Ralph Lantigua
New York,NY
Summary
Professional server with experience in high volume dining environments, delivering exceptional service and fostering inclusive team atmosphere. Skilled in multitasking, customer relations, and conflict resolution, consistently ensuring outstanding guest experience. Known for adaptability and unwavering reliability in fast-paced settings, with strong leadership and communication skills. Passionate about driving team success and achieving high operational standards.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Server
Vida Verde
03.2018 - Current
- Supervised dining room operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences and efficient service flow.
- Trained and mentored new servers on menu knowledge, customer service standards, and operational procedures.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to maintain timely food delivery and uphold quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced table turnover rates and minimized wait times for guests.
Waiter/ Certified Trainer/ Bartender
Olive Garden
12.2018 - 03.2020
- Delivered exceptional customer service in high-volume dining environment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery.
- Managed table settings and maintained cleanliness throughout dining area.
- Upsold menu items, increasing overall customer satisfaction and sales revenue.
- Trained new staff on restaurant protocols and service standards, enhancing team efficiency.
- Expo
Waiter /Shift Leader
CMX Cinemas
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Presented menu and informed guests of daily specials.
- Special Events Assistant
- Shift Lead
- Quality Checker - Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
- Expo
Waiter
Olive Garden
06.2017 - 12.2017
- Shared knowledge of menu items enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Took food/drink orders and conveyed them to kitchen staff.
- Recommended wines to guest according to their menu selection.
- Worked closely with restaurant staff to ensure that orders were served in an efficient manner.
- Presented desserts menu upon completion of main meal.
- Collected payment and thanked customers prior to their exit.
Waiter
Applebees Bar & Grill
03.2014 - 05.2017
- Demonstrated genuine hospitality while greeting and establishing rapport with guests.
- Built loyal clientele through friendly interactions and consistent appreciation.
- Provided excellent customer service.
- Delegated closing side work duties.
- Learned to take initiative and support co-workers when needed while continuing to perform duties effectively.
Busser/Food Runner/Waiter
WildWood Barbeque
12.2010 - 02.2014
- Consistently provided friendly guest service and heartfelt hospitality.
- Performed all positions responsibly and in a timely matter.
- Performed all dining room preparatory work and break down at the beginning and end of every shift.
- Inspected and maintained dining room serving stations for neatness and cleanliness.
- Communicated openly and honestly with the management team to ensure the shift ran smoothly.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bayard Rustin Educational Complex
351 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011Skills
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Experienced with POS, Toast, Micros, Aloha
- Banquet coordination
- Safe food handling
- Multitasking skills
- Exceptional communication
- Training employees
- Increasing sales
- Team management
- Guest relations
Certification
TIPS certified
Timeline
Waiter/ Certified Trainer/ Bartender
Olive Garden
12.2018 - 03.2020
Waiter /Shift Leader
CMX Cinemas
09.2018 - 03.2020
Head Server
Vida Verde
03.2018 - Current
Waiter
Olive Garden
06.2017 - 12.2017
Waiter
Applebees Bar & Grill
03.2014 - 05.2017
Busser/Food Runner/Waiter
WildWood Barbeque
12.2010 - 02.2014
High School Diploma -
Bayard Rustin Educational Complex