Lora A. Montgomery
Lawndale,USA
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with nearly five decades of experience delivering exceptional service across diverse dining environments, from casual to fine dining. Renowned for a strong commitment to teamwork and customer satisfaction, with a proven ability to adapt to fast-paced settings while maintaining smooth operations through effective communication and problem-solving skills. Expertise spans both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, with a passion for mentoring and training new team members to foster an environment of excellence and growth. A people-oriented leader dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service, consistently striving to leave a lasting positive impression on every guest.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server/Cocktail Server
Old Tony’s On The Pier
Redondo Beach, CA
03.2024 - Current
- Casual Fine Dining Service
- Cocktail Service
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced environment, ensuring guest satisfaction and retention.
- Coordinated food and beverage orders with kitchen staff for seamless service delivery.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly to maintain positive dining experience.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently while prioritizing guest needs and timing of services.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
Bartender/Banquet Server/Concessions Worker
Gigpro + Qwick
Los Angeles, CA
12.2024 - Current
- Crafted diverse cocktails and beverages, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed bar inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Developed innovative drink specials to attract clientele and increase sales.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed bar operations, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Resolved customer inquiries efficiently, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Managed food and beverage orders efficiently, ensuring timely delivery.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- 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.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- 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.
Event Server/Cocktail Server/Banquet Server
Culinary Services of America dba Golive! Staffing
Los Angeles, CA
03.2024 - Current
- VIP Events,Casual and Fine Dining Service
- Cocktail Service
- Provided exceptional customer service during high-volume events, ensuring guest satisfaction and engagement.
- Coordinated food and beverage service logistics, facilitating seamless event execution and timely delivery.
- Set up and broke down event spaces, optimizing layout for functionality and aesthetics.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain food safety standards and quality control during service.
- Trained new team members on service protocols and best practices, enhancing overall team performance.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, proactively communicating needs to management for efficient operations.
- Assisted in resolving guest inquiries or concerns promptly, maintaining professionalism under pressure.
- Implemented feedback from events to improve future service quality and operational efficiency.
- Worked closely with fellow servers to coordinate efforts during busy periods, promoting teamwork and efficient service.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Assisted event coordinators in the seamless execution of events by efficiently setting up and breaking down venues.
- Adapted to diverse event types, customizing service approach for weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings.
- Supported team members during high-pressure situations by anticipating needs and offering assistance as needed, resulting in smoother event operations overall.
- Monitored dietary restrictions and served guests with special needs.
- Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
- Assisted bartenders with drink preparation when necessary, enhancing the speed of service delivery.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Built rapport with guests through friendly interactions, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality at each event.
- Ensured proper sanitation practices were followed throughout event spaces before, during, and after events.
VIP Bartender/Banquet Server/Cocktail Server
Hector Ceya Catering
Los Angeles, CA
02.2024 - Current
- VIP Fine Dining and Banquet events (NASA,PRIVATE CATERING)
- Crafted custom cocktails and curated beverage menus for diverse clientele events.
- Trained and mentored junior bartenders on service techniques and customer engagement.
- Implemented efficient workflow strategies to enhance service speed during high-volume events.
- Supported special events by creating themed cocktails tailored to the client''s preferences.
- Efficiently resolved customer complaints or concerns with tact and professionalism, preserving a positive atmosphere.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and crafting personalized cocktails.
VIP Event Bartender/Banquet, Cocktail and Dining Server
Fundemental Events
Inglewood, CA
02.2024 - Current
- VIP Event Server/Bartender
- Cocktail/Tray pass Service
- Ensured each guest was provided with a professional and excellent Hospitality
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Event Set up and take down
Treasurer and Board Member
Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce
Newberry Springs, CA
07.2022 - Current
- Duties include:
- QuickBooks Accounting and Intuit Software systems, creating Word, and Excel spreadsheets.
- Contributing member on fundraising events and planning meetings.
- Budget planning, financial reporting, record-keeping, and managing incoming and outgoing funds.
- Contact for Personal Reference: Rose Beardshear(President) PH:760-447-6295
- Oversaw financial planning and budgeting for organizational initiatives.
- Managed monthly financial reporting and analysis for board presentations.
- Streamlined accounting processes, improving accuracy and efficiency of transactions.
- Established partnerships with local businesses to foster economic development initiatives.
- Reconciled monthly statements, invoices and expense accounts, keeping records accurate, and current.
- Reduced operating costs by identifying and implementing cost-saving measures across the organization.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support strategic projects, contributing to overall organizational success.
- Prepared and presented financial reports to inform senior management and board of directors.
CEO/Executive Chef/Caterer/Food Prep Caregiving
CCNC Distributions, LLC
Redondo Beach and Newberry Springs, CA
04.2004 - Current
- Duties include:
- Guiding all company practices and procedures.
- Branding and wholesale sales and delivery management.
- Running day-to-day operations and guiding general business strategies.
- HR operations and management: Payroll, Scheduling, Staff Training.
- Daily, monthly and quarterly, yearly cash flow handling and setting sales goals.
- Catering, Personal Chef and banquet planning and services.
- Prepare and monitor budgets; financial targets and forecasts.
- Ensured all safety and sanitation procedures were followed in compliance with HACCP, DPH and OSHA standards and compliance.
- Maintain Supplies and inventory tracking.
- Maintain Financials and reports and tax filings thru QuickBooks.
- Food Prepping Meals for Elderly and Disabled Clients.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to drive business growth and market expansion.
- Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders to align organizational objectives and initiatives.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery.
- Analyzed market trends to inform product development and competitive positioning strategies.
- Mentored executive team members to build leadership capabilities and foster a high-performance culture.
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic plans and streamlining operations.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
- Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities.
VIP Bartender/Server/Concession Worker - Large Scale Venue
Tend Staffing Agency
Los Angeles, CA
08.2023 - 07.2025
- Duties include:
- Large Scale Venues and Premium Stadium Suites
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Prepared alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipe standards.
- Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently with Custom POS system.
- Adhered to state regulations regarding serving alcohol responsibly.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
Bartender/Server
The Rockefeller Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach, CA
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Duties include:
- Gastropub and Casual Dining
- Prepared alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipe standards.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently with UpServe POS system.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Kept track of all orders made by customers and communicated them promptly to kitchen staff.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods.
- Ensured each guest was provided with a unique experience to create loyal and repeat business.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
Bartender/Kitchen and Personal Catering executive Chef/Bar Supervisor/Kitchen Management
The American Legion
Newberry Springs, CA
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Duties include:
- Mix, prepare, garnish and serve alcoholic beverages based on customer requests and RBS standards.
- Bar supervisor
- Verifying the identification and age of customers
- Casual Food dining service
- Cocktail service
- Daily, Monthly and Quarterly, yearly cash flow handling
- Maintaining Compliance, Maintenance and cleanliness according to OSHA and HACCP standards.
- Development, prep, cooking and service of menu items for bar and events.
- Managing event staff schedules and HR responsibilities.
- Contact for Personal Reference: Ron Walters (GM) 760-252-4461
General Manager/F&B Manager/Lead Bartender/ Kitchen manager
The Barn Route 66
Newberry Springs, CA
02.2020 - 01.2023
- Duties include:
- Managing all day-to-day operations and guiding general business strategy.
- Development, prep, cooking and service of menu items for bar and events.
- HR operations: Payroll, Schedules, Staff Training.
- Handling Daily cash flow
- Booking Bands and managing Monthly entertainment.
- Menu Design
- Policies and SOP’S
- Maintaining Cleanliness and managing professional maintenance schedules.
- Supply shopping, inventory and ordering.
- Social media management.
- Reason for leaving: Resigned
- Directed daily operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and high customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw staff recruitment, training, and development to cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce.
- Established strong vendor relationships to optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
Fast Food Restaurant Owner/Founding Partner/Executive Chef
Welcome Home Eats, Inc.
Redondo Beach, CA
07.2017 - 01.2019
- Duties include:
- Executive Operations Management.
- Executive Chef and fast food takeout services.
- Menu Design and Branding.
- FOH and BOH staff management.
- HR operations and management: Payroll, Scheduling, Staff Training.
- Daily, monthly and quarterly, yearly cash flow handling and setting sales goals.
- Catering and banquet planning and service.
- Social media management, marketing, advertising and event planning.
- Reason for leaving: Sold Business and Permanently Closed
Commercial Kitchen Manager
Stevo's Commercial Kitchen
Redondo Beach, CA
06.2016 - 01.2019
- Duties include:
- Scheduling, Managing and supervising Cottage kitchen and event vendors and clients.
- Maintaining a clean and quality Kitchen workspace in compliance with Department of Public Health, OSHA and HACCP standards and compliance.
- Catering and banquet planning and service.
- Managing professional maintenance schedules.
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff, enhancing team performance and service quality.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for food preparation and service.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to ensure operational reliability and safety.
- Analyzed cost control measures, identifying opportunities for budget optimization in kitchen operations.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Consistently met or exceeded local health department inspection requirements through diligent adherence to safety protocols and maintaining thorough documentation records.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining meal preparation processes.
General Manager/HR Admin/Caregiver
Harbor Area Caregivers Club
Torrance, CA
04.2006 - 07.2010
- Duties include:
- Guiding company practices and procedures.
- Branding and wholesale sales and delivery management.
- Running day-to-day operations and guiding general business strategies.
- HR operations and management: Payroll, Scheduling, Staff Training.
- Daily, monthly and quarterly, yearly cash flow handling and setting sales goals.
- Catering, Personal Chef services, Food Prepping Meals for Elderly and Disabled Clients.
- Prepare and monitor budgets; financial targets and forecasts.
- Ensured all safety and sanitation procedures were followed in compliance with HACCP, DPH and OSHA standards and compliance.
- Maintain Supplies and inventory tracking.
- Maintain Financials and reports and tax filings thru QuickBooks.
- Education on nutrition and medical supplements.
- Directed daily operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices in caregiving.
- Enhanced service delivery by implementing effective training programs for staff to improve client care.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
Food Server, Shift Leader, Trainer
New Tony’s On The Pier
Redondo Beach, CA
11.2000 - 08.2005
- Duties include:
- Fine Dining and Banquet Food Service.
- Cocktail Service.
- Hosting and Cashier.
- Prep cook.
- Lead Trainer.
- Reason for leaving: Opened My own Business
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to enhance guest experience.
- Trained new employees on service protocols and operational standards to ensure consistency.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing several tables at once while maintaining high standards of service quality.
Food Server/Trainer/Supervisor
IHOP
Big Bear Lake, CA
08.1998 - 10.2000
- Duties include:
- Fast pace Breakfast and Casual Dining Food Service.
- Hosting.
- Lead Trainer.
- Handling Daily cash flow.
- Maintaining a clean and quality Kitchen workspace in compliance with Department of Public Health, OSHA and HACCP standards and compliance.
- Reason for leaving: Relocated
- Delivered prompt and courteous service to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and increased productivity.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential within the organization.
Food Server/bartender/supervisor/shift lead/trainer
Boo Bear's Den
Big Bear Lake, CA
06.1996 - 08.1998
- Duties include:
- Casual Dining Food Service.
- Cocktail Service.
- Banquet Service.
- Hosting.
- Lead Trainer.
- Scheduling Management.
- Handling Daily cash flow.
- Supervisor.
- Managed multiple tables, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to expedite food preparation and delivery.
- Trained new team members on service standards and operational procedures.
- Enhanced guest experiences through attentive service and effective communication.
- Monitored guest satisfaction, addressing concerns promptly to ensure loyalty.
- Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote customer health and safety.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly food service.
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
Food Server/Shift Lead/Trainer/Bartender
Texas Loosey's Bar & Grill
Torrance, CA
09.1994 - 04.1996
- Duties include:
- Casual Dining Food Service.
- Cocktail Service.
- Bartender.
- Lead Trainer.
- Handling Daily cash flow.
- Scheduling Supervisor.
- Hosting.
- Reason for leaving: Relocated
- Trained new servers on menu offerings and service protocols, enhancing team efficiency.
- Assisted in training new servers, sharing best practices for excellent customer service.
Food Server/Shift Lead/ Trainer/Banquet Server
Ports O' Call Waterfront Dining
Los Angeles, CA
05.1992 - 10.1994
- Duties include:
- Fine Dining Food Service.
- Cocktail Service.
- Banquet Service.
- Lead Trainer.
- Handling Daily cash flow.
- Hosting.
- Reason for Leaving: Better position
Cocktail Server/Bartender
Raintree Bar & Grill
Torrance, CA
11.1987 - 02.1990
- Duties include:
- Cocktail service.
- Bartending.
- Bar backing.
- Reason for Leaving: Business Permanently closed
Cocktail Server/Bartender/Banquet Server/Event Planning
Marriott Hotels/Cristobel's
Torrance, CA
07.1986 - 12.1987
- Duties include:
- Cocktail service.
- Bartending.
- Bar backing.
- Reason for Leaving: Higher wages
- Delivered exceptional customer service in high-pressure environments, ensuring guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- Managed beverage orders efficiently, maintaining accuracy and minimizing wait times during peak hours.
- Trained new team members on menu offerings, service standards, and operational procedures to enhance team performance.
- Prevented loss by monitoring guest alcohol consumption, following responsible service guidelines.
Education
Audio Engineering -
Los Angeles Harbor College
San Pedro, CA04.2005
High school diploma - undefined
Chandler High School
Chandler, AZ05.1984
Diploma - Audio Engineering
Audio Institute Of America
San Francisco, CA02-2003
Insurance Agent License - Insurance
Ford School of Insurance
Mesa, AZ03-1985
Real Estate License - Real Estate
Real Estate
Los Angeles, CA06-2009
Skills
- Customer service expertise
- Event catering coordination
- Culinary operations management
- Human resources management
- Coordinating events
- HACCP compliance expertise
- Culinary expertise
- Financial performance analysis
- OSHA compliance expertise
- Restaurant operations management
- Event coordination
- Event banquet service
- Digital marketing expertise
- Cost analysis
- Process optimization
- Shift supervision
- Mentorship and training
- Expense tracking and reporting
- Food preparation expertise
- Financial planning
- Budget oversight
- Microsoft Word proficiency
- Excel spreadsheet management
- Experience with Canva tools
- Proficient in QuickBooks
- Proficient in Quicken accounting software
- Square point of sale
- Proficient in cash management systems
- Accurate cash handling
- Business finance management
- RBS-certified bartender
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Guest engagement
- Hospitality service expertise
- Safe food handling
- Cleanliness standards
- Sales techniques
- Team collaboration
- Table setting knowledge
- Banquet coordination
Certification
- ServSafe California Food Handler Certification, Expires 02-08-2027
- HACCP Certified, CURRENT
- RBS - Alcohol Beverage Safety Certification, Expires 09-25-29
- Sexual Harassment and Abusive Conduct Prevention Training Certification, Expires 09/24/27
- Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Training, Completed 04/30/2025
- Gigpro Certified FOH Support, Awarded August 1, 2025
- Gigpro Certified Banquet Server, Awarded August 1,2025
- Gigpro Certified Bartender, Awarded August 1, 2025
- Gigpro Certified Beer & Wine Bartender, Awarded July 31, 2025
Personal Information
- Availability: immediately, willing to travel or relocate if necessary
- Visa Status: authorized to work in the US for any employer
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US
Timeline
Bartender/Banquet Server/Concessions Worker
Gigpro + Qwick
12.2024 - Current
Server/Cocktail Server
Old Tony’s On The Pier
03.2024 - Current
Event Server/Cocktail Server/Banquet Server
Culinary Services of America dba Golive! Staffing
03.2024 - Current
VIP Bartender/Banquet Server/Cocktail Server
Hector Ceya Catering
02.2024 - Current
VIP Event Bartender/Banquet, Cocktail and Dining Server
Fundemental Events
02.2024 - Current
Bartender/Server
The Rockefeller Redondo Beach
09.2023 - 04.2024
VIP Bartender/Server/Concession Worker - Large Scale Venue
Tend Staffing Agency
08.2023 - 07.2025
Bartender/Kitchen and Personal Catering executive Chef/Bar Supervisor/Kitchen Management
The American Legion
08.2022 - 08.2023
Treasurer and Board Member
Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce
07.2022 - Current
General Manager/F&B Manager/Lead Bartender/ Kitchen manager
The Barn Route 66
02.2020 - 01.2023
Fast Food Restaurant Owner/Founding Partner/Executive Chef
Welcome Home Eats, Inc.
07.2017 - 01.2019
Commercial Kitchen Manager
Stevo's Commercial Kitchen
06.2016 - 01.2019
General Manager/HR Admin/Caregiver
Harbor Area Caregivers Club
04.2006 - 07.2010
CEO/Executive Chef/Caterer/Food Prep Caregiving
CCNC Distributions, LLC
04.2004 - Current
Food Server, Shift Leader, Trainer
New Tony’s On The Pier
11.2000 - 08.2005
Food Server/Trainer/Supervisor
IHOP
08.1998 - 10.2000
Food Server/bartender/supervisor/shift lead/trainer
Boo Bear's Den
06.1996 - 08.1998
Food Server/Shift Lead/Trainer/Bartender
Texas Loosey's Bar & Grill
09.1994 - 04.1996
Food Server/Shift Lead/ Trainer/Banquet Server
Ports O' Call Waterfront Dining
05.1992 - 10.1994
Cocktail Server/Bartender
Raintree Bar & Grill
11.1987 - 02.1990
Cocktail Server/Bartender/Banquet Server/Event Planning
Marriott Hotels/Cristobel's
07.1986 - 12.1987
High school diploma - undefined
Chandler High School
Audio Engineering -
Los Angeles Harbor College
Diploma - Audio Engineering
Audio Institute Of America
Insurance Agent License - Insurance
Ford School of Insurance
Real Estate License - Real Estate
Real Estate