Ryan Criner
Charleston
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with extensive experience in providing exceptional service. Skilled in upselling and fostering guest relationships, contributing to increased customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Oh Charlies Restaurant
Charleston, SC
01.2024 - 03.2024
- Provided exceptional customer service by accurately taking orders and addressing guest inquiries.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to expedite food preparation and delivery, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Demonstrated adaptability by managing multiple tables efficiently during peak hours.
- Processed payments accurately using point-of-sale system, ensuring timely transactions for guests.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, improving satisfaction and loyalty through attentive service.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Server
Kiawah Island Club
Charleston, SC
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Assisted in training new servers on menu knowledge and service protocols, fostering team development.
- Engaged with guests to create a welcoming atmosphere, contributing to positive dining environment.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Built rapport with guests to enhance their dining experience and encourage return visits.
Server
Charleston Crab House
Charleston, SC
05.2021 - 05.2023
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Increased sales by suggesting additional items like desserts and drinks based on customers' orders.
- Enhanced team efficiency, collaborating effectively in high-pressure settings.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Facilitated team-oriented atmosphere, assisting coworkers during rush periods to ensure smooth operations.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that increased guest satisfaction.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
The Barncastle
Chef
Blue Hill, ME
06.2016 - 03.2021
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
High School Diploma -
Orono High School
Orono, MENo Degree - General Studies
University of Maine
Orono, MENo Degree -
University of Maine, Augusta Me
Ellsworth, MENo Degree - Liberal Arts
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SCNo Degree - Psychology
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC05-2028
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Cash handling
- Guest engagement
- Professional appearance
- Hospitality service expertise
- Customer service
- Cleanliness standards
- Safe food handling
- Menu memorization
- Food running
- High volume dining
- Service prioritization
- Team collaboration
- Sales expertise
- Sales techniques
- Supply restocking
- Quality control
- Food safety practices
- Suggestive selling
- Dining area maintenance
- Allergy awareness
- Order management
- Beverage preparation
- Tableside etiquette
- Inventory management
- Task prioritization
- Food sales and promotion
- Table setting
- Menu presentation
Timeline
Server
Oh Charlies Restaurant
01.2024 - 03.2024
Server
Kiawah Island Club
06.2023 - 11.2023
Server
Charleston Crab House
05.2021 - 05.2023
The Barncastle
Chef
06.2016 - 03.2021
High School Diploma -
Orono High School
No Degree - General Studies
University of Maine
No Degree -
University of Maine, Augusta Me
No Degree - Liberal Arts
Trident Technical College
No Degree - Psychology
Charleston Southern University