Nakaya Leary
St Louis,MO
Summary
Energetic Hostess with exceptional experience-enhancing customer experiences in foodservice setting. Courteous and friendly when directing customers to tables, giving directions and taking reservations. Constantly finding new ways to exceed customers' expectations with personalized service.
Outgoing server with experience working both FOH and BOH. Focused and hardworking team member knowledgeable in food safety and sanitation guidelines. Commended for having solid attendance record and delivering exceptional customer service. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Hostess
Cinder House Restaurant - Four Seasons Hotel
05.2022 - 09.2023
- Greeted guests warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Took reservations by phone, answered guest questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
- Accommodated special seating requests for guests to enhance satisfaction.
- Assigned guests to tables suitable for needs and restaurant section rotation.
- Cultivated positive guest relations by managing information and orchestrating speedy seating.
- Developed and maintained up-to-date knowledge of menu items and daily specials to accurately respond to customer queries.
- Relayed guest comments or suggestions to manager on duty for further action.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
- Seated patrons based on guest preferences and seating availability.
- Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests.
- Provided patrons with estimated waiting times during peak service hours.
- Advised customers about special offerings and menu items to help drive sales.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Documented reservations, alerted servers, and managers of large groups and prepared seating.
Prep Cook
Garlic Press Restaurant
05.2019 - 12.2021
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Operated dishwasher and manually washed dishes to clean all chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils.
- Identified inefficiencies leading to improved productivity.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
Server
Garlic Press Restaurant
10.2017 - 12.2021
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Suggested wine pairings to go with specific menu items.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Rolled silverware, set up tables and polished glassware and silverware.
- Took and submitted orders that accommodated customer preferences and dietary requirements.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
Education
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
Midland Community College
Midland, TXSkills
- Operate Cash Register
- Front of House Management
- Guest Experience Management
- Active Listening and Communication
- Suggestive Selling Techniques
- Phone Inquiries
- Hospitality and Accommodation
- Organization and Time Management
- Service Prioritization
- Coordinating Reservations
- Company Guidelines
Timeline
Hostess
Cinder House Restaurant - Four Seasons Hotel
05.2022 - 09.2023
Prep Cook
Garlic Press Restaurant
05.2019 - 12.2021
Server
Garlic Press Restaurant
10.2017 - 12.2021
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
Midland Community College
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