Petula Cuffaro
West Palm Beach
Summary
Versatile hospitality professional with extensive experience in both fine dining and culinary roles. Demonstrated ability to excel in high-volume, upscale dining environments while maintaining exceptional service standards, managing high-pressure situations, and building strong relationships with guests. Recognized for professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to creating outstanding dining experiences.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Hostess
Cove Club
West Palm Beach
07.2025 - 10.2025
- Coordinated with servers to streamline service during peak hours.
- Managed reservation system to ensure efficient seating arrangements.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the host stand area.
- Accurately recorded customer information into reservation system.
- Tracked seated guests and available seating using computer-based and mobile reservation software.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills when interacting with customers.
- Answered phone inquiries to schedule and confirm reservations, record takeout orders and respond to service questions.
- Assisted servers in bussing tables when needed during busy periods.
Private Chef & Caterer
Self Employed
New York
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Designed menus that showcased seasonal ingredients and culinary trends.
- Organized special events and dinner parties for clients.
- Conducted research on new cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and recipes.
- Created high-quality recipes, incorporating various techniques, to build flavor, and unique visual appeal.
- Communicated effectively with clients to understand their catering needs.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and food safety standards.
- Developed and executed multi-course menus from appetizer through dessert.
Server
Moxie's - Hunt Club
Ottawa
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Delivered refined table service in a high-volume, upscale restaurant setting.
- Provided tailored wine and menu recommendations, enhancing guest experience.
- Assisted other servers when needed during peak periods.
- Promoted additional menu items or special offers as appropriate.
- Addressed and resolved customer complaints with professionalism and patience.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of seasonal dishes, wine pairings, and dietary accommodations.
Server
Cafe Aylmer
Aylmer
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Managed both dine-in and catered events for a breakfast and brunch diner.
- Supported large-scale catering operations, contributing to the successful execution of over 100 private and corporate events.
- Developed a loyal customer base through personable service and efficient order management.
- Trained new staff in service etiquette, POS systems, and customer engagement best practices.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area and tables.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
Education
Law Clerk -
Algonquin College
Ottawa, ON01-2015
Skills
- Menu memorization
- Hospitality and accommodation
- Guest relations
- Dining room oversight
- POS systems
- Upselling
- High volume dining
- Effective multitasking
- Customer service
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Native/ Bilingual
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Hostess
Cove Club
07.2025 - 10.2025
Private Chef & Caterer
Self Employed
01.2023 - 01.2024
Server
Moxie's - Hunt Club
01.2013 - 01.2016
Server
Cafe Aylmer
01.2010 - 01.2015
Law Clerk -
Algonquin College