Nichole Polarek
Duarte,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven hospitality professional with extensive experience at Applebee's Grill + Bar. Proven expertise in customer service and strong multitasking abilities, consistently enhancing guest satisfaction. Recognized for training staff and streamlining operations, ensuring high-quality service in fast-paced environments. Committed to maintaining safety standards and fostering team collaboration.
Professional server with high standards and strong track record of delivering exceptional dining experiences. Skilled in customer service, order accuracy, and multitasking in fast-paced environments. Known for effective teamwork, adaptability, and maintaining positive atmosphere even during peak hours. Thrives on achieving results and ensuring guest satisfaction.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Waitress
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
01.2025 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Assisted guests with menu selections and answered inquiries about daily specials.
- Processed orders accurately using point-of-sale system, ensuring timely delivery of food and beverages.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, enhancing guest experience.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service flow.
- Adapted quickly to changing priorities during peak hours, maintaining high service standards.
- Supported team members by training new waitstaff on restaurant protocols and customer service techniques.
- Implemented feedback from guests to improve overall satisfaction and dining experience.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper change was provided to customers as needed.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new menu items and incorporating them into knowledgeable recommendations for guests.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
Waitress/Bartender Trainer
Castillo's Bar and Grill
09.2021 - 01.2025
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Assisted with menu recommendations to enhance guest experience.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area for optimal guest comfort.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance team performance and productivity.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative work environment.
- Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced operational redundancies.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Crafted and served a diverse range of cocktails and beverages to enhance customer experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Assisted in training new staff on drink preparation and customer service protocols.
- Managed inventory levels, ordering supplies to maintain operational efficiency.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
Waitress
Applebee's Grill + Bar
04.2008 - 07.2018
- Collaborated with team members to consistently provide efficient service during peak hours.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Trained new staff on best practices for customer service and company protocols to ensure consistency.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a collaborative environment that improved overall team performance.
- Trained new associates in company policies and procedures, ensuring consistent quality of customer care.
- Maintained cleanliness of dining area, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mount Olive High School
Duarte, CASkills
- Customer service
- Strong multitasking
- Greeting guests
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making
- Safe food handling
- Hospitality service expertise
- Memory retention
- Complex Problem-solving
- Order accuracy
- Active listening
- High volume dining
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Waitress
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
01.2025 - Current
Waitress/Bartender Trainer
Castillo's Bar and Grill
09.2021 - 01.2025
Waitress
Applebee's Grill + Bar
04.2008 - 07.2018
High School Diploma -
Mount Olive High School
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