Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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ROBERT FOSTER

Martinsville,VA

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in restaurant operations management at Spirit of Norfolk. Proven track record in enhancing customer satisfaction through effective team management and conflict resolution. Skilled in inventory control and employee recruitment, consistently improving service quality and operational efficiency. Committed to maintaining high standards of safety and sanitation.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Stocking/Bakery Associate

Walmart
09.2022 - 10.2023
  • Provided excellent customer service by greeting shoppers, answering product questions knowledgeably, suggesting items, upselling, and processing orders
  • Kept bakery displays, shelves, cases fully stocked and items well-merchandised
  • Ensured proper inventory controls and rotation of products
  • Maintained organization and cleanliness standards for food prep surfaces, storage areas, equipment, and the overall bakery department
  • Offered immediate assistance and menu advice to guests, documented orders, and conveyed special requests to baker and assistants.
  • Arranged bakery displays to showcase baked goods, cakes, and pies to drive product sales.
  • Helped customers locate ideal menu items by listening to needs and recommending specific products or services.
  • Checked expiration dates and rotated products to verify freshness and avoid spoilage.
  • Maintained tidy and organized work area to comply with cleanliness standards.
  • Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.

Restaurant Manager (FOH)

Spirit of Norfolk (City Cruises - Hornblower)
09.2015 - 06.2022
  • Gathered necessary information from other departments to ensure guest satisfaction (special requests, additional services, special timing, etc.)
  • Conducted pre-cruise meetings and communicate to employees all necessary information regarding the cruise (seating charts, special bar packages, boarding procedures)
  • Maintained highest standards of safety for customers and staff
  • Maintained standards of sanitation in accordance with local regulation and corporate guidelines
  • Developed and executed programs that improve the level of service and product quality
  • Developed strong teamwork within the crew
  • Performed all FOH hiring, training, and development of all (FOH, BOH, Marine, Ticket Booth) shipmates
  • Developed and executed shipmate incentive programs
  • Maintained great working relationships with other departments (marine, sales, and administration)
  • Operated all restaurant systems (point of sale, inventory/purchasing system, reservations system)
  • Reconciled onboard cash and credit sales with the point of sale (POS) system
  • Reviewed timekeeping records for each shift to ensure accuracy
  • Created schedule(s) for assigned department ensuring proper staffing within budgeted guidelines

Restaurant Supervisor (FOH)

Spirit of Norfolk (Entertainment Cruises)
02.2013 - 09.2015
  • Supervised & coordinated the activities of restaurant front of house staff to ensure efficient and effective operations.
  • Ensured that all food and beverages are prepared and served in accordance with quality standards and customer preferences.
  • Trained & developed restaurant staff to provide excellent customer service and maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene.
  • Maintained accurate records of restaurant transactions, including sales, inventory, and customer feedback.
  • Resolved guest complaints and ensure that all guest issues are handled in a timely and professional manner.
  • Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations, as well as restaurant policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with management to develop and implement strategies to improve restaurant performance and profitability.
  • Assisted with the recruitment and hiring of new restaurant staff as needed.

Food Service Worker

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
06.2012 - 02.2013
  • Took & approved orders from hospital patients according to their medical files. (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
  • Prepared meals according to food handling regulations
  • Delivered meals to patients
  • Logged all meal items delivered to each patient into Sentara records

Host/Bartender

Spirit of Norfolk (Entertainment Cruises)
10.2010 - 02.2013
  • Was responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment aboard the vessel, focusing constantly on the safety of all guests and shipmates
  • Participated in meetings including the Manager pre-cruise briefing
  • Oversaw the setting of assigned deck(s), including package assembly & placement, and sidework & section assignments
  • Accurately followed recipes for all beverages; must have thorough knowledge of all beverage offerings and prices.
  • Provided prompt and consistent bar service to guests and servers throughout the cruise.
  • Set up and broke down bar - stocked and restocked bar according to prescribed par specifications, cleaned bar thoroughly in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Maintained the cleanliness and safety of the bar and all common areas and service stations, clean glasses, utensils, bar equipment, bar tops, refrigerators, and all other equipment and work areas.
  • Accurately charged guests for onboard purchases; enter order into the point-of-sale system, collect payment and return all change.
  • Provided information to guests including beverage and food menu descriptions, entertainment options, cruise route and points of interest.

Education

History

Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA

Skills

  • Restaurant operations management
  • Labor and food cost control
  • Supervisory skills
  • Pre-shift walk-through
  • Point of sale (POS) system operation
  • Inventory control and record keeping
  • Schedule coordination
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Team management
  • Organization and prioritization

Timeline

Stocking/Bakery Associate

Walmart
09.2022 - 10.2023

Restaurant Manager (FOH)

Spirit of Norfolk (City Cruises - Hornblower)
09.2015 - 06.2022

Restaurant Supervisor (FOH)

Spirit of Norfolk (Entertainment Cruises)
02.2013 - 09.2015

Food Service Worker

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
06.2012 - 02.2013

Host/Bartender

Spirit of Norfolk (Entertainment Cruises)
10.2010 - 02.2013

History

Norfolk State University
ROBERT FOSTER