Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Bartender
Nicola Sambazis

Nicola Sambazis

New York,NY

Summary

Organized Restaurant Captain adept at building and managing teams of service-oriented individuals. Skilled at driving sales by recommending beverage pairings and upselling appetizers and desserts. Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Restaurant Captain

Loi Estiatorio
New York, NY
05.2020 - Current
  • Ensured all health and safety regulations were adhered to at all times.
  • Performed daily opening, closing duties such as setting up the dining room, bar area prior to opening time.
  • Provided support and guidance to team members, ensuring that quality standards were met.
  • Handled reservations requests from customers via phone or online booking services.
  • Managed inventory levels by accurately tracking stock levels and ordering supplies as needed.
  • Trained new hires on restaurant operations such as order-taking processes, POS systems usage.
  • Assigned duties to wait staff and ensured they were completed in a timely manner.
  • Monitored customer service standards and provided feedback to staff when necessary.
  • Interacted with customers in a friendly, professional manner while resolving any complaints or issues quickly.
  • Greeted and welcomed guests to the restaurant.
  • Communicated daily with management about staffing needs, customer feedback.
  • Monitored dining room cleanliness during shifts by checking tables for messes or spills..
  • Established and managed schedule to keep shifts properly staffed.
  • Monitored servers and bussers for adherence to service standards.
  • Resolved guest complaints quickly to deliver courteous service and promote repeat business.
  • Provided guests with excellent dining experiences.
  • Utilized point of sale system to submit orders, separate checks and process payments.
  • Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.

Server

Porter House Bar and Grill
New York, United States
08.2012 - 03.2020
  • ~Training server in a high volume, high profile steakhouse
  • ~Extensive menu and wine list knowledge
  • Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
  • Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
  • Checked food before serving it to customers.
  • Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
  • Greeted guests and provided menus.
  • Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
  • Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
  • Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
  • Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
  • Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
  • Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
  • Assisted in training new servers.
  • Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
  • Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
  • Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
  • Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
  • Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
  • Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
  • Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers..
  • Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
  • Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
  • Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
  • Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
  • Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
  • Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
  • Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
  • Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
  • Communicated with hosts, bussers, and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
  • Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
  • Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
  • Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
  • Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
  • Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
  • Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
  • Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
  • Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
  • Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
  • Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
  • Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
  • Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
  • Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
  • Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
  • Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
  • Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
  • Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
  • Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
  • Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.

Bar Server

New York Athletic Club
New York, NY
11.2015 - 11.2019
  • Assisted with setting up bar area prior to opening shift.
  • Participated in weekly inventory counts to ensure adequate levels of stock are maintained at all times.
  • Organized wine bottles on shelves for easy access during shifts.
  • Handled inventory of beverage supplies, rotating products based on shipments, ordering more supplies and keeping detailed records.
  • Prepared and served hot and alcoholic beverages and soft drinks to guests.
  • Served drinks and prepared specialty beverages.
  • Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
  • Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
  • Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
  • Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
  • Recorded sales transactions promptly into point of sale system.
  • Greeted customers in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Ensured all guest checks were accurate before finalizing payment process.

Bartender/Food Server

AJ Maxwells Steakhouse
New York, NY
12.2006 - 08.2012
  • Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
  • Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
  • Cleansed glasses with sanitizing solution after each use.
  • Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
  • Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
  • Kept track of all orders made by customers and communicated them promptly to kitchen staff.
  • Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
  • Prepared alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipe standards.
  • Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
  • Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
  • Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
  • Adhered to state regulations regarding serving alcohol responsibly.
  • Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
  • Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
  • Maintained inventory of liquor, beer, wine, and other beverage items.
  • Mixed and served both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for patrons by following standard recipes and procedures.
  • Displayed and retained extensive knowledge of liquors, wines and entrees.
  • Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
  • Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands to help boost sales.
  • Collected and organized daily till totals and tips.
  • Completed regular bar inventories and daily requisition sheets.
  • Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
  • Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings, and special promotions.
  • Poured wine, beer, and cocktails for patrons.
  • Balanced daily registers and generated sales reports for management.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
  • Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
  • Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
  • Greeted guests with friendliness and professionalism.
  • Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
  • Managed accurate bar tabs and processed cash and credit card transactions.
  • Made friendly conversation with customers to provide enjoyable bar experience.
  • Monitored customer drink levels and suggested additional drink purchases at appropriate times to boost sales.
  • Cleaned up spills and broken glassware and safely disposed of sharp pieces.
  • Remained calm and poised during busy periods, promoting great customer service to guests.
  • Greeted frequent visitors by name and explained new promotions.
  • Arranged bottles and glasses behind bar to make attractive displays.
  • Maintained safety and sanitation standards with firm enforcement amongst bar staff.

Restaurant Server

Blair Perrone Steakhouse
New York, NY
05.2005 - 12.2006
  • Greeted and seated customers promptly, courteously, and professionally.
  • Welcomed guests with personable attitude and brought beverage orders while reviewing menu options.
  • Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
  • Responded to customer inquiries about menu items or services offered by the restaurant.
  • Delivered beverages, appetizers, entrees, and desserts to guests in an efficient manner.
  • Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding order status updates.
  • Attended to guests needs in a timely manner, ensuring satisfaction throughout their dining experience.
  • Assisted other servers as needed during peak hours or special events.
  • Adhered to established sanitation standards at all times while serving food or drinks.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while providing excellent customer service.
  • Conducted daily side work duties such as polishing glassware and restocking condiments.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of alcoholic beverage offerings when making drink suggestions to patrons.
  • Followed up on guest requests in a timely manner.
  • Checked back with guests periodically to ensure satisfaction with food and service.
  • Maintained positive relationships with co-workers and customers alike through friendly communication.
  • Provided menu recommendations and answered questions regarding food ingredients and preparation methods.
  • Assisted with stocking supplies such as napkins and silverware for dining areas.
  • Increased beverage sales with food and drink pairing suggestions to suit unique customer preferences.
  • Verified guest satisfaction with meals and suggested additional items to increase restaurant sales.
  • Completed opening and closing checklists to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
  • Addressed concerns quickly to improve customer experience and escalated issues to management for resolution when necessary.
  • Stocked server areas with supplies before, during and after shifts.
  • Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
  • Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
  • Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
  • Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
  • Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
  • Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
  • Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
  • Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA
08.1983 - 05.1987

Skills

  • Inventory management
  • Point of sale systems
  • Health regulations compliance
  • Staff training
  • Customer relationship management
  • Team leadership
  • Sales optimization
  • Time management
  • Effective communication
  • Problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking ability
  • Adaptability
  • Health department regulations
  • Beverage service
  • Order accuracy
  • Payment processing
  • Wine pairing
  • Cash handling expertise
  • Upselling strategies
  • POS systems master
  • Fine-dining expertise
  • Hygiene standards
  • Food safety compliance
  • Guest relations
  • Patron satisfaction
  • Drink preparation
  • Reservation management
  • Point-of-sale system
  • Complaint handling
  • Bus tables
  • Recommend menu items
  • Food and beverage service
  • Cool under pressure
  • Serving expertise
  • Decision-making
  • Food inspection
  • Beverage preparation
  • Beverage Serving
  • Upselling and cross selling
  • Fast paced environment adaptability
  • Warm and friendly
  • Point of sale (POS) system operations
  • Catering experience
  • Hospitality and accommodation
  • Table setting arrangements
  • High Volume Handling
  • Beverage pairing
  • Menu presentation
  • Wine pairings
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Food sales and promotion
  • Active listening

Timeline

Restaurant Captain

Loi Estiatorio
05.2020 - Current

Bar Server

New York Athletic Club
11.2015 - 11.2019

Server

Porter House Bar and Grill
08.2012 - 03.2020

Bartender/Food Server

AJ Maxwells Steakhouse
12.2006 - 08.2012

Restaurant Server

Blair Perrone Steakhouse
05.2005 - 12.2006

Bachelor of Science - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
08.1983 - 05.1987