining experience and increasing engagement with additional offerings.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and welcoming host stand and entrance area while ensuring guests were greeted promptly and the front-of-house area remained presentable.
Education
High School Diploma -
East Leyden High School
Franklin Park, IL05-2022
Skills
- Customer service & relationship building
- Sales & upselling techniques
- POS transactions & cash handling
- Effective verbal & written communication
- Staff training & mentoring
- Conflict resolution & problem-solving
- Time management & organization
- Productive & efficient in fast-paced, high-volume environments
- Adaptability, critical Thinking & initiative
- Teamwork & collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Merchandise replenishment
Timeline
Front Desk Lead & Trainer - Grand Opening Support
SUR by Vita Bella
06.2025 - 10.2025
Sales Associate - Seasonal
Radio Flyer
10.2023 - 04.2024
Front Desk Hostess & Trainer
The Capital Grille
06.2022 - 08.2023
High School Diploma -
East Leyden High School