Sara OKelley
Sylva,NC
Summary
Dynamic Restaurant Manager with a proven track record at Aramark, excelling in team management and customer engagement. Enhanced guest satisfaction through effective conflict resolution and optimized labor costs, resulting in a notable increase in repeat clientele. Skilled in inventory control and committed to maintaining regulatory compliance for exceptional service delivery.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Aramark
Cullowhee, NC
06.2022 - 01.2025
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- 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.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
- Fostered positive work environment, leading to decrease in staff turnover.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline order preparation processes, reducing wait times for customers.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies, reducing waste through meticulous inventory management.
Peer Support Specialist
Analenesgi-Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority
Cherokee, NC
12.2019 - 06.2022
- Demonstrated recovery and resilience strategies through shared experiences.
- Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
- Built strong client relationships by upholding non-judgmental attitudes.
- Empowered clients by teaching effective problem-solving skills that they can apply in real-life situations.
- Documented client interactions meticulously to enhance case management.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach for clients through active listening and empathy.
- Applied motivational interviewing techniques to promote healthy behavior engagement.
- Implemented problem-solving strategies to enhance daily living skills.
- Ensured safety by employing de-escalation techniques during crisis intervention services.
- Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations.
- Followed established guidelines to protect the integrity of personal and medical records.
- Boosted community engagement in mental health topics through outreach events.
- Coordinated with treatment providers on individual client cases ensuring continuity of care throughout the entire process.
- Maintained confidentiality while managing detailed client records.
Restaurant Manager
Luna’s Restaurant Fine Dining
Gainesville, GA
05.2016 - 12.2019
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
- Increased restaurant revenue by optimizing table turnover rates and enhancing menu offerings.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to minimize waste and maintain optimal stock levels for seamless operation.
- Coordinated catering services for private events, delivering memorable experiences while maximizing profits.
- Fostered positive work environment, leading to decrease in staff turnover.
Restaurant Server
Luna’s Restaurant
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming dining environment for guest comfort and enjoyment.
- Contributed to team success by assisting fellow servers during peak hours, ensuring smooth operations.
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to maintain positive relationships.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive and personalized service during busy shifts.
- Boosted overall sales by confidently recommending daily specials and upselling menu items.
- Managed cash transactions accurately with attention to detail, minimizing discrepancies in daily reports.
- Trained new hires on restaurant policies, procedures, and exceptional customer service standards.
Bartender/Server
Taco Mac Restaurant
Roswell, GA
05.2012 - 09.2014
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
Dining Room Manager
Poor Richard’s Casual Fine Dining
Gainesville, GA
09.2001 - 05.2009
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and efficient service in the dining room.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly and professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Greeted guests, sat at tables and brought orders to assist front of house staff.
- Trained new hires on restaurant policies, procedures, and best practices, fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
- Ensured a clean and safe dining environment by enforcing strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Streamlined operations by creating efficient schedules for all dining room staff members.
- Developed strong relationships with guests, resulting in a high rate of repeat clientele.
Education
Psychology-Nursing
Brenau University
Gainesville, GASkills
- Team management
- Inventory control and record keeping
- Customer engagement
- Staff management
- Point of sale (POS) system operation
- Operations management
- Regulatory compliance
- Catering coordination
- Food plating and presentation
- Labor and food cost control
- Full service restaurant background
- Customer service best practices
- TIPS certified
- Restaurant operations management
- Menu pricing
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Reliable and responsible
- Safe food handling
- Inventory management
- Conflict resolution
- Quality assurance
- Payroll administration
- Health code compliance
Certification
ServeSafe Manager Certification
TIPS Certification
Accomplishments
Aramark Catamount Dining Manager of the year 2023
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Aramark
06.2022 - 01.2025
Peer Support Specialist
Analenesgi-Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority
12.2019 - 06.2022
Restaurant Manager
Luna’s Restaurant Fine Dining
05.2016 - 12.2019
Restaurant Server
Luna’s Restaurant
08.2014 - 05.2016
Bartender/Server
Taco Mac Restaurant
05.2012 - 09.2014
Dining Room Manager
Poor Richard’s Casual Fine Dining
09.2001 - 05.2009
Psychology-Nursing
Brenau University