Maria Cook

HOSTESS (Sep 2019-Sep 2020)

• Maximized table turnover rates by monitoring dining room activity closely and anticipating when tables would become available for new parties.
• Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
• Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
• Increased overall dining satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving guest concerns or issues.
• Developed rapport with regular patrons, fostering a sense of community within the establishment.
• Assisted in training new host staff, sharing best practices for maintaining a professional demeanor and efficient work habits.
• Monitored seating area and checked restrooms regularly to keep spotless.
• Increased restaurant efficiency by maintaining an organized host stand, including menus, reservation logs, and seating charts.
• Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
• Coordinated closely with event planners for successful execution of private functions held at the restaurant.

TAKEOUT SERVER (Oct 2020-Feb 2021)

• Handled high-stress situations calmly, addressing multiple tasks simultaneously while prioritizing accordingly.
• Ensured prompt delivery coordination with drivers, resulting in improved overall efficiency for take-out services.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by taking accurate and timely phone orders for takeout.
• Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
• Utilized POS system to receive and process food and beverage orders.
• Maintained a clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service throughout the shift.
• Contributed to team success by assisting colleagues during busy periods or covering shifts as needed.
• Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.

SERVER (Feb 2021-present)

• Input orders accurately into POS terminal, split bills and accepted payments.
• Advised customers about special offerings and menu items to help drive sales.
• Relayed guest comments or suggestions to manager on duty for further action.
• Proactively assisted servers during busy times, helping to expedite food delivery and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction throughout their meal.
• Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of menu offerings and daily specials to accurately inform guests about their options.
• Contributed to positive guest experiences by providing personalized service and attention to special requests or preferences.
• Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
• Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
• Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
• Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
• Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
• Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.

KEY HOURLY MANAGER (June 2021-November 2021)

• Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
• Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
• Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
• Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
• Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
• Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.

• Assisted in creating unique and visually appealing displays for special occasions and seasonal promotions.
• Consistently met or exceeded productivity goals while maintaining high-quality standards for all baked goods produced.
• Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
• Recommended new bakery items to customers based on taste preferences, building rapport and boosting sales.
• Maintained tidy and organized work area to comply with cleanliness standards.
• Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
• Trained new bakery staff on company policies and POS system use to maximize job satisfaction, expertise, and team performance.
• Checked expiration dates and rotated products to verify freshness and avoid spoilage.
• Managed daily cash transactions efficiently, ensuring accurate register balances at shift end.
• Monitored counter and display inventory by replacing stock and requesting new products from kitchen to keep areas well-stocked for maximum sales.
• Managed efficient cash register operations.
• Improved bakery efficiency through effective time management and prioritization of tasks.
• Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
• Ensured food safety compliance by following strict guidelines for storage, handling, and preparation of baked goods.

• Reviewed and edited documents for accuracy, grammar and clarity.
• Expedited project completion times due to the ability to multitask effectively under tight deadlines.
• Monitored and ordered supplies and materials to keep office well stocked.
• Assisted manager in all aspects of business operations.