Samantha Sanders
Carmel,IN
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with 20 years of experience, excelling in exceptional customer service and cash handling at Flix Brewhouse. Proven ability to enhance guest engagement through menu recommendations and effective team leadership, consistently achieving high customer satisfaction and repeat business. Strong multitasking skills ensure seamless service in fast-paced environments.
Experienced with managing tables and providing top-notch service to guests in fast-paced environments. Utilizes excellent communication skills to collaborate with team members and create welcoming atmosphere. Track record service and Strong focus on team and adaptability, consistently meeting changing needs. Skilled in managing multiple tasks, handling customer inquiries, and maintaining clean and organized workspace. Reliable and results-driven, with positive attitude and excellent skills.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Server/bartender
Salt Distributions
Carmel Indiana
08.2025 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries and requests.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of dining area, ensuring positive guest experiences.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and order accuracy.
- Managed cash register operations, processed transactions efficiently, and handled customer payments.
- Recommended menu items based on customer preferences, increasing guest satisfaction rates.
- Contributed to team efforts during peak service hours by multitasking effectively and supporting colleagues.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy and timely preparation of dishes.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly to ensure satisfaction.
- Monitored beverage quality and presentation, consistently meeting established standards for excellence.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
- Boosted beverage sales, designing and promoting range of signature cocktails.
- Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
Server
Flix Brewhouse
Carmel
12.2024 - 08.2025
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced environment.
- Assisted in menu knowledge, enhancing guest dining experiences.
- Prepared and served beverages from bar menu efficiently.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area and service stations.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- 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.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
Server
Matt the Millers Tavern
Carmel, IN
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Trained new servers on standard operating procedures and service techniques.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- 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.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and processed transactions swiftly, contributing to restaurant's financial accuracy.
Server
Sullivans
Indianapolis, IN
11.2021 - 01.2023
- Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guest needs and ensuring satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to deliver timely and accurate food orders.
- Managed cash register operations, processing payments efficiently and accurately.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, adhering to health standards.
Bartender
Buca Di Beppo
Indianapolis In
08.2008 - 01.2023
- Crafted and served a diverse range of cocktails and beverages to enhance guest experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Provided exceptional customer service by engaging with patrons and anticipating their needs.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service during high-volume periods.
- Trained new bartenders on menu offerings, drink preparation, and customer service standards.
- Developed signature cocktails that increased customer interest and satisfaction.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Increased repeat customer numbers, creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, ensuring consistent service quality.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Enhanced establishment's reputation, consistently receiving positive feedback on customer satisfaction surveys.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Practiced safe work habits, wearing protective equipment and consistently following MSDS and OSHA standards.
- Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.
- Assisted with inventorying beverage stock and bar supplies.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
Server
Maggianos
Indianapolis, IN
09.2018 - 12.2022
- Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guest needs and ensuring satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to deliver timely and accurate food orders.
- Managed cash register operations, processing payments efficiently and accurately.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, adhering to health standards.
- Assisted in training new servers on menu items and service protocols.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved complaints promptly to ensure positive experiences.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
Event Coordinator
Hillcrest Country Estates
Indianapolis, IN
02.2014 - 01.2017
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring smooth execution and adherence to timelines.
- Collaborated with vendors to secure services and materials for successful event planning.
- Assisted in developing marketing materials to promote events and increase attendance.
- Organized event registration processes, managing participant communications effectively.
- Trained new team members on operational procedures and best practices for event coordination.
- Led volunteer teams during events, fostering collaboration and efficient task management.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Enhanced attendee experience by meticulously planning and executing event logistics.
- Coordinated with vendors to deliver exceptional catering and audiovisual services during events.
- Increased event attendance, leveraging social media platforms and email marketing campaigns to raise awareness.
Catering
Kahn’s Catering
Indianapolis, IN
02.2011 - 01.2014
- Oversaw successful catering events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
- Contributed to revenue growth through participation in catering events showcasing signature grilled dishes.
- Assisted in organizing special events catering specifically to different groups thus focusing on customised experiences.
- Fostered positive team environment, training new staff on catering best practices and customer service excellence.
- Coordinated catering orders for special events, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional presentation standards.
- Coordinated with catering teams to provide exceptional food service, adhering to dietary restrictions as needed.
- Provided support during special events and catering functions, ensuring consistent quality across all offerings.
- Adapted to diverse transcription formats, catering to the specific needs of each client or industry.
- Coordinated catering services that accommodated dietary requirements of attendees while maintaining budget constraints.
- Increased revenue by developing new menu options and marketing strategies for the catering unit.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing exceptional catering services for various events.
- Managed a team of catering staff, ensuring quality service and professionalism at all times.
- Managed catering events efficiently, overseeing menu planning, staffing requirements, equipment rentals, and setup/teardown logistics.
- Coordinated catering events, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors, negotiating favorable terms for equipment rentals or catering services.
Catering
Jonathan Byrd's
Indianapolis, IN
04.2011 - 06.2013
- Arranged programs and events with guest speakers and catering.
- Collaborated with the catering team to execute seamless service, enhancing overall event success.
- Contributed to the success of company events by coordinating logistics, invitations, and catering arrangements.
- Managed in-store, pick-up orders and catering needs.
- Managed inventory of catering supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels for smooth event execution.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and catering to individual learning styles.
- Coordinated logistics for special events including venue selection, catering arrangements, guest accommodations, and transportation services.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for catering orders while maintaining high-quality product presentation.
- Developed a comprehensive database of unique gift options, catering to various interests and occasions.
- Conducted extensive research to curate diverse collection of materials, catering to community needs.
- Facilitated communication between teams handling catering, audio visual, and room setup.
- Streamlined event execution by effectively coordinating with various departments, including catering, audiovisual, and housekeeping teams.
- Organized events and meetings, managing logistics such as venue selection, catering arrangements, and agenda preparation.
- Oversaw catering events successfully, coordinating menu planning, staffing needs, and logistics for seamless execution.
- Contributed to successful catering events by preparing ingredients, assembling platters, and serving guests with professionalism.
Manager on Duty
Dominos Pizza
Indianapolis, IN
08.2004 - 12.2007
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Managed team performance by providing feedback and coaching to enhance skills and productivity.
- Implemented operational procedures to streamline workflows and reduce order preparation times.
- Coordinated staff scheduling to optimize labor resources during peak business hours.
- Trained new employees on company policies, food safety standards, and customer service protocols.
- Conducted regular evaluations of team performance to identify areas for improvement and development initiatives.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through consistent monitoring of service quality and staff performance.
- Mentored junior team members for career development, offering ongoing guidance on goal setting, skill-building, and performance improvement strategies.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and offering professional development opportunities.
Server
Applebees
Indianapolis, IN
08.2004 - 03.2005
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery.
- Processed customer orders accurately using point-of-sale system.
- Resolved guest concerns promptly to enhance satisfaction levels.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
Baker
Panera Bread
Indianapolis, IN
04.2003 - 07.2004
- Operated ovens and mixers to prepare high-quality baked goods.
- Followed recipes precisely to ensure product consistency and taste.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of baking area according to safety standards.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking ingredients for timely restocking.
- Implemented new techniques to improve baking efficiency and product quality.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently producing high-quality baked goods and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
- Operated cash registers and processed payments accurately.
- Frosted and iced cakes, cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts, sweet rolls, and coffee cakes.
- Streamlined baking processes, reducing preparation time without compromising quality of baked goods.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in baking area, meeting health and safety standards.
- Enhanced bakery's reputation for quality by consistently producing high-standard baked goods.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment and oven.
- Monitored temperatures of ovens, proof boxes and other equipment.
- Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
- Cut and shaped dough for pies, rolls and other pastries.
- Prepared frostings and other toppings for cakes and pastries.
Host
Red Lobster Restaurant
Indianapolis, IN
02.2001 - 02.2003
- Greeted and seated guests efficiently to enhance dining experience.
- Managed reservation system to optimize table turnover and guest flow.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service delivery.
- Trained and mentored new hosts on customer service standards.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly greeting and seating guests upon arrival.
- Assisted servers with food delivery during peak hours to ensure timely service for all guests.
- Facilitated positive first impressions for guests through friendly greetings, professional attire, and genuine enthusiasm for their visit.
- Monitored dining area capacity to prevent overcrowding while maximizing available seating during peak hours.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to communicate dietary restrictions or special requests from customers, ensuring accurate meal preparation.
- Answered phone calls to take orders, give information and document reservations.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Helped facilitate cooperation between service and kitchen staff to professionally meet guest needs and resolve problems.
- Advised customers about special offerings and menu items to help drive sales.
- Maintained balanced cash drawer with correct money values and accurate documentation.
Cashier
Mcdonalds
Indianapolis, IN
08.2000 - 12.2002
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and balanced registers at end of shifts.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the work area to meet safety standards.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
- Supported marketing initiatives by setting up and maintaining promotional displays.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by participating in rewards program enrollment.
- Managed cash drawer accurately, ensuring all transactions balanced at end of day.
- Enhanced shopping experience, provided product information and location assistance.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Set up new sales displays each week with fresh merchandise.
Education
Associate of Science - Hospitality Management
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Indianapolis, IN05.2009
High School Diploma - Fashion Design & Interior Design
Lawrence North High School
Indianapolis, IN02.2005
Skills
Strong work ethic
Exceptional customer service
Cash handling
Guest engagement
Safe food handling
Food running
Food safety practices
Dining area maintenance
Tableside etiquette
Food sales and promotion
Table setting knowledge
Food and beverage pairings
Wine service
Banquet coordination
Multitasking and organization
Food safety
Shift management
Dietary restrictions knowledge
Server training
Specials promotion
Positive and professional
Menu item recommendation
Positive guest interactions
Team leadership
Excellent communication
20 years of experience
Time management
Baking
Teamwork and collaboration
Multitasking
Multitasking Abilities
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Server/bartender
Salt Distributions
08.2025 - Current
Server
Flix Brewhouse
12.2024 - 08.2025
Server
Matt the Millers Tavern
08.2022 - 12.2024
Server
Sullivans
11.2021 - 01.2023
Server
Maggianos
09.2018 - 12.2022
Event Coordinator
Hillcrest Country Estates
02.2014 - 01.2017
Catering
Jonathan Byrd's
04.2011 - 06.2013
Catering
Kahn’s Catering
02.2011 - 01.2014
Bartender
Buca Di Beppo
08.2008 - 01.2023
Manager on Duty
Dominos Pizza
08.2004 - 12.2007
Server
Applebees
08.2004 - 03.2005
Baker
Panera Bread
04.2003 - 07.2004
Host
Red Lobster Restaurant
02.2001 - 02.2003
Cashier
Mcdonalds
08.2000 - 12.2002
Associate of Science - Hospitality Management
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
High School Diploma - Fashion Design & Interior Design
Lawrence North High School