NIKAYLA SWENSON
Saint George,UT
Summary
I have worked in customer service throughout my entire career path and consider myself as being a professional in this aspect. I have experience in successfully serving customers in busy, fast-paced restaurants, as well as fine dining and banquet events. I also have experience as a barista and in bartending. On multiple accounts I have been recognized for significantly increasing guest check averages by promoting appetizers, specialty items and unique beverage selections. I rank in the top 5 for highest check average at my current job. It is very easy for me to engage socially with customers, creating not only a positive dining experience but a unique bond that keeps them coming back. I perform exceptionally well in seemingly stressful environments with a cool, calm, and collected attitude that I notably have been recognized for. I go above and beyond for guests and am highly acknowledged for my excellent service. I love being a team-player and helping my coworkers perform as their best selves so that we can all succeed as a whole. I've considered myself to be a very straight-forward, self-driven, and responsible individual all my life. I'd like to think I can thrive in any atmosphere as long as I stay true to myself and be mindful in all aspects.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Key Server/Barista
Xetava Gardens Cafe
09.2020 - Current
- Consistently exhibited calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep store operating smoothly and set positive example for shift team
- Served customers quickly and efficiently and created strategies to prevent delays
- Handled and resolved customer issues and complaints with professionalism and tact to drive customer satisfaction and repeat business
- Consistently received frequent customer compliments for going above and beyond normal duties
- Established loyal clientele through top-notch customer service efforts
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products and appropriate food and drink pairings to customers
- Maintained banquet event cleanliness and flow during service by promptly clearing dishes after each course
- Assisted coworkers with delivering food, filling beverages and retrieving items for guests
- Worked multiple positions in one shift to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals
- Backed up dishwashing staff by cleaning dishes, glasses and cutlery during busy periods
- Enhanced dining room operations by pre-bussing for quick turnovers
- Took guests' orders and payments quickly and efficiently by using Toast POS System handhelds
- Prepared alcoholic beverages such as craft cocktails, beer, and wine for guests
- Maintained espresso equipment
- Made and served brand-specific café beverages per day with speed, quality and consistency
- Contributed to menu by creating new beverage recipes
- Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance
- Performed manager closing procedures: counting the cash drawer, pulling deposits, locking the restaurant
- Promoted to Key position, acquiring a manager number to perform comps, discounts, and voids
Server/Hostess
George's Corner Restaurant
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Assisted managers with quickly resolving service- and food-related issues
- Prepared dining room for special upcoming functions by placing special group menus and organizing tables
- Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, preparation methods and performance strategies
- Managed in-person and telephone guest inquiries, customer service requests, reservation bookings, and recorded available tables after seating using Resy Software
- Prepared artistic menu boards highlighting current specials and promotions using eye-catching decorative techniques and fonts.
Server
Dambar & Steakhouse
07.2018 - 01.2019
- Consistently received frequent customer compliments for going above and beyond normal duties
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships with others to reach business goals
- Up-sold additional food and drinks to increase restaurant profits
- Strategically managed service requirements for 6+ tables throughout shift
- Arranged tables, tabletops, and buffet stations for events ranging from 15 to 100 attendees based on banquet event orders
- Performed cashiering and Point of Sale (POS) system procedures during busy hours.
Greeter/Expo
Buffalo Wild Wings
06.2017 - 04.2018
- Communicated with kitchen team members to ensure food was prepared on time and correctly
- Maintained kitchen productivity, guaranteeing timely preparation and serving of dishes in alignment with customer specifications
- Supervised the flow of restaurant, providing fast and courteous service to customers
- Demonstrated genuine hospitality while greeting and establishing rapport with guests
Sales Associate
Pacific Sunwear
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Regularly exceeded daily sales goals with cross-selling and upselling techniques (achieved average of 10% of sales quota each week)
- Increased add-on sales by becoming a master of the store's inventory, suggesting different items that fit customer needs quickly and efficiently
- Ensured superior customer experience by addressing customer concerns, demonstrating empathy, and resolving problems on the spot
Sales Associate
Rue21
04.2015 - 07.2016
- Regularly exceeded daily sales goals with cross-selling and upselling techniques (achieved average of 10-15% of sales quota each week)
- Balanced the needs of multiple customers simultaneously in a fast-paced retail environment
- Trained new sales employees on effective techniques
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ05.2018
High School Diploma -
Mohave High School
Bullhead City, AZ05.2016
Skills
- Calm and Professional Under Pressure
- Courteous with Strong Service Mindset
- Radiant and Positive Personality
- Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
- Sales and Upselling
- Menu Memorization and Presentation
- Reliable and Responsible
- Proactive Self-Starter
- Time Management
- Excellent Attention to Detail
- Strong Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
- Team-Oriented and Cooperative
- Establishing and Maintaining Customer Relationships
- Organizing, Cleaning, and Sanitizing
- Table Monitoring and Turnover
- Wine and Liquor Service
Small Business Owner
Crystal Wrapping self-started business called The Awakened Aquarius.
I handcraft crystal creations, from jewelry to decor. I specially select crystals from local and small businesses. I sell locally and through Etsy as a certified seller. I have my own social media account and business cards for advertising and selling.
Additional Information
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Certificates/Licenses: , Food Handler's Card, Alcohol Serving License
Timeline
Key Server/Barista
Xetava Gardens Cafe
09.2020 - Current
Server/Hostess
George's Corner Restaurant
07.2019 - 06.2020
Server
Dambar & Steakhouse
07.2018 - 01.2019
Greeter/Expo
Buffalo Wild Wings
06.2017 - 04.2018
Sales Associate
Pacific Sunwear
11.2016 - 04.2017
Sales Associate
Rue21
04.2015 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
Northern Arizona University
High School Diploma -
Mohave High School
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