Maria Castellon
Temecula,CA
Summary
Hardworking server with proven relationship-building and time management skills in fast-paced restaurant environments. Successful at handling tables of all sizes with accuracy and impeccable service skills. Strives to meet customer needs, drive satisfaction and promote long-term loyalty.
Sociable Server offering 15 years of experience delivering friendly, prompt service to customers. Skillful in making personalized menu recommendations and managing closing duties. In-depth knowledge of POS system operations and food safety and sanitation regulations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Dogs n suds
Temecula
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Supervised and trained kitchen staff on proper preparation techniques.
- Monitored stock levels of food items and ordered more when necessary.
- Ensured that all food was cooked at the correct temperature and stored correctly.
Server
Ponte Winery
Temecula, CA
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- 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.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Responded promptly to guest inquiries or requests in an efficient and friendly manner.
- Checked on guests periodically during meals to ensure satisfaction with food and service.
- Performed general cleaning duties such as sweeping floors or polishing silverware between shifts.
- Carried trays of drinks to tables, refilled glasses when needed, and cleared away empty dishes.
- Assisted in setting up the buffet table and replenishing food items as necessary.
- Organized seating arrangements for guests.
Server
Dennys Diner
Temecula, CA
06.2021 - 02.2024
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
Server
Falkner Winery
Temecula, CA
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials, wine and desserts to increase profits.
- Carefully transferred orders from kitchen and bar areas to tables and cleared plates as patrons finished food and beverage items.
- Maintained knowledge of menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods to assist guests with menu selection.
- Checked on guests to verify satisfaction with meals and suggested additional items to increase restaurant sales.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
Server
Dennys Diner
Temecula, CA
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Restocked nonperishable food items, condiments and napkins to keep pantry well-supplied.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Presented patrons with menus and specials promptly after seating, following up to address questions before taking orders.
Customer Service Representative
Alta Resources: Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Brea, CA
10.2017 - 03.2018
- Informed customers about billing procedures, processed payments and provided payment option setup assistance.
- Escalated customer concerns, store issues and inventory requirements to supervisors.
- Consulted with customers to determine best methods to resolve service and billing issues.
- Reviewed account and service histories to identify trends and issues.
- De-escalated problematic customer concerns, maintaining calm, friendly demeanor.
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
Norwalk, CA
10.2001 - 01.2010
- Refilled medications, offered insight into over-the-counter products and verified insurance benefits.
- Prepared prescription transfers to other pharmacies.
- Managed medication stocks, including conducting counts, labeling products and maintaining controls.
- Flagged potential drug interactions and allergies to prescribed medications for patients of all health conditions and age ranges.
- Verified insurance benefits to refill medications by examining formularies and calling insurance companies for exceptions.
- Assisted pharmacist with clearing high volume of prescriptions and responded to customer questions.
- Created new customer profiles and updated changes such as demographics, allergies and new medications in pharmacy computer systems.
Education
Associate of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA05.2002
High School Diploma -
Norwalk High School
Norwalk, CA06.2001
Skills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Problem-solving abilities
- High-energy attitude
- Courteous demeanor
- Adaptive team player
- Point of Sale (POS) System Operations
- Dining Customer Service
- Effective Customer Upselling
- High-Volume Dining
- Menu Memorization
- Wine Pairings
Timeline
Cook
Dogs n suds
06.2024 - 10.2024
Server
Ponte Winery
03.2024 - 10.2024
Server
Dennys Diner
06.2021 - 02.2024
Server
Falkner Winery
09.2020 - 12.2020
Server
Dennys Diner
05.2019 - 03.2020
Customer Service Representative
Alta Resources: Blue Cross-Blue Shield
10.2017 - 03.2018
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
10.2001 - 01.2010
Associate of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Cerritos College
High School Diploma -
Norwalk High School