POOJA PATEL
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Customer-focused professional with experience in fast-paced food service and event environments. Delivers attentive service and fosters effective communication with customers and coworkers. Thrives in busy settings, quickly adapting to new skills while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Committed to creating exceptional customer experiences in a Barista position.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Server/Catering Server
Tangerine
Des Moines, Iowa
06.2026 - 09.2026
- Served food and beverages at events, ensuring guest satisfaction and service quality.
- Provided excellent customer service throughout the duration of an event.
- Engaged with guests, providing menu information and addressing any inquiries or concerns.
- Set up and arranged dining areas according to event specifications and client preferences.
Server
Lucky Horse
Des Moines, Iowa
03.2026 - 09.2026
- Provided excellent customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to meet health standards.
- Assisted in training new servers on menu items and service protocols.
Hostess
Primal Cut Steakhouse
Tinley Park, IL
06.2020 - 01.2024
- Managed 300+ daily reservations to optimize guest flow and seating efficiency.
- Accommodated guests with children and special needs to enhance overall dining comfort and satisfaction.
- Supported serving staff, food runners, and bussers to ensure a clean and welcoming dining environment.
- Answered phone inquiries to schedule and confirm reservations, record takeout orders, and respond to service questions.
Lifeguard
Centennial Park Aquatic Center
Tinley Park, IL
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Delivered basic life support in emergencies, administering CPR to stabilize individuals prior to ambulance arrival.
- Monitored swimmers for safety and provided assistance to respond quickly to distress situations.
- Monitored behaviors for safety violations, implementing preventative measures to enhance pool safety.
- Maintained neat and clean pool area and clean water.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Drake University
Des Moines, IA08-2025
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences clinical and applied, Minor in Business Studies
Drake University
Des Moines, IA05-2025
High School Diploma -
Tinley Park High School
Tinley Park, IL06-2020
Skills
- Customer Service
- POS operation
- Menu knowledge
- Event Safety Awareness
- Time management
- Team Management
- Critical Thinking
- Active listening techniques
- Bilingual Communication
- People Skills
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- High Honors (High School - All Years)
- Dean's list (2021-2022)
- Native in Hindi, Gujarati, and English
Timeline
Server/Catering Server
Tangerine
06.2026 - 09.2026
Server
Lucky Horse
03.2026 - 09.2026
Lifeguard
Centennial Park Aquatic Center
07.2020 - 08.2021
Hostess
Primal Cut Steakhouse
06.2020 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Drake University
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences clinical and applied, Minor in Business Studies
Drake University
High School Diploma -
Tinley Park High School