Megan Hedge
White Bluff,TN
Summary
I am adept at multitasking and organization. I significantly enhanced team performance and customer satisfaction at Cracker Barrel through effective shift management and exceptional food service. My quick-learning ability and strong work ethic, coupled with my willingness to learn and experience in the industry have consistently driven positive outcomes in fast-paced environments.
I also believe that my experience in serving and overseeing banquets at what is now The Lodge will allow me to become an efficient and effective leader. Additionally, I already have a great working relationship with the front of house and back of house staff, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn from them and let them learn from me to make the large restaurant even better than it currently is.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Grill Cook
Cracker Barrel
- Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Regularly cleaned and maintained grilling equipment to ensure peak performance at all times.
- Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Efficiently managed time by prioritizing tasks according to importance and urgency.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
- Effectively communicated with fellow team members to coordinate dish preparation during peak service hours.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing any concerns or special requests promptly and professionally.
- Demonstrated initiative by taking on additional responsibilities during busy periods or when shortstaffed.
- Trained new staff members on grill station operations, resulting in improved overall performance of the team.
- Established and maintained productive staff relationships for positive working environments.
- Verified order accuracy and quality ahead of service to maintain standards.
- Closely followed recipes and presentation guidelines to maintain consistency across menu items.
Server
Cracker Barrel
- 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.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Contributed to inventory management by monitoring stock levels.
Shift Lead
Cracker Barrel
Dickson TN
08.2022 - Current
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring safety standards were met consistently.
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation at all times.
- Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Identifying potential issues and bottlenecks and correcting them before they happen to ensure shift flows as smoothly as possible.
Banquet Server
Montgomery Bell State Park
Burns, TN
06.2012 - 08.2018
- Served appetizers, set up buffet lines and drink stations, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining composure under pressure in fast-paced banquet environments.
- Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.
- Demonstrated exceptional teamwork by collaborating with fellow servers to maintain a smooth flow of service during large-scale events.
- Completed post-event tasks such as cleaning, breakdown, and inventory management to prepare for future banquets efficiently.
- Assisted in setting up the event space, ensuring proper table arrangements and placement of utensils for seamless guest experience.
- Carried out professional service, retaining polite and friendly approach at all times.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Worked with banquet manager to coordinate event set up and schedule.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service during banquet events.
- Responded to guest inquiries and requests promptly and courteously.
- Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
- Ensured timely food delivery by effectively communicating with kitchen staff and coordinating efforts.
- Increased overall event success by anticipating guests'' needs and promptly addressing requests or concerns.
- Handled food and beverage orders for groups of all sizes, delivering prompt and friendly service.
- Adapted to last-minute changes in event schedules or requirements, effectively modifying plans and maintaining service quality without any negative impact on guest experience.
- Contributed to positive guest feedback by consistently delivering high-quality service in a professional manner.
- Delivered outstanding service even during peak hours or challenging circumstances, receiving commendations from both clients and supervisors alike.
- Received praise from management for consistently exhibiting a positive attitude towards work responsibilities despite long shifts or demanding schedules often associated with the industry.
- Provided exceptional assistance in training new banquet servers, sharing valuable industry knowledge and best practices for efficient service delivery.
- Assisted in post-event breakdown and cleanup, ensuring venues were promptly returned to their original state.
Assistant Manager
Montgomery Bell State Park
Burns, TN
02.2015 - 09.2017
- Supervised day-to-day operations including banquets, food and beverage breaks, as well as day to day restaurant operations.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during banquets and peak restaurant hours.
Education
Associate Of Applied Business - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NCSkills
- Quick-learning
- Strong work ethic
- Willing to learn
- Multitasking and organization
- Adaptable
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Efficient
- Team player
- Food preparation
- Food service
- Resourceful
- Order accuracy
- Inventory monitoring
- Kitchen operations
- Interpersonal relationships
- New hire training
- Shift scheduling
- HACCP regulations
- Portion control
- Customer service
- Batch cooking
- Portioning
- Food plating and presentation
Timeline
Shift Lead
Cracker Barrel
08.2022 - Current
Assistant Manager
Montgomery Bell State Park
02.2015 - 09.2017
Banquet Server
Montgomery Bell State Park
06.2012 - 08.2018
Grill Cook
Cracker Barrel
Server
Cracker Barrel
Associate Of Applied Business - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Western Carolina University