Nick Kakai
Augusta,GA
Summary
Food and Beverage Personable fine dining server with in-depth knowledge of menu items, ingredients and wine pairings. Hospitable and welcoming individual offering several years of hands-on experience serving patrons in upscale restaurants. Polished in appropriately setting silverware, glassware and napkins and preparing tableside menu items. Customer-oriented individual possessing excellent memorization and customer service skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
1970
1970
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Fine Dining Server
Abel Brown Southern cuisine and oysters bar
Augusta
04.2025 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Assisted in menu knowledge to guide guest selections effectively.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery.
Food and Beverage Ambassador
Snap Thai Fish House
Atlanta
02.2023 - 02.2025
- Analyzed sales figures on a regular basis in order to adjust prices accordingly.
- Created comprehensive training plans for new employees to ensure quality standards were met.
- Coordinated efforts between front-of-house staff and back-of-house kitchen personnel.
- Provided leadership and guidance to team members in order to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
- Organized special events such as wine tastings or holiday parties for guests at the restaurant.
- Implemented promotional campaigns to attract more customers with targeted marketing initiatives.
- Established operational procedures that improved safety compliance and reduced wastefulness.
- Supervised staff members including hiring, scheduling, and performance reviews.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of hospitality standards.
- Tracked inventory levels on a weekly basis to maintain cost efficiency.
- Monitored trends in the industry in order to stay ahead of competitors in terms of product offerings.
- Maximized profits by analyzing financial data related to menu planning, labor costs.
- Planned and coordinated catering services for large-scale events.
- Managed the ordering, receiving, and storage of food and beverage supplies.
- Assessed customer feedback surveys to identify areas for improvement in service delivery processes.
- Trained staff to accomplish routine kitchen and service tasks for maximizing productivity.
- Established protocol for responsible food storage to prioritize customer health.
- Reviewed menus to determine appropriate culinary adjustments.
- Implemented atmospheric strategies for improving customer dining appeal.
- Maintained high standard of cleanliness in kitchen by emphasizing importance of sanitary cooking spaces.
- Managed departmental budget by assessing customer volume and supply requirements.
- Inspected kitchen equipment to verify working condition and schedule replacements as needed.
- Developed responsible policies and guidelines with adherence to food regulatory organizations.
- Evaluated kitchen procedures to verify safe and ethical preparation of meals.
- Assessed food preparation processes to formulate quality improvements.
- Scheduled and received deliveries and verified goods received against paperwork.
- Performed some food preparation and service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary.
- Scheduled staff hours and allocated resources to maximize team member performance.
- Investigated and resolved complaints regarding food quality and service.
- Monitored food preparation and presentation to enforce adherence to portion sizes and quality standards.
- Kept accurate records in compliance with sanitation and food service requirements.
- Coordinated kitchen workflow to optimize supply usage and preparation time.
- Estimated food and beverage consumption to determine purchasing requirements.
- Monitored compliance with health and fire regulations to reduce risk.
- Analyzed sales reports and customer feedback to inform menu revisions and seasonal promotions.
- Greeted guests, escort them to seats and present them with menus and wine lists.
- Reviewed menus and analyzed recipes to assess labor and overhead costs.
- Reviewed procedures and operational challenges to uncover service and safety improvements.
- Scheduled use of facilities and catering services for events such as banquets and receptions and negotiated details of arrangements with clients.
- Welcomed customers and provided information about menu items and specials.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas and service stations.
- Assisted in training new ambassadors on customer service standards and procedures.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and processed payments using POS systems.
- Resolved customer complaints and provided solutions to enhance dining experiences.
- Promoted daily specials and upsold menu items to increase customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline operations during peak hours.
- Increased sales by attending local events and educating customers on offered services.
- Represented the Ambassador in a professional manner at all times.
- Built customer confidence by actively listening to concerns and giving appropriate feedback.
- Greeted and welcomed international dignitaries to events, meetings and conferences.
- Attended various forums, seminars, workshops and official functions on behalf of the Ambassador.
- Created attractive visual displays for new products and current promotions.
- Impacted sales results by developing, supporting and executing direct marketing strategies.
- Organized and coordinated high-level diplomatic visits and delegations.
- Conducted research to identify target audiences for campaigns.
- Maintained professionality and efficiency while working closely with leadership.
- Arranged public appearances, contests or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or promote goodwill.
- Developed plans or materials to communicate organizational activities beneficial to environment, public safety or other important social issues.
- Consulted with advertising agencies or staff to arrange promotional campaigns for products, organizations or individuals.
- Responded to requests for information from media or designated spokesperson or information source.
- Established or maintained cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer or public interest groups.
- Developed marketing campaigns for environmental technologies or services.
- Developed public relations strategies to influence public opinion or promote ideas, products or services.
- Posted and updated content on company's website and social media outlets.
- Wrote press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
Restaurant Front of House Manager
Nan Thai Fine Dining
Atlanta
08.2017 - 01.2023
- Monitored employee and patron activities to enforce liquor regulations.
- Cooked food by tasting and smelling it to ensure palatability and flavor conformity.
- Coordinated with service providers to address equipment maintenance and waste removal.
- Created specialty dishes and developed recipes to be used in dining facilities.
- Managed daily operations of the organization, including directing personnel, budgeting, planning, organizing and scheduling activities.
- Established work schedules, ensuring job tasks were effectively assigned and completed properly.
- Maintained professional working relationships and promoted open lines of communication with staff.
- Developed talented team, participating in hiring, coaching, and performance management processes.
- Managed the daily operations of multiple departments to maximize efficiency.
- Provided leadership in developing team members through coaching, mentoring and training initiatives.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss operational issues and provide feedback on performance.
- Tracked company inventories and ordered new products to replenish equipment levels.
- Resolved conflicts among team members by providing guidance and support when needed.
- Provided employees with guidance in handling difficult problems or in resolving escalated complaints or disputes.
- Resolved conflicts between employees and departments.
- Reviewed customer and staff feedback to improve operational strategies and eliminate obstacles.
- Strategized with leadership to stay ahead of changing customer needs and labor planning concerns.
- Maintained open communication channels between all levels of the organization for better coordination of workflows.
- Created and enforced policies and procedures to support compliance.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer service.
- Implemented quality assurance protocols within the organization for consistent output quality standards.
- Monitored organizational performance metrics to evaluate progress towards objectives.
- Drafted budgets based on financial forecasts while ensuring cost control measures are adhered to.
- Directed the development of new systems or improvements in existing systems for efficient workflow management across teams.
- Utilized data analytics tools to analyze trends in operations performance over time for proactive decision making.
- Assessed current operational models regularly to identify potential risks or areas needing improvement.
- Facilitated strategic planning sessions with senior leadership team to set long term objectives.
- Created detailed reports on operational performance indicators to track progress against goals.
- Conducted regular walkthroughs and inspections of company facilities to verify adherence to safety standards.
- Evaluated operational costs and identified areas of improvement.
- Adhered to corporate standards and regulations, encouraging safe and efficient operations.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce overhead costs.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned specific duties.
- Reviewed financial statements, sales reports, and other performance data to measure productivity.
- Designed innovative approaches to optimize workflow, streamline procedures, and enhance customer service satisfaction levels.
- Spearheaded multiple projects from concept through completion while successfully managing budgets and timelines on each project.
- Demonstrated and supported continuous improvement and growth mindset.
- Set and implemented strategic goals and initiatives to align company with mission, values, and vision.
- Analyzed data from financial reports to identify areas of improvement in business operations.
- Coordinated and directed financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Developed and implemented effective strategies to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Utilized data analytics techniques to identify areas for improvement.
- Directed administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- Organized and guided activities such as sales promotions requiring coordination with other department managers.
- Created weekly schedules that maximized productivity while minimizing overtime costs.
- Monitored servers' performance; provided feedback and coaching sessions when needed.
- Trained staff on proper use of POS systems and other technology tools used in the restaurant.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies for labor management, resulting in improved operational efficiency.
- Analyzed customer feedback surveys and implemented changes based on results obtained.
- Developed marketing initiatives to increase sales revenue from existing customers.
- Supervised daily opening and closing procedures for the front-of-house area.
- Utilized excellent interpersonal skills to foster relationships with customers and vendors alike.
- Ensured compliance with health codes and safety regulations through regular inspections of food preparation areas.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to new hires, enabling them to quickly become productive members of the team.
- Ensured accuracy when ordering supplies from vendors; tracked delivery times and product quality.
- Maintained accurate records of transactions, profits and losses, inventory levels, staffing requirements.
- Managed daily cash flow operations including deposits and credit card processing.
- Demonstrated strong problem solving skills while resolving customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance and time off requests according to policy.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on equipment for optimal performance.
- Developed staff training programs to ensure adherence to company standards and policies.
- Coordinated events such as birthdays or anniversaries with attention to detail.
- Successfully managed a large team of up to 40 employees in a high-volume restaurant, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
- Cultivated a positive work environment by leading by example, inspiring team collaboration, and fostering open communication between staff members.
- Performed opening and closing procedures and side work duties according to station rotation assignment.
- Monitored customer feedback and complaints and delivered prompt and satisfactory resolutions.
- Educated new hires on vast menu options and ways to increase sales.
- Ensured all safety and sanitation regulations were followed in accordance with state and local health regulations.
- Conducted regular quality assurance audits to ensure high standards of customer service.
- Promoted positive work environment by encouraging collaboration among team members.
- Counted money and made bank deposits.
- Scheduled and received deliveries and verified goods received against paperwork.
- Performed some food preparation and service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary.
- Scheduled staff hours and allocated resources to maximize team member performance.
- Investigated and resolved complaints regarding food quality and service.
- Monitored food preparation and presentation to enforce adherence to portion sizes and quality standards.
- Kept accurate records in compliance with sanitation and food service requirements.
- Maintained food and equipment inventories to support business demand.
Guest Service Representative
Mariott Marquis
Atlanta
01.2016 - 08.2017
- Coordinated kitchen workflow to optimize supply usage and preparation time.
- Estimated food and beverage consumption to determine purchasing requirements.
- Monitored compliance with health and fire regulations to reduce risk.
- Analyzed sales reports and customer feedback to inform menu revisions and seasonal promotions.
- Greeted guests, escort them to seats and present them with menus and wine lists.
- Reviewed menus and analyzed recipes to assess labor and overhead costs.
- Reviewed procedures and operational challenges to uncover service and safety improvements.
- Scheduled use of facilities and catering services for events such as banquets and receptions and negotiated details of arrangements with clients.
- Monitored employee and patron activities to enforce liquor regulations.
- Cooked food by tasting and smelling it to ensure palatability and flavor conformity.
- Coordinated with service providers to address equipment maintenance and waste removal.
- Assessed staffing needs and recruited staff, using methods such as newspaper advertisements and attendance at job fairs.
- Created specialty dishes and developed recipes to be used in dining facilities.
- Established and enforced nutritional standards for dining establishments, based on accepted industry standards.
- Provided exceptional customer service by greeting guests, responding to inquiries, and resolving complaints.
- Adhered to company standards for guest satisfaction ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
- Answered incoming calls promptly and courteously, providing accurate information about the hotel services.
- Addressed customer complaints and provided timely solutions.
- Performed daily cash-outs and reconciliations of all transactions.
- Developed a strong understanding of company policies and procedures.
- Served as a primary contact for guest needs or complaints.
- Greeted and welcomed guests in a warm and friendly manner.
- Managed the front desk area including reception duties such as welcoming guests, assigning rooms, registering arrivals and departures, and verifying identification and credit cards.
- Developed a thorough understanding of hotel products, services, pricing plans, discounts.
- Used hotel communication log and verbal or electronic means to notify fellow associates and supervisors of pertinent information.
- Assisted guests with making or canceling reservations through hotel's reservation system.
- Promoted hotel brand loyalty programs to encourage guest participation.
- Welcomed arriving guests to hotel to complete arrival and check-in procedures.
- Performed data entry and guest transactions utilizing property management system.
- Verified correct posted charges and credits to customer name or room number.
- Assisted guests with luggage or any other special requests that arose during their stay.
- Coordinated with housekeeping to handle special requests for customers.
- Maintained knowledge of current promotions and hotel policies regarding payment and exchanges.
- Upsold additional amenities whenever possible to enhance overall guest experience.
- Ensured proper documentation was completed for each transaction.
- Solicited guest feedback and acted on guests concerns.
- Answered multi-line switchboard phone to respond to customer inquiries.
- Replenished retail merchandise and display cases to foster strong visual presentation.
- Verified accuracy of room rate in relation to room type requested by guest at time of reservation.
- Delivered messages, mail, and packages left for guests and hotel facilities.
- Printed contingency lists to have record of guests in case of emergency.
- Complied with safety regulations set by the hotel management team.
- Utilized problem solving skills when dealing with difficult situations or dissatisfied customers.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues.
- Greeted and welcomed guests upon their arrival at the hotel and answered any questions they had regarding amenities.
- Made reservations for patrons, such as for dinner, spa treatments, and golf tee times and obtained tickets to special events.
- Performed office duties on temporary basis when needed.
- Collaborated with the front desk staff to ensure that all guest requests were handled in a timely manner.
- Provided directions to guests.
- Gained extensive knowledge of area attractions such hotels, restaurants, and theaters to share with guests.
- Provided business services for guests, such as sending, and receiving faxes and shipping packages.
- Offered assistance with luggage storage, car rental arrangements, and other special requests from customers.
- Made travel arrangements for sightseeing and other tours.
- Provided food and beverage services to guests.
- Cleaned and tidied hotel lounge.
- Received, store, and delivered luggage and mail.
- Arranged for interpreters and translators when patrons required such services.
- Ordered flowers for guests.
- Arranged for replacement of items lost by travelers.
- Carried out unusual requests, such as searching for hard-to-find items and arranging for exotic services, such as hot-air balloon rides.
Concierge
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Chiang Mai
01.2011 - 12.2016
- Assisted guests with check-in and check-out processes efficiently.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for guests to local attractions.
- Managed special requests and personalized services for VIP guests.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Literature
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai, ThailandSkills
- Allergen awareness
- Menu development
- Sustainability practices
- Tableside Etiquette
- Pricing strategy
- Multilingual Communication
- Wine Knowledge
- Nutrition expertise
- Food Pairings
- Hygiene standards
- Sanitation Standards
- Food presentation
- Food Safety Compliance
- Staff Leadership
- Quality Assurance
- Inventory Management
- Nutrition knowledge
- Records Maintenance
- Portion Control
- Waste Reduction
- Cost Reduction
- Leadership abilities
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Reliable and Responsible
- Multitasking
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Organizational Skills
- Excellent Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Reliability
- Effective Communication
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Self Motivation
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism
- Active Listening
- Decision-Making
- Adaptability
- Safe Food Handling
- Calm and Pleasant Demeanor
- Task Prioritization
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Relationship Building
- Delegating Assignments and Tasks
- Catering Services
- Operations Management
- Training and Onboarding
- Analytical Thinking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Customer Retention
- Quality Control
- Cost controls
- Food plating and presentation
- Conflict Resolution
- Continuous Improvement
- Infection Control
- Inventory Control
- Anticipating Problems
- Managing Deliveries
- Goal Setting
- Written Communication
- Investigating Complaints
- Analytical Skills
- Sales and Marketing
- Interpersonal Communications
Certification
- ServSafe
- Bartender in Georgia
- Hospitality 360
Timeline
Fine Dining Server
Abel Brown Southern cuisine and oysters bar
04.2025 - Current
Food and Beverage Ambassador
Snap Thai Fish House
02.2023 - 02.2025
Restaurant Front of House Manager
Nan Thai Fine Dining
08.2017 - 01.2023
Guest Service Representative
Mariott Marquis
01.2016 - 08.2017
Concierge
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
01.2011 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Literature
Chiang Mai University