Shemeika Spates
Lancaster,CA
Summary
A dynamic professional with a proven track record at The Service Companies, I excel in guest relations and food presentation, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales. My quick learning ability and creativity have led to significant improvements in event operations and service delivery, making me a valuable asset to any team.
Organized and hardworking Event Staff Member with experience supporting planning and implementation of events for private and corporate clients. Liaises with guests regarding seating arrangements and special accommodations. Works with vendors to address client requests for specific services, contributing to repeat business.
Enthusiastic and reliable professional takes pride in providing excellent customer service and creating memorable dining experiences for restaurant customers. Skilled in anticipating customer needs, addressing complaints and resolving issues in timely manner. Maintains focus and positive attitude in stressful situations and high-volume environments.
Innovative technology professional with several years of diverse experience. Skilled in enhancing systems and aligning technical solutions with business objectives. Proven success in leading projects from start to finish and contributing to organizational growth and success.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Expo Runner, Line Cook
The Service Companies
03.2020 - Current
- Delivered food orders from kitchen to customers' tables.
- Served food at proper temperature to meet safety standards.
- Informed restaurant staff about feedback or requests to promote customer satisfaction.
- Communicated food orders to chefs to execute priorities and special requests.
- Assisted wait staff with table setting by fetching and placing tableware, eating utensils and napkins.
- Welcomed guests to events, checked invitations, and oversaw proper seating.
- Performed post-event tasks such as breaking down areas, removing trash, and cleaning facilities.
- Oversaw event operations to keep running smoothly.
- Responded to inquiries from attendees and addressed any issues or complaints.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
Volunteer Student Worker
Los Angeles Mission College
08.2021 - 06.2024
- Worked in team environment to maintain high levels of productivity.
- Took and followed detailed directions from others.
- Completed research, compiled data, and assisted in timely reporting.
- Maintained tidy and organized environment to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Operated and maintained machinery and equipment to manage functionality and performance.
- Picked, sorted and processed customer orders to manage order fulfillment and increase sales.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models to value potential acquisition targets.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
Line Cook, Expo, Dishwasher
Culinary Staffing
02.2011 - 03.2018
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Developed innovative, creative menu items and recipes.
- Efficiently loaded and unloaded dishwashers, cleaning by hand large pots or items used often by kitchen staff.
- Cleared, washed and stacked all plates, dining utensils, and trays quickly and without breaking.
- Kept kitchen areas neat and clean by removing trash and organizing supplies.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
Crew Member
McDonald's Restaurant
08.2005 - 10.2009
- Worked front counter, drive-thru and other areas.
- Took orders, prepared meals, and collected payments.
- Addressed guest needs, questions, or concerns to create optimum experience onboard.
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting customers and meeting quality expectations.
- Cleaned and maintained all areas of restaurant to promote clean image.
- Operated cash register to ring up final bill and process various forms of payment.
- Stocked shelves to organize aisles in assigned department.
- Collaborated with team members to complete orders.
- Prepared products following restaurant, health, and safety standards and procedures.
- Brewed coffee and tea and changed out drink station syrups.
- Backed up servers by setting up trays and completing some food deliveries.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Checked on dining areas frequently to clean up spills, wipe down tables and restock stations.
- Replenished condiments, beverages, and supplies while maintaining cleanliness of service areas.
Senior Shift Manager
Del Taco
01.2000 - 07.2004
- Tracked receipts, employee hours, and inventory movements.
- Supervised employees and oversaw quality compliance with company standards for food and services.
- Adhered to company standards and compliance requirements for operations and cleanliness of areas.
- Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance.
- Coached crew members to optimize performance and motivate toward more efficient work.
- Cooperated with coworkers to improve customer experience and manage storefront.
- Exercised composure under pressure and in escalated customer service scenarios.
- Kept employees operating productively and working on task to meet business and customer needs.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
Concessions Cashier
El Capitan Theater
11.1998 - 12.1999
- Prepared quality products while maintaining proper food safety practices, portion control, and presentation within service goal times.
- Responded to customer complaints to help resolve issues.
- Monitored inventory and notified management of deficiencies or shortages.
- Immediately informed supervisors when equipment was not functioning properly to promote quick issue resolution.
- Consistently provided friendly service to promote better customer engagement.
- Maintained clean, organized workspace according to operational standards.
- Handled cash and processed payments, sorting bills, and maintaining records of transactions.
- Supported team members with various needs depending on customer influx and demand.
- Communicated stand offerings and answered guest questions regarding orders.
Cook's Assistant
Burger King
08.1994 - 05.1997
- Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
- Loaded dishes, glasses and tableware into dishwashing machines.
- Monitored food temperature, discarding items not stored correctly.
- Trained new staff on food preparation and safety procedures.
- Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Los Angeles Mission College
Sylmar, CA06-2024
Skills
- Table bussing
- Quick learner
- Guest relations
- Strong organization
- Restocking supplies
- Food running
- Order accuracy
- Food presentation
- Ticket processing
- Foodservice support
- Guest relations expertise
- Facilities preparation
- Room setup and breakdown
- Sales experience
- Food and beverage experience
- Event setup and breakdown
- Creativity and innovation
Timeline
Volunteer Student Worker
Los Angeles Mission College
08.2021 - 06.2024
Expo Runner, Line Cook
The Service Companies
03.2020 - Current
Line Cook, Expo, Dishwasher
Culinary Staffing
02.2011 - 03.2018
Crew Member
McDonald's Restaurant
08.2005 - 10.2009
Senior Shift Manager
Del Taco
01.2000 - 07.2004
Concessions Cashier
El Capitan Theater
11.1998 - 12.1999
Cook's Assistant
Burger King
08.1994 - 05.1997
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Los Angeles Mission College
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