Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

Rachael Velez

Austin,TX

Summary



Passionate, people oriented hospitality professional experienced in enhancing operational success in both upscale & high volume settings. Dedicated to continued learning in the art of providing a unique and exceptional guest experience, driven by an unending love for food and beverage.


Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Restaurant Manager

Uchibā
09.2023 - Current
  • Contributed to the operational success of a high-volume, fine-dining sushi & craft cocktail bar, averaging $25k in daily sales.
  • Correctly logged biweekly inventory of 500+ beverage items, maintaining appropriate supply.
  • Assisted in curating seasonal and brand pertinent beverage menus. Mentored and aided team in cocktail R&D.
  • Assisted in beverage inventory report analysis, coordinating recon report to increase profit and maintain accurate financials.
  • Held responsible for coordinating and handling onboarding & terminations processes for all employees.
  • Managed staff schedules of 35+ employees, ensuring adequate coverage of all shifts.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.

Server | Bartender | Food & Beverage Trainer

Uchi
02.2020 - 09.2023
  • Expert knowledge on expansive and changing menu, with ability to effectively communicate unique contextual information on Japanese cuisine at award winning restaurant, averaging 275 covers a night.
  • Provided guests with a welcoming atmosphere and understanding their desired experience. Including but not limited to: complex dietary accommodations, special occasions, & time constraints.
  • In depth knowledge with the ability to teach and mentor staff for 3 years over Sake, Beer, & Wine, as well as Japanese cuisine.
  • Ability to meet high volume & high standards for beverage output as bartender, while creating a hospitable and warm bar environment for guests.
  • Promoted to key-holding supervisor responsibilities after establishing respected leadership position among the team.

Lead Server

Thai Ocha
08.2018 - 01.2020
  • Managed high volume to-go service, expediting orders to kitchen staff while effectively handling phone reception.
  • Provided guests with warm hospitality, detailed overview of menu items, dietary restrictions, seasonal offerings, & in depth information on Thai fare.
  • Fostered close relationships between kitchen staff and front of house staff, helping to increase quality and understanding of guest needs & preferences.
  • Assisted in daily food preparations, learning complex authentic recipes and maintaining food cleanliness & preparation standards.

Event Planner | Graphic Designer

Unity 4 Humanity
03.2016 - 05.2019
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for student led events.
  • Established working relationships with sponsors and members by organizing various themed and seasonal events.
  • Monitored and controlled event expenditures to maintain nonprofit student organization status.
  • Used Adobe Indesign to create images and layouts that supported brand identity and promoted the organization.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Interdisciplinary Design Management

University Of North Texas, Denton, TX
05-2019

Skills

  • Restaurant operations management
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Advanced knowledge of Wine, Sake, & Spirits
  • Wine & beverage menu development
  • Inventory systems & analytics
  • HR compliant staff management practices
  • Microsoft Suite proficient
  • Adobe Indesign & Photoshop proficient
  • Staff training & retention

Certification

  • Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Sommelier Certification
  • Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 1 Award in Wines and Spirits (WSET Level 1)

Timeline

Restaurant Manager - Uchibā
09.2023 - Current
Server | Bartender | Food & Beverage Trainer - Uchi
02.2020 - 09.2023
Lead Server - Thai Ocha
08.2018 - 01.2020
Event Planner | Graphic Designer - Unity 4 Humanity
03.2016 - 05.2019
University Of North Texas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interdisciplinary Design Management
Rachael Velez