Samantha Smith
Helen’s Kitchen
BUFFALO,NY
Summary
An adaptable leader with exceptional supervisory abilities and proficient inventory management. Shown enhanced dining experiences and optimized operations, resulting in increased revenue and improved team performance across all facets of restaurant management.
A professional that excels at team collaboration, leading staff to achieve and surpass goals, and adapting to evolving needs. Skilled in inventory management, staff training, customer service, and financial oversight. An individual known for reliability, problem-solving capabilities, and maintaining high standards.
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager
6 Years 1 Month- Oversaw daily restaurant operations, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards.
- Directed staff training programs, enhancing team performance and customer service quality.
- Designed and executed inventory management strategies aimed at optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Managed financial reporting processes, maintaining accurate records of sales and expenditures.
- Established vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for better pricing and service delivery.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Monitored inventory of supplies and purchased orders to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations..
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
- Established strong relationships with local suppliers to secure competitive pricing on quality ingredients without sacrificing taste or presentation..
- Developed loyalty program to encourage repeat business, enhancing customer retention.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Waitress
7 Years 2 Months- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing dining experiences and fostering repeat patronage.
- Managed multi-table service efficiently, ensuring timely order delivery and customer satisfaction..
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Used cash registers machines to cash out customers.
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper change was provided to customers as needed.
- Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Hostess/ Waitress
4 Years 11 Months- Managed guest seating arrangements to optimize restaurant flow and enhance customer experience.
- Handled reservation system to manage bookings, ensuring accurate tracking of guest preferences.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Skills
Team management
Inventory control and record keeping
Customer engagement
Staff management
Shift management
Customer-oriented
Organization and prioritization
Food service background
Staff scheduling
Adaptable
Menu development
Schedule coordination
Supervisory skills
Conflict resolution techniques
Pre-shift walk-through
Order delivery practices
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Helen’s Kitchen
07.2020 - Current
Waitress
Helen’s Kitchen
05.2013 - 07.2020
Hostess/ Waitress
Wehrle Restaurant
06.2008 - 05.2013
Canisius College
Bachelor of Science from Education