Melissa M. Strachota
Fort Lauderdale,FL
Summary
Experienced server and bartender with over two decades of success in luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, sushi-focused Japanese concepts, and high-volume events across the U.S. and internationally. Adept at crafting warm, memorable guest experiences while excelling in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Strong background in mixology, wine and beverage pairing, sushi service, event bartending, and elevated dining service. Recognized for professionalism, adaptability, teamwork, and consistently maintaining a polished, welcoming atmosphere.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Server / Bartender/ Banquet Bartender & Server
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
01.2013 - Current
- Delivered exceptional service during high-volume lunch, après, and dinner periods in a luxury resort setting.
- Provided knowledgeable recommendations based on extensive menu familiarity.
- Mixed craft cocktails and created an engaging, welcoming bar experience.
- Performed both banquet bartending and banquet serving for large-scale weddings, corporate functions, galas, and private resort events.
- Executed full banquet setup and breakdown, including ballroom and outdoor venues, with refined table service, wine service, and cocktail execution.
- Maintained accurate cash handling, sanitation standards, and strong guest satisfaction.
Server/Banquet Bartender & Server
Vail Cascade Resort & Spa → Hotel Talisa → Grand Hyatt Vail
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Remained with the property throughout three ownership and branding transitions, consistently adapting to new standards, menus, and service procedures.
- Executed high-volume bar service for weddings, banquets, private events, and corporate functions.
- Prepared specialty cocktails, managed event setup and breakdown, and provided elevated guest engagement.
Server/ Banquet Bartender & Server
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Delivered refined, polished service in a Five-Star luxury environment.
- Provided high-level banquet and event
bartending service for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. - Executed large-scale banquet setups, wine service, cocktail service, and coordinated with culinary and banquet teams.
- Ensured a seamless and memorable
dining and event experience for resort guests.
Event Bartender / Server
The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Delivered elevated service at a high end private luxury golf resort and spa resort, catering to high-net-worth members and destination guests.
- Provided expert wine service, multi-course event support, and craft cocktail preparation for member events, tournaments, weddings, and private functions.
- Ensured seamless event flow through coordinated communication with culinary and banquets.
Server (Sushi & Japanese Cuisine)
Sato
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Delivered fast-paced, attentive service in a modern Japanese restaurant and sushi bar.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of sushi offerings, traditional preparations, specialty rolls, and Japanese cuisine.
- Guided guests through sushi selections, chef specials, sake pairings, and wine recommendations.
- Coordinated timing with sushi chefs to ensure accuracy, freshness, and proper course pacing.
Server
Stowaway Café
01.2008 - 2013
- Provided fine dining service featuring fresh, locally caught seafood.
- Performed nightly closeouts, reconciled transactions, and completed end-of-day reporting.
- Ensured smooth transitions with thorough opening and closing procedures.
Server / Bartender
Lochmara Café
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Served in a high-volume café and evening fine dining venue accessible exclusively by boat or hiking trail.
- Maintained deep knowledge of sustainable, seasonal menus featuring local seafood and organic produce.
- Conducted inventory, managed cash handling, and upheld consistent product quality.
Server / Bartender / FOH Manager
The Bayport Cookery
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Worked in a Zagat-rated gourmet restaurant with rotating multi-course tasting menus.
- Paired courses with wine, craft beer, and signature cocktails.
- Trained new staff, conducted inventory, and maintained high service standards.
- Assisted the chef and FOH team at the James Beard House in NYC, highlighting the annual morel mushroom festival.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Advanced Esthetics
St. Paul College/ Paul Mitchell
Saint Paul, MNSkills
- Luxury & fine dining service
- Sushi & Japanese cuisine
- Craft cocktails & mixology
- Wine knowledge & pairing
- Event/ banquet bartending & serving
- High-volume multitasking & guest engagement
- POS: Aloha, Micros, BPA, SwiftPOS
- Accuracy, cleanliness & professionalism
Timeline
Server/ Banquet Bartender & Server
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
01.2016 - 01.2017
Server/Banquet Bartender & Server
Vail Cascade Resort & Spa → Hotel Talisa → Grand Hyatt Vail
01.2015 - 01.2019
Event Bartender / Server
The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera
01.2014 - 01.2017
Server (Sushi & Japanese Cuisine)
Sato
01.2014 - 01.2016
Server / Bartender/ Banquet Bartender & Server
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
01.2013 - Current
Server / Bartender
Lochmara Café
01.2011 - 01.2012
Server
Stowaway Café
01.2008 - 2013
Server / Bartender / FOH Manager
The Bayport Cookery
01.2004 - 01.2010
Associate of Applied Science - Advanced Esthetics
St. Paul College/ Paul Mitchell