Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
GeneralManager
Rachel Nordahl

Rachel Nordahl

Food and Beverage
Green Forest,AR

Summary

Ambitious Partner handles multiple cases and maintains compliance with regulatory bodies. Offers strengths in partnership development and mentoring staff. Astute Partner with strong skills in hiring and monitoring staff and building firm credibility. Mentors personnel and promptly resolves complaints. Liaises with stakeholders to prioritize projects and determine appropriate deadlines. Talented Partner with over a decade of industry experience. Highly skilled at handling all types of issues successfully. Known for effective problem-solving and goal-oriented planning.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Operating Partner

Seaward Sushi
Ventura, CA
12.2014 - 12.2020
  • Revitalized the community's oldest and most iconic restaurant, adeptly navigating the intricate permitting and regulatory landscape of California and Ventura County. My efforts not only brought the building up to code but also reinvented the dining experience by integrating the concept of Japanese art and storytelling, thus re-establishing the brand and winning the hearts of the community. This restoration became a model of success, enabling me to act as a key negotiator in resolving regulatory challenges for six other local establishments, effectively unlocking their potential and aiding in the rejuvenation of the area’s business landscape.
  • Re-launched from a dormant state to a thriving culinary destination, driving remarkable 5-10% surge in business. Building strong rapport with the property owner and effective rebranding efforts Leveraging media exposure, innovative social media strategies, and community engagement, significantly increased the restaurant's visibility, attracting patrons locally and from afar, including residents from the East Coast. Reopening the doors, marking a substantial 20-30% increase in sales.
  • Successfully spearheaded and negotiated the sale of the restaurant, adeptly balancing the interests of all stakeholders to maintain the original business vision and ensure long-term viability. This included strategic petitioning of the property owner, leading negotiations, and facilitating a unique co-ownership arrangement with the new owner, thereby positioning the property owner as the principal shareholder. This move was instrumental in fortifying the business against the cyclical challenges inherent in the restaurant industry.
  • Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill vacancies.
  • Determined appropriate financial goals and administered budgets to control expenses.
  • Managed effective customer service and quality assurance programs to protect business reputation.
  • Sourced vendors and negotiated fair contracts to keep costs low.
  • Oversaw firm's day-to-day administrative operations, provided guidance to support staff and enforced compliance with state, federal, and local regulations across organization.
  • Established firm's financial strategy by adequately distributing funds across company, monitoring monthly budget and evaluating results.
  • Liaised between partners and internal stakeholders to resolve conflicts.
  • Stayed informed on industry developments and market trends to gain competitive advantage.
  • Provided outstanding service to all individuals, promoting effective, and lasting business relationships.

Bar Manager

Aloft Hotel
Minneapolis, MN
01.2011 - 11.2014
  • Appointed by the Sales Department Manager to oversee the hotel bar's social media channels, leveraging my keen understanding and skill in content creation to significantly enhance customer engagement across the entire Food and Beverage department. Collaborated closely with the Kitchen Manager to gain a comprehensive understanding of the menu and other offerings, including services related to the banquet hall for special events and conferences, which enabled me to effectively promote and elevate the hotel's dining experience through innovative and targeted social media strategies.
  • Recognized for my extensive expertise in catering, I was actively recruited and awarded bonuses for my pivotal role in the setup and teardown of events in the banquet hall. My hands-on involvement and efficient management significantly contributed to the seamless execution of numerous high-profile events, consistently ensuring a superior guest experience and reinforcing the venue's reputation for excellence in event hosting.
  • As Bar Manager, partial role in driving remarkable 200% increase in overall sales for Aloft Hotel's Food and Beverage department. Collaborated closely with sales team and executive chef, implementing innovative strategies for bar and kitchen operations. Dynamic approach ensured Chicago Aloft food and beverage department effectively achieved their sales numbers.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
  • Designed special drink and cocktail offerings on monthly basis as part of seasonal offerings.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.

Lead Server and Key Holder

Port-a-pit Catering
Tucson, AZ
01.2005 - 01.2010
  • Expertly managed and traveled with mobile kitchens, delivering exceptional culinary services for a wide array of events ranging from intimate gatherings like Boundary RV's monthly client events to high-profile and high-security functions, including military contracts, special events at the Pima Air and Space Museum, and exclusive Raytheon gatherings. Demonstrated versatility and excellence in hospitality as the lead server for notable occasions such as the Chicago White Sox Major League Spring Training at their clubhouse, various sports press junkets, Super Bowl events, and the Aids Life Cycle, consistently ensuring top-tier service and guest satisfaction in dynamic environments.
  • Recognized for exceptional reliability and proficiency, quickly became trusted asset within catering company, leading to regular recommendations and loan-outs as W-9 employee to other firms for critical roles in bartending, cocktail waitressing, and serving. Adaptability and skill set successfully managing a diverse array of events, ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions, including prestigious weddings and high-profile conferences. Not only underscored versatility and dependability in industry but also significantly contributed to enhancing service quality and reputation of both primary employer and other companies within industry.
  • Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
  • Performed opening and closing duties for banquet hall, following checklist to restock supplies and clean up all service areas.
  • Adhered to all health and safety regulations while serving food and beverages.
  • Worked with banquet manager to coordinate event set up and schedule.
  • Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.
  • Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
  • Maintained flexible work schedule to meet event needs.
  • Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
  • Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
  • Maintained event cleanliness during service by promptly clearing dishes after each course.
  • Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
  • Responded to guest inquiries and requests promptly and courteously.
  • Adjusted service based on customer requests and kitchen readiness.

Education

No Degree - Bartending And Mixology

Bartending Academy
Tucson, AZ
05.2001 -

ServSafe, And TIPS

Skills

    Promotional Planning

undefined

Timeline

Operating Partner

Seaward Sushi
12.2014 - 12.2020

Bar Manager

Aloft Hotel
01.2011 - 11.2014

Lead Server and Key Holder

Port-a-pit Catering
01.2005 - 01.2010

No Degree - Bartending And Mixology

Bartending Academy
05.2001 -

ServSafe, And TIPS
Rachel NordahlFood and Beverage