Open To Work
Rebecca Austensen
Service Professional
Crown Point,IN
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic service professional with over 8 years at Capital Grille, excelling in guest satisfaction and team leadership. Proven expertise in upselling strategies and complaint resolution, fostering a positive work environment. Committed to enhancing dining experiences and developing staff, ensuring operational excellence and loyalty among guests and fellow employees.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Service Professional
Capital Grille
Chicago, IL
05.2018 - Current
- I've been with the capital grille over 8 years now, I am a certified trainer for service and bar I take pride in my leadership role and strive to learn something new everyday that I am there. One day I look forward to moving up in my role and helping to build up the brand and keep guests coming back and employee moral up.
- Delivered exceptional guest service, enhancing overall dining experience and customer satisfaction.
- Trained new staff on service standards, promoting consistency and adherence to company policies.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of food orders and quality presentation.
- Handled guest inquiries and concerns promptly, fostering positive relationships and repeat visits.
Service Professional/Certified Culinary Professional
Longhorn Steakhouse
Merrillville, IN
06.2015 - 05.2018
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed dining area operations, ensuring cleanliness and efficiency during peak hours.
- Trained new staff on menu knowledge and service standards to maintain quality.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline order processing and food delivery.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, improving overall dining experience and retention.
- Oversaw inventory management, reducing waste through effective stock control practices.
- Conducted regular team meetings to enhance communication and foster a positive work environment.
Manager/Operations Supervisor
Steak N Shake Restaurant
Valparaiso, IN
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and customer service.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability.
- Implemented inventory management strategies to reduce waste and optimize supply costs.
- Developed and enforced safety protocols, maintaining compliance with health regulations.
- I also held a corporate position traveling to all of the regional steak n shakes doing assurance audits to make sure proper training and paperwork is being done for all employees and that their job codes match their testing and that managers are doing their daily paperwork banking and inventories are being done correctly.
General Manager/Chef Manager
Parkside Urban Bistro
Valparaiso, IN
04.2014 - 04.2015
- Directed daily operations to ensure high-quality service and guest satisfaction.
- Implemented cost control measures, optimizing menu pricing and ingredient sourcing.
- Developed staff training programs, enhancing team performance and service efficiency.
- Analyzed customer feedback to refine menu offerings and improve dining experience.
- Was responsible for all banking ordering inventories making weekly menu features with my chef hiring and firing schedules and also meeting with all the beer wine venders to discuss old and new products
Hostess Trainer/Server Trainer
Red Lobster Restaurant
Merrillville, IN
06.2001 - 06.2004
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Managed high-pressure situations during peak hours, maintaining excellent customer service and smooth operations.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork among all front-of-house staff which resulted in better collaboration and higher efficiency levels.
- Maintained clean and organized front-of-house areas, contributing to an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Food Service Worker/ Customer service/ Trainer
White Hen Pantry
Crown Point, IN
08.1996 - 08.2001
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or accuracy.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Supported team members during peak hours, ensuring smooth operations and minimal wait times for customers.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Management And Marketing
Ivy Tech Community College
Valparaiso, IN01-2007
Associate of Applied Science - Management And Marketing
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI06-2003
Skills
- Upselling strategies
- Industry expertise
- Complaint resolution
- Expense monitoring
- Food cost control
- Money and Banking skills
- Promoting from within
- Excellent customer service skills
- Creating a positive upbeat work environment
- Service, bar, and cooking skills I can also catch on quickly to any new skill presented once trained and am willing to help in any area
- Creating loyal guests
Certification
- Current Basset illinios certification to serve alcohol
- Current illinios food handler certification
Timeline
Service Professional
Capital Grille
05.2018 - Current
Service Professional/Certified Culinary Professional
Longhorn Steakhouse
06.2015 - 05.2018
General Manager/Chef Manager
Parkside Urban Bistro
04.2014 - 04.2015
Manager/Operations Supervisor
Steak N Shake Restaurant
01.2005 - 01.2017
Hostess Trainer/Server Trainer
Red Lobster Restaurant
06.2001 - 06.2004
Food Service Worker/ Customer service/ Trainer
White Hen Pantry
08.1996 - 08.2001
Associate of Applied Science - Management And Marketing
Ivy Tech Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Management And Marketing
Davenport University