Manaka Sai

One year of cashier and barista experience at Sun Tea Mix Kaka’ako

• Developed strong customer service skills and learned professional etiquette in a fast-paced cafe environment.
• Quickly mastered drink recipes, dessert preparation, opening/closing procedures, and order-taking protocols.
• Handled orders from multiple platforms (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub) while managing in-person transactions.
• Balanced responsibilities as both cashier and barista, adapting smoothly during busy periods and special events.
• Built effective working relationships with team members to maintain smooth daily operations.

• Greeted and welcomed guests upon arrival, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Managed reservations and seating arrangements to ensure smooth service flow.
• Provided accurate wait time estimates to minimize guest dissatisfaction.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the host stand area.
• Coordinated special requests and accommodations for guests with specific needs.
• Worked closely with servers and bussers to maximize table turnover during peak hours.
• Trained new hosts on greeting protocols, reservation systems, and customer service standards.
• Resolved guest concerns promptly and professionally to maintain high satisfaction levels.
• Managed a high volume of phone calls while practicing excellent phone etiquette.
• Built rapport with regular customers, enhancing their dining experience through personalized service.
• Utilized the OpenTable reservation system to manage bookings, update table statuses, and optimize seating arrangements for efficient service flow.
• Practiced professional phone etiquette when handling high volumes of calls, including reservation requests, waitlist updates, and guest inquiries.
• Served as the anchor host, leading the team in seating decisions by strategically assigning tables to balance server sections and enhance guest experience.
• Trained and guided new hosts on the OpenTable system, greeting protocols, and service standards.
• Recognized by management for leadership skills and offered a Host Lead position

• Coordinated the flow of food orders between the kitchen and serving staff to ensure prompt delivery.
• Maintained open communication with chefs and line cooks to prioritize and expedite preparation during busy shifts.
• Managed timing for food service during private events, coordinating with chefs and servers to match item counts and service pace.
• Directed food runners on when and how to deliver dishes so items arrived at the right table, at the right time, and to the correct guest.
• Verified that all food items met quality, accuracy, and presentation standards before leaving the kitchen.
• Ensured all allergy, contamination, and dietary restrictions were carefully followed and communicated to the proper guests.
• Worked with servers to ensure special requests and modifications were clearly conveyed to the kitchen.
• Managed multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Resolved any order issues quickly to maintain guest satisfaction.
• Assisted in training new expeditors on procedures for efficient order coordination.
• Partnered with front-of-house staff to create a smooth, enjoyable dining experience for guests.

General Busser Responsibilities

• Supported servers in setting up and clearing tables quickly and efficiently to maintain a smooth dining experience.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas by wiping down tables, chairs, and condiment stations.
• Refilled water glasses promptly and ensured guests’ needs were met for a pleasant experience.
• Restocked supplies such as napkins, utensils, and condiments to maintain adequate inventory levels.
• Responded promptly to guest requests and concerns, delivering attentive and friendly customer service.
• Worked closely with servers and staff to coordinate table turnover during peak hours.
• Cleared tables efficiently after guests finished their meals and reset them for the next party.
• Assisted with setup and breakdown for special events and private parties, ensuring all necessary items were prepared.
• Maintained a professional, positive attitude in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Busser Lead Responsibilities:

• Partnered with managers to improve bussing operations and overall restaurant efficiency.
• Attended monthly manager meetings to provide feedback, suggestions, and insights from the bussing team’s perspective.
• Trained and mentored new bussers on proper procedures, techniques, and etiquette for a high-end dining setting.
• Supported bussing staff by helping resolve issues and providing guidance during busy shifts.

• Supported the manager with a wide range of administrative and operational tasks.
• Designed new menus and assisted in calculating food and beverage costs for pricing.
• Helped manage financial responsibilities, including preparing checks and handling expense records.
• Assisted with inventory tracking to ensure adequate stock levels and reduce waste.
• Contributed ideas and suggestions to improve restaurant operations and customer experience.
• Maintained employee records and assisted with data entry for HR purposes.
• Helped create and manage social media content to attract new customers and promote specials.
• Provided support to staff across all departments, stepping in where needed to keep operations running smoothly.

Hospital Volunteer – Patient Ambassador

• Engaged with in-patient units, primarily serving patients ages 65+, providing conversation, emotional support, and companionship to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Assisted patients with everyday needs such as ordering meals, offering water, operating technology, contacting family members, and alerting nurses when needed.
• Delivered small gifts to brighten patients’ days and foster a caring environment.
• Strengthened patient interaction skills by offering empathetic communication and comfort in a healthcare setting.

Hospital Volunteer – Same Day Surgery Recovery Unit (Endoscopy & Colonoscopy)

• Supported RNs in patient recovery, including monitoring post-procedure needs and ensuring patient comfort.
• Stocked water, snacks, and medical supplies; prepared same-day surgery kits for upcoming patients.
• Changed and sanitized beds after discharge and transported patients via wheelchair to the main lobby for pick-up.
• Organized and updated the unit’s phone contact list to improve workflow and communication efficiency for staff.
• Sanitized medical equipment to maintain hospital infection-control standards.
• Assisted Japanese-speaking patients by translating between English and Japanese to ensure clear communication with medical staff.

• Completed training on patient care procedures, including reading and recording vital signs.
• Assisted nursing staff with patient interaction, comfort, and non-clinical needs in a hospital setting.
• Supported the discharge process by preparing patients for departure and escorting them to meet family or transportation.
• Provided support in end-of-life care by respectfully transporting deceased patients to the morgue.
• Gained exposure to healthcare team operations and the role of nurse assistants in daily hospital workflow.