Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
References
Timeline
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Sapir Blain

Birmingham,AL

Summary

Proven hospitality professional with a committed and consistent track record of elevating guest experiences at the James Beard Award Semi Finalist Helen. Excelled in fine dining etiquette and hospitality through educated menu and wine knowledge, as well as bespoke sales suggestions.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Server

Helen Hospitality
Birmingham, Alabama
10.2022 - Current
  • Delivered high-end, bespoke service to guests in a fast-paced, upscale restaurant environment, with emphasis on unreasonable hospitality and providing memorable guest experiences.
  • Understood steps of service with an emphasis on hospitality and creating repeat customers and regulars.
  • Assisted with the presentation and description of complex, multi-course menus, often devising bespoke multi-course menus, as well as a la carte service.
  • Creating personalized experiences for the guest based on the event, occasion, allergies, aversions, etc.
  • Demonstrated expertise in wine pairings and worked with the sommelier to enhance guest experiences.
  • Understood wine, beverage, and spirit as an ingredient and companion to food, to assist the guest for the most elevated experience.
  • Ensured tables were impeccably set, with attention to detail, reflecting fine dining standards.
  • Worked seamlessly with chefs, back-of-house, and other front-of-house staff to ensure timely and efficient service.
  • Demonstrated quick problem-solving and interpersonal skills with guests by providing charitable assumptions and appropriate attention when dealing with customer dissatisfaction.
  • Consistently received positive feedback from guests and management for my interpersonal skills and exceptional hospitality.

Barista

Revelator Coffee
Birmingham, Alabama
03.2022 - 02.2023
  • Greeted customers and took orders for coffee drinks, food items, and other beverages.
  • Prepared specialty coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, mochas, and Americanos.
  • Operated cash registers to process customer payments.
  • Maintained a clean work environment by wiping down counters, washing dishes, and cleaning floors.
  • Stocked shelves with ingredients needed to make coffee drinks.
  • Ground beans for espresso shots according to individual customer specifications.
  • Monitored inventory levels of supplies and restocked when necessary.
  • Provided excellent customer service by responding to inquiries quickly and professionally.
  • Followed safety procedures while operating machinery such as grinders and espresso machines.
  • Trained new baristas on company policies and procedures regarding food handling safety standards.

Server

Galley and Garden
Birmingham, AL
03.2020 - 09.2022
  • Worked my way up through positions in fine dining, starting as a server assistant and working through various roles such as host, runner, and eventually serving, where I spent the majority of my time.
  • Understood steps of service, as well as table settings for white tablecloth, and learned the style of French-inspired cuisine and restaurants.
  • Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods.
  • Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
  • Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
  • Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
  • Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
  • Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase guest satisfaction.
  • Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
  • Maintained knowledge of the current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods as well as wine and beverage.

Barista

Starbucks
Alabaster, AL
07.2019 - 12.2019
  • Prepared and served coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees and teas.
  • Maintained calm demeanor during high-volume periods and special events.
  • Managed morning rush of customers daily with efficient, levelheaded customer service.
  • Maintained clean and organized workspace, enabling coworkers to locate resources and product.
  • Memorized recipes for specialty coffee beverages and seasonal offerings.
  • Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines to pass state inspections.
  • Created complex, hand-crafted beverages based upon customer preferences.
  • Described menu items to customers and suggested products based on stated preferences.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality service during peak hours.
  • Customized drink orders based on customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and attention to detail.

Barista

THIRSTEA CAFE
Hoover, AL
03.2018 - 07.2019
  • Created signs and displays to advertise store products or events.
  • Restocked product displays based on demand and projected sales.
  • Described menu items to customers and suggested appealing products.
  • Input orders into point of sale system and handled customer payments.
  • Utilized POS system to receive and process customer payments.
  • Cleaned and sanitized service or seating areas, complying to health protocols and food safety standards.
  • Prepared and served hot or cold beverages.
  • Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts

University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL
05-2023

High School Diploma -

Spain Park High School
Hoover, AL
05.2019

Skills

  • Customer Service/Hospitality Excellence
  • Fine Dining Etiquette
  • Wine Knowledge
  • Bespoke Sales Suggestions
  • Multitasking and Time Management
  • Attention to Detai
  • Team Collaboration Across FOH & BOH
  • POS System Proficiency
  • Professional Appearance & Grooming
  • Daily specials memorization

Awards

Helen Restaurant

- Esquire Magazines, 3rd Best New Restaurant in the United States (2021)

- James Beard Award Semifinalist (2024) for Best Chef South

- Recognized as Auburn University's Outstanding Hotel and Restaurant Management Program Alumnus

Galley and Garden 

- Wine Enthusiast magazine's 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America

- Wine Spectator's Best Award of Excellence

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Server

Helen Hospitality
10.2022 - Current

Barista

Revelator Coffee
03.2022 - 02.2023

Server

Galley and Garden
03.2020 - 09.2022

Barista

Starbucks
07.2019 - 12.2019

Barista

THIRSTEA CAFE
03.2018 - 07.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts

University of Montevallo

High School Diploma -

Spain Park High School

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Sapir Blain