Maria Gocheva
Ascione Bistro
CHICAGO,Illinois
3
Languages
1
Certification
15
years of professional experience
Experienced server and bartender with a strong record of guest service, communication, and problem-solving in fast-paced dining environments. Known for multitasking, accurate cash handling, and building repeat customer loyalty.
Experienced hospitality professional with 10+ years in server and bartender roles. Skilled in multitasking, teamwork, and maintaining smooth service during busy shifts. Consistently supports kitchen and front-of-house teams, handles payments accurately, and delivers a positive guest experience.
Professional Bartender with extensive knowledge of spirits and engages customers one-on-one. Friendly, open and committed to building customer base by providing positive service experience.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Work History
Server/Bartender
5 Years- Delivered attentive table service, guided menu selections, and resolved guest concerns promptly.
- Prepared cocktails, beer, and wine orders while maintaining accurate drink presentation and timing.
- Monitored multiple tables and bar seats, prioritizing service flow during peak dining periods.
- Processed cash and card transactions accurately, balancing receipts with end-of-shift totals.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure correct order delivery and special request handling.
- Maintained clean dining and bar areas, restocked supplies, and followed sanitation standards.
- Upsold featured entrées, desserts, and beverages to enhance guest experience and revenue.
- Supported opening and closing duties, including setup, breakdown, and equipment organization.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Assisted with inventorying beverage stock and bar supplies.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Mixed unique and interesting cocktails for customers, including bar specials.
- Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
- Created attractive bar displays by strategically arranging bottles and glasses.
- Practiced safe work habits, wearing protective equipment and consistently following MSDS and OSHA standards.
- Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.
- Completed requisitions to maintain required stock par levels.
Server
3 Years 3 Months- Delivered attentive table service, accurately relayed orders, and maintained strong guest satisfaction throughout shifts.
- Presented menu recommendations, answered ingredient questions, and accommodated dietary requests with professionalism.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and smooth service flow.
- Processed payments accurately, balanced checks, and handled cash and card transactions efficiently.
- Monitored dining room needs, refilled beverages, and resolved guest concerns promptly.
- Maintained clean, organized tables and stations, supporting safe and efficient front-of-house operations.
- Trained new servers on service standards, POS procedures, and guest communication techniques.
- Supported opening and closing tasks, including setup, restocking, and section readiness.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Server/Bartender
3 Years 11 Months- Helped management plan and serve bar menu exceeding customer expectations.
- Applied knowledge to create innovative cocktails, enhance flavor profiles and expertly pair food and drinks.
- Built relationships with vendors to manage orders and negotiate costs.
- Delivered attentive table service, guided menu selections, and resolved guest concerns promptly.
- Prepared cocktails, beer, and wine orders while maintaining accurate drink presentation and timing.
- Monitored multiple tables and bar seats, prioritizing service flow during peak dining periods.
- Processed cash and card transactions accurately, balancing receipts with end-of-shift totals.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure correct order delivery and special request handling.
- Maintained clean dining and bar areas, restocked supplies, and followed sanitation standards.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Supported opening and closing duties, including setup, breakdown, and equipment organization.
- Upsold featured entrées, desserts, and beverages to enhance guest experience and revenue.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
- Practiced safe work habits, wearing protective equipment and consistently following MSDS and OSHA standards.
SERVER/Bartender
1 Year 4 Months- Delivered attentive table service and maintained accurate food, beverage, and guest order flow
- Prepared cocktails, poured drinks, and followed portion control standards for consistent beverage quality
- Coordinated with kitchen staff and support team to ensure timely service during high-volume shifts
- Trained new front-of-house staff on menu knowledge, service standards, and bar procedures
- Managed cash, card transactions, and end-of-shift balancing with strong accuracy
- Resolved guest concerns promptly, preserving positive dining experience and repeat business
- Maintained clean, organized dining and bar areas in compliance with sanitation standards
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Skills
Teamwork
Teamwork and collaboration
Fast learner
Customer service
Problem-solving
Friendly and outgoing
Teamwork and professionalism
Honest and dependable
Time management
Attention to detail
Listening skills
Professional attitude
Problem-solving abilities
Cleaning and sanitizing
Multitasking
Collaboration and teamwork
Hospitality and guest service
Multitasking Abilities
Reliability
Customer relationship building
Excellent communication
Customer satisfaction
Organizational skills
Team collaboration
Active listening
Effective communication
Adaptability and flexibility
Calm and composed
Cash handling and management
Cash handling
Customer engagement
Food preparation
Relationship building
Engaging customers
Responsible serving
Team management
Organized and detail oriented
Good conversationalist
Health and safety compliance
Cash register operation
Task prioritization
Handling difficult customers
Food service
Self motivation
Product knowledge
Responsible alcohol service
Food and beverage service
Interpersonal skills
Analytical thinking
Conflict resolution
Goal setting
Professionalism
Interpersonal communication
Quality control
Staff training
Bussing and serving
Professional service standards
Opening and closing procedures
Menu memorization
Drink preparation
Cocktail service
Age identification checks
Time management abilities
Continuous improvement
Stamina and endurance
Issue resolution
Adaptability
Written communication
Classic cocktails
Quality assurance
Food running
Sales strategies
Customer retention
Customer needs assessment
POS system operation
Telephone etiquette
Basic math
Monitoring alcohol consumption
Inventory
Food safety standards
Mixology techniques
Supply and inventory maintenance
Menu development
Ability to lift 30 pounds
Professional demeanor
Sales development
Problem-solving aptitude
Order processing
Stress management
Health codes compliance
Recipe creation
Bartending license
Ordering supplies
Suggestive selling
Creative mixology
Certification
- Licensed SERVER - 2021-2026
Languages
English
Professional Working
Russian
Native or Bilingual
Bulgarian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Server/Bartender
Ascione Bistro
09.2021 - 09.2026Read More
Server
JASPER`S CAFE
02.2017 - 05.2020Read More
Server/Bartender
BRAVO AND BRIO RESTORANT CORPORATION
01.2013 - 12.2016Read More
SERVER/Bartender
BENVENUTI RISTORANTE
12.2011 - 04.2013Read More
SOFIA UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science from Elementary Education
Read More