Matthew Bark
Arlington Heights,IL
Summary
Dynamic leader with proven success in team management and customer engagement, notably at Texas De Brazil. Excelled in inventory control and staff management, significantly increasing sales through strategic upselling. Demonstrates exceptional service-oriented approach and adaptability, ensuring memorable dining experiences and fostering customer loyalty. Expert in wine and liquor service, enhancing beverage sales and customer satisfaction.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager, Server and Bartender
Texas De Brazil
2015.09 - 2024.01
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Asked customers for feedback, solved problems and filled drinks throughout meal.
- Mixed both standard and specialized drink orders using liquor, bitters, sugars and fruits.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Served wine, specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages and offered refills.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
Server, Bartender and Floor Supervisor
Cooper's Hawk Winery And Restaurant
2007.03 - 2015.08
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Devised processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
- Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Reviewed shift reports to understand current numbers and trends.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues and difficult customers.
- Recruited and retained top talent, with focus on completing timely performance evaluations, providing positive feedback and rewarding superior performance.
- Managed schedule for 35 team members with focus on effective coverage of service team needs.
- Evaluated work of 35 floor employees to improve performance.
- Reduced employee turnover with hands-on leadership and coaching.
Server and Bartender
Don Shula's Steakhouse
2013.01 - 2015.06
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Replenished food items, paper products and canned goods to keep pantry well-stocked during busy periods.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays and delivery bags.
- Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine and beer to increase daily beverage sales.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Mixed both standard and specialized drink orders using liquor, bitters, sugars and fruits.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Asked customers for feedback, solved problems and filled drinks throughout meal.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
Education
Associate of Arts - Social Work
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, ILPsychology
College of Lake County
Grayslake, ILHigh School Diploma -
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire, IL06.2000
Skills
- Team Management
- Service-Oriented
- Customer Service and Rapport
- Inventory control and record keeping
- Customer Engagement
- Staff Management
- Specials Promotion and Upselling
- Dining Room Cleaning and Upkeep
- High Energy and Stamina
- Team Player
- Point of Sale Systems
- Workflow Coordination
- Wine and Liquor Service
- Valid Food Handlers Certification
- Food and Beverage Pairings
- Adaptable and Flexible
Timeline
Restaurant Manager, Server and Bartender
Texas De Brazil
2015.09 - 2024.01
Server and Bartender
Don Shula's Steakhouse
2013.01 - 2015.06
Server, Bartender and Floor Supervisor
Cooper's Hawk Winery And Restaurant
2007.03 - 2015.08
Associate of Arts - Social Work
William Rainey Harper College
Psychology
College of Lake County
High School Diploma -
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
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