Melissa Heyne
Steger,IL
Summary
Talented Manager with expert team leadership, planning, and organizational skills built during successful career. Smoothly equip employees to independently handle daily functions and meet customer needs. Diligent trainer and mentor with exceptional management abilities and results-driven approach.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of Team Member Experience
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Merrillville, IN, United States
12.2024 - Current
- Work in hand with the General Manager and handle all on/off boarding Work with Talent Acquisition for development with our team Handle all training for team members for FOH/BOH and work with developing Team Members Update on all SOP and Standards to the staff FOH/BOH are my responsibility for team members to ensure all training is completed Work with Safety to ensure all team members are getting proper care Keep team up to date with any new rollouts coming from the restaurant support center Work with Jobvite/ LANDED to ensure our restaurant is staffed accordingly
- Worked with the Learning & Development team to ensure that New Blended Learning through Schoox was successful at Cooper's Hawk when it came to training and making sure the whole team was staying well inform with new roll outs for the restaurant.
- Awards Proctor for National Restaurant Association ServSafe Exams
- Managed staff training programs, enhancing team performance and knowledge of wine offerings.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
Senior Restaurant Manager
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
New Lenox, IL
11.2022 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and service consistency.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to enhance team effectiveness.
- Implemented inventory control procedures, minimizing waste and optimizing supply chain efficiency.
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies to drive customer engagement and loyalty.
- Supported multiple locations during my time with Cooper's Hawk to oversee daily operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and service
- Fostered a positive workplace culture through team-building activities and employee recognition programs.
Restaurant Manager
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Merrillville, IN, United States
05.2022 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and adherence to service standards.
- Trained and mentored staff on operational procedures, enhancing team performance and efficiency.
- Conducted regular staff evaluations, fostering professional development and maintaining high service quality standards.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- 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.
Restaurant Supervisor, Trainer, Server
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Oak Lawn, IL
10.2016 - Current
- Trained all new wait staff for standard operating procedure's and guidelines. Assisted in full and complete inventory. Helps out in many areas of the floor within shift. Knowledgeable in all areas of the FOH.
- Trained and mentored staff on menu knowledge, service standards, and operational procedures.
Catering/ Server
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Chicago, IL
04.2015 - 07.2016
- Ensured all area were properly sanitized per health department guidelines. Handled sections and ensured that food and drinks were delivered promptly. Handled and served catering orders on site and off site for the restaurant.
- Delivered exceptional customer service during catering events, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
- Coordinated food setup and presentation, maintaining high standards of quality and aesthetics.
Catering/ Lead Server
Ariel's Bar & Restaurant
Tinley Park, IL, United States
04.2014 - 05.2015
- Trained new wait staff in the proper operating procedures of the restaurant. Ensured all arrears were properly sanitized per health department guidelines. Handled sections and ensured that food and drinks were delivered promptly.
Bartender/ Server
The Globe Pub
Chicago, IL, United States
11.2008 - 04.2014
- Handled 15-20 table sections and ensured that food and drinks were delivered promptly. Handled mixing drinks and serving pints and guaranteed that customers were not over served.
Production Cook
AJ Hudson's
10.2012 - 12.2012
- Assisted in preparing kitchen's daily mise en place. Cross- training in each kitchen's station. Ensured all areas were properly sanitized per health department guidelines. Prepared all items on menu for service.
Prep Cook
Trattoria No. 10
Chicago, IL, United States
03.2011 - 12.2011
- Assisted in preparing kitchen's daily mise en place. Cross training in each kitchen's station. Ensured all areas were properly sanitized per health department guidelines.
Server
Chef Klaus Steak & Seafood
Frankfort, IL, United States
07.2010 - 05.2011
- Handled 7 table sections and ensured that food and drinks were delivered promptly. Ensured all areas were properly sanitized per health department guidelines. Assisted in preparing kitchen's daily mise en place.
Server
Ye Olde King's Head
Santa Monica, CA, United States
06.2005 - 11.2008
- Handled 15-20 table sections and ensured that food and drinks were delivered promptly. Trained new wait staff in the proper operating procedures of the restaurant. Maintained composure and professionalism while working in a high volume soccer pub.
Event Coordinator
Howl at the Moon Chicago
Chicago, IL, United States
06.2002 - 06.2005
- Handled checking in invoices for liquor and beer representatives. Assisted in high volume retail inventory. Booked happy hour/ catered events, sold up to 6 - $500 table packages weekly. Performed cash drops averaging $10,000 nightly.
Cocktail Server
Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant
Chicago, IL, United States
10.2001 - 06.2002
- Handled 15-20 table sections and ensured that food and drinks were delivered promptly. Ensured areas were properly sanitized per health department guidelines.
Education
Associate of Applied Science Degree - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
Chi06-2011
Skills
- Culinary & Kitchen Basic Knife Skills, Food Preparation, Meat Cookery, Menu Development, Pasta Dough Making, Pizza Cooking, Vegetable Cookery
- Wine & Beverage Beer Knowledge, Cocktail Making, Food and Beverage Pairing, Spirits Knowledge, Wine Service
- Certificates & Education Food Handler Certification, Hospitality Management Degree, ServSafe Certified, TIPS Certified
- Service Customer Service, Events Management, Fine Dining Service, High Volume Service
- Business Operations Food Safety Knowledge, POS Systems, Scheduling
- Cross-Functional Can Lift up to 50 Lbs
Certification
- ServSafe Certificate of Completion – ServSafe Class and Exam Services
- ServSafe Alcohol Certificate of Completion – ServSafe Class and Exam Services
- Illinois Health Department License – Illinois Health Department License Jan. 2011 to Jan. 2015
- ServSafe Proctor
- Basset
- ATC
Timeline
Manager of Team Member Experience
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
12.2024 - Current
Senior Restaurant Manager
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
11.2022 - Current
Restaurant Manager
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
05.2022 - Current
Restaurant Supervisor, Trainer, Server
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
10.2016 - Current
Catering/ Server
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
04.2015 - 07.2016
Catering/ Lead Server
Ariel's Bar & Restaurant
04.2014 - 05.2015
Production Cook
AJ Hudson's
10.2012 - 12.2012
Prep Cook
Trattoria No. 10
03.2011 - 12.2011
Server
Chef Klaus Steak & Seafood
07.2010 - 05.2011
Bartender/ Server
The Globe Pub
11.2008 - 04.2014
Server
Ye Olde King's Head
06.2005 - 11.2008
Event Coordinator
Howl at the Moon Chicago
06.2002 - 06.2005
Cocktail Server
Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant
10.2001 - 06.2002
Associate of Applied Science Degree - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts