MTHOBEKI PHAKATHI

Dining Service Support

• Set up and break down dining areas (tables, linens, silverware, glassware) before and after each service
• Supported Waiters and Head Waiters in delivering food and beverages, enhancing guest satisfaction
• Carry trays, clear plates, and reset tables between courses and settings
• Replenish bread, water, condiments, and other table items throughout service

Facilitated warm greetings and seating for guests upon arrival

• Welcomed guests with warmth and escorted them to tables, creating a positive dining experience
• Accommodate special requests (dietary restrictions, seating preferences, celebrations)
• Consistently exhibited a friendly, professional, and attentive demeanor, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere

Hygiene & Safety

• Follow strict food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., USP/VSP guidelines)
• Maintain personal hygiene standards required in food service
• Properly handle and store food/beverage items to avoid contamination
• Participate in regular safety drills and understand emergency/muster procedures

Teamwork & Coordination

• Work closely with Waiters, Head Waiters, Bartenders, and Galley staff to ensure smooth service flow
• Communicate guest needs or issues promptly to senior staff
• Assist with inventory checks and restocking supplies for the dining venue

Administrative/Operational

• Adhere to shipboard schedules, uniform, and grooming standards
• Support multiple dining venues if cross-trained (main dining room, specialty restaurants, room service)

Front-of-House Service

• Welcomed patrons and provided a friendly, professional introduction to the café's food, beverage, and all-day breakfast menu
• Advised guests on menu selections, combos, and promotional offers, drawing on strong product knowledge of the café's diverse offering
• Captured orders accurately using POS system, ensuring special requests and allergen information were communicated to kitchen staff for safe meal preparation
• Maintained consistent floor presence, monitoring tables to anticipate guest needs and ensuring a seamless dining experience
• Executed timely delivery of food and beverages to tables, enhancing customer satisfaction during peak service hours

Expedited food and beverage orders from kitchen and bar to table, maintaining pace during high-volume trading hours

• Resolved guest concerns tactfully, aiming to preserve customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Conducted table checks to gauge guest satisfaction and prompt further orders
• Practiced suggestive selling techniques to promote add-ons, beverages, and desserts, contributing to revenue targets
• Liaised continuously with kitchen and bar teams to manage ticket times and resolve order discrepancies
• Reconciled bills and processed transactions accurately, including card payments, cash handling, and account queries

• Upheld cleanliness standards across the dining floor, service points, and communal areas throughout service
• Assisted with opening/closing duties, including float counts, stock reconciliation, and end-of-shift reporting
• Complied with occupational health, food safety, and hygiene protocols at all times

Collaborated with front-of-house team to deliver exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment.

• Functioned effectively as part of a front-of-house team within a fast-turnover, high-footfall café environment
• Demonstrated flexibility across shift patterns, including weekends, public holidays, and peak seasonal periods
• Supported onboarding of new team members by sharing menu knowledge and service procedures
• Maintained a polished, professional appearance and demeanor in line with brand standards

• Led and supervised front-of-house and back-of-house teams, ensuring smooth daily operations across all shifts
• Oversaw day-to-day restaurant operations, ensuring compliance with brand standards, health and safety regulations, and hygiene protocols
• Monitored and controlled labor costs, food costs, and overall profitability against budgeted targets
• Managed stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships to minimize wastage and maintain cost efficiency
• Handled cash-ups, banking, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and accountability

• Implemented and enforced standard operating procedures across all sections of the restaurant
• Scheduled staff rosters to optimize labor costs according to trading volumes, including peak and seasonal periods
• Recruited, trained, and mentored new staff on service standards, menu knowledge, and operational procedures
• Conducted performance reviews, provided coaching, and addressed disciplinary matters in line with company policy
• Motivated and supported the team to maintain morale and productivity during high-pressure service periods

• Maintained high standards of guest service, resolving escalated complaints and ensuring positive customer outcomes
• Conducted regular floor walks to monitor service quality, cleanliness, and adherence to brand presentation standards
• Analyzed guest feedback and reviews to pinpoint specific areas for service enhancement
• Ensured consistent quality and presentation of food and beverage offerings in line with brand expectations

Prepared and analyzed sales reports to uncover trends and opportunities for revenue growth

• Coordinated administrative tasks
• Communicated operational updates and compliance requirements to head office and franchise management
• Managed opening and closing procedures, security protocols, and emergency preparedness
• Ensured full compliance with liquor licensing, food safety, and occupational health and safety legislation

Engaged with guests to create a welcoming atmosphere

• Welcomed guests with warmth and professionalism, reflecting Tasha’s upscale, design-conscious brand identity
• Guided guests through an extensive menu spanning breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all-day dining options, offering informed recommendations
• Took detailed food and beverage orders, accurately noting dietary requirements, allergies, and special requests
• Built genuine rapport with guests to enhance their overall dining experience and encourage return visits
• Managed guest expectations during busy periods by courteously communicating wait times and service delays, contributing to overall guest satisfaction

Delivered food and beverages to tables promptly

• Coordinated timely delivery of food and beverages from kitchen and bar, ensuring dishes were served at optimal temperature and presentation
• Recommended pairings, specials, and seasonal menu additions to elevate guest experience and drive sales
• Communicated closely with kitchen and bar staff to manage order accuracy and course timing
• Conducted regular table visits to assess guest satisfaction and promptly address concerns, fostering a positive dining experience

• Prepared assigned sections prior to service, ensuring table settings, cutlery, and glassware met tashas' presentation standards
• Maintained a clean, organized section and service area throughout shifts in line with brand and hygiene standards
• Assisted with pre-service briefings and end-of-shift breakdown and restocking duties
• Adhered strictly to food safety, hygiene, and occupational health regulations

Supported fellow staff by sharing best practices

• Collaborated closely with fellow waitstaff, hosts, and kitchen teams to ensure seamless, high-quality service
• Remained adaptable and composed during high-volume trading periods and back-to-back reservations
• Assisted with training and guiding new team members on floor procedures and menu updates
• Upheld a polished, professional appearance consistent with Tasha's upmarket positioning.
• Took orders from patrons accurately and efficiently.