Matt Hemmingsen
Vancouver,WA
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic and customer-focused bartender with extensive experience at Red Lion Inn @ The Quay, recognized for enhancing guest satisfaction through personalized drink recommendations and efficient service. Proven ability in cash handling and strong multitasking skills, consistently optimizing beverage sales while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Customer-oriented Wait Staff Member with experience in service industry. Excellent interpersonal communication skills with focus on guest satisfaction when interacting with patrons. Licensed for preparation and sale of alcoholic beverages, bar procedures, and liquor laws.
Overview
1
1
Food handlers 2025-2027
1
1
Liquor license 2025-2028
Work History
Waiter
Olive Garden
Vancouver, WA
12.2021 - 02.2026
- Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guest needs and preferences.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to enhance guest experience.
- Trained new team members on menu items, service standards, and operational procedures.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently during peak hours, ensuring prompt service delivery.
- Assisted in creating a welcoming atmosphere through attentive and friendly interactions with guests.
- Resolved guest concerns swiftly, fostering positive dining experiences and repeat business.
- Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Provided support during busy periods by assisting other servers in cleaning tables and resetting them quickly for incoming guests.
- Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper accounting and minimizing discrepancies at the end of shifts.
- Complied with all company policies regarding uniform standards, punctuality, and professionalism.
- Communicated with kitchen staff to enable accurate food preparation.
- Promoted specials or upsold items to increase average check amount.
- Demonstrated extensive menu knowledge, enabling personalized recommendations for guests based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Ensured food safety compliance by adhering to proper handling procedures when serving dishes.
- Reduced order errors by double-checking tickets before sending them to the kitchen staff for preparation.
- Folded napkins and prepared silverware sets to provide adequate supply for host station.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
Bartender
Spot Bar & Grill
Vancouver, WA
10.2012 - 11.2021
- Crafted and served a diverse range of cocktails, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Managed bar inventory and supplies, ensuring efficient operations and minimizing waste.
- Trained new bartenders on service standards and beverage preparation techniques.
- Developed seasonal drink menus to attract customers and increase sales volume.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
- Enhanced establishment's reputation, consistently receiving positive feedback on customer satisfaction surveys.
- Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
- Developed loyal clientele by engaging in friendly conversations and providing exceptional service.
Bartender
Island Pizza & Deli
Portland, OR
08.2008 - 2012
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, complying with health regulations.
- Built strong customer relationships through attentive service and personalized recommendations.
- Implemented cost-control measures to optimize profit margins on beverage sales.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
- Managed inventory to prevent shortages, conducting weekly stock checks and placing timely orders.
- Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
- Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
- Increased repeat customer numbers, creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
Bartender
Red Lion Inn @ The Quay
Vancouver, WA
06.1992 - 11.1996
- Led team meetings to discuss performance goals, improve service delivery, and enhance teamwork.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
- Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
- Implemented cost-control measures to optimize profit margins on beverage sales.
- Built strong customer relationships through attentive service and personalized recommendations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, complying with health regulations.
Education
Aircraft Maint
CCAF
Sheppard AFB TX.08.1989
Skills
Strong multitasking
- Time management
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Cleanliness
- Order taking
- Professional appearance
- Cash handling
- Decision-making
- Order management
- Order accuracy
- Table setting
- Guest relations
- Service prioritization
- Menu memorization
- Fine dining
- Menu presentation
- Table bussing
- Guest relations management
- Memory retention
- Tableside service
- Safe food handling
- Dining area maintenance
- Accurate money handling
- Daily specials memorization
- Sales techniques
- Upselling techniques
- Food and beverage pairings
- Basic math
- Relationship management
- Bill computation
- High volume dining
- Item promotion
- Quality control
- Bar terminology
- Wine pairing
- Wine service
- Wine pairings
- Conflict resolution
- Reliability and punctuality
- Food safety
- Beverage service
- Safe alcohol service
- Hospitality and accommodation
- Dietary restriction support
- Wine history
- Food service etiquette
- POS operation
- Food allergy awareness
- Point-of-sale system
- Effective customer upselling
- Serving expertise
- Menu item recommendation
- Point of sale (POS) system operations
- Liquor, wine, and food service
- Dining customer service
- Tip calculation
- Calm demeanor
- Price memorization
- Food and wine pairings
- Positive and professional
- Table turnover
- Team player
- Reliable and responsible
- Strong multitasking
- Warm and friendly
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Cool under pressure
Time management
Customer service
Attention to detail
Certification
- Liquor License - 2025-2028
- Food handlers License - 2025-2027
Timeline
Waiter
Olive Garden
12.2021 - 02.2026
Bartender
Spot Bar & Grill
10.2012 - 11.2021
Bartender
Island Pizza & Deli
08.2008 - 2012
Bartender
Red Lion Inn @ The Quay
06.1992 - 11.1996
Aircraft Maint
CCAF