Kailynn Knappenberger
Carteret,NJ
Summary
Dynamic catering professional with extensive experience at Avenel Performing Arts Center, excelling in event coordination and customer service. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through effective communication and meticulous attention to detail. Skilled in food safety and sanitation practices, ensuring compliance while delivering exceptional dining experiences. Committed to achieving high standards in fast-paced environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Caterer
Avenel Performing Arts Center
Avenel, NJ
01.2022 - Current
- Transported prepared foods from kitchen to serving areas using carts or dollies.
- Operated cash registers accurately and efficiently when needed.
- Provided excellent customer service throughout the duration of an event.
- Performed pre-event setup activities such as arranging chairs or tables in designated areas.
- Set up tables with appropriate linens and silverware prior to each event.
- Followed proper sanitation procedures when handling food items.
- Stored unused equipment properly between events.
- Restocked supplies such as beverages, condiments, plates or glasses when necessary.
- Informed guests of daily specials and new menu items available for catering services.
- Prepared and served food items to guests in a timely manner.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
- Adhered to company policies concerning guest satisfaction ratings.
- Greeted guests as they arrived for events, provided them with information about menu items, and answered any questions they had.
- Communicated effectively with co-workers to ensure smooth operation during events.
- Collaborated with other staff members on duties assigned for each catered event.
- Assisted other servers in carrying trays of food from kitchen to dining area.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while ensuring accuracy and quality of work.
- Ensured that all dietary restrictions were met by providing vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free options at each event.
- Cleaned up after events, including washing dishes and utensils used during meal service.
- Maintained cleanliness of the buffet area, including setting up and breaking down the buffet table.
- Managed and restocked drink stations.
- Worked multi-course dinners with pre-plated foods.
- Wrapped silverware efficiently and organized napkins for event guests.
- Set up and tore down all catering services in banquet halls and at customer locations.
- Implemented strategies to minimize waste and ensure sustainable catering practices.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of event spaces before, during, and after events.
- Managed the distribution of meals and utensils, ensuring efficient service to guests.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate timely food preparation and delivery.
- Served food and beverages to guests at various events, maintaining high standards of professionalism.
- Assisted guests with special dietary needs, ensuring their requirements were met with care.
Server
Curtains Bar and Restaurant
Avenel , NJ
11.2021 - 08.2024
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers, and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service quality and menu offerings.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Assisted in preparing salads, appetizers and desserts to speed up food service.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance
SUNY, Purchase
Purchase, NY05-2028
High School Diploma -
Middlesex Magnet School
East Brunswick, NJ06-2023
Skills
- Choreography creation
- Performance analysis
- Dance instruction
- Customer service
- Event coordination
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Guest and client satisfaction
- Equipment operation and maintenance
- Ordering and invoicing
- Kitchen staff coordination
- Large scale events
- Menu planning
- Sanitation practices
- Revenue generation
- Banquet coordination
- Quality control
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Presentation skills
- Staff development
- Table setting
- Wine, liquor, and food service
- Event management
- Valid NJ driver's license
- Organizing and prioritizing
- Safe food handling
- Team contribution
- Food presentation
- Vendor management
- Inventory monitoring
- Sanitation standards
- Supply ordering
- Goal setting
- Performance improvement
- Self motivation
- High-volume production
- Analytical thinking
- Problem and complaint resolution
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Meal preparation
- Sanitation guidelines
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
- Decision-making
Accomplishments
- Honor Society
Affiliations
Photography Club, Cheerleader Captain, Student Council, Newspaper Club, Intervarsity Member
Timeline
Caterer
Avenel Performing Arts Center
01.2022 - Current
Server
Curtains Bar and Restaurant
11.2021 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance
SUNY, Purchase
High School Diploma -
Middlesex Magnet School
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