Sarah Buddin
Summerville,SC
Summary
Dedicated Server with extensive experience in fast-paced environments, specializing in coordinating service for diverse dining settings. Proven skills in balancing the needs of patrons and team members, while ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. Experienced Server Shift Leader adept at managing staff logistics and fostering positive customer experiences. Detail-oriented and organized, capable of multitasking effectively in high-volume situations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Pages Okra Grill
Summerville, SC
01.2023 - 09.2026
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring compliance with company procedures and maintaining financial integrity.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers, and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Stocked service areas with supplies, supporting seamless operations during peak and slow periods. with supplies during slow periods.
Server Shift Leader
Middleton Place Restaurant
02.2014 - 07.2023
- Built strong relationships with regular customers, enhancing customer loyalty.
- Oversaw daily operations of the service team, delegated tasks, and trained new staff.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Promoted excellent service to customers, resulting in increased referrals and walk-in business.
- Handled table service and other dining room tasks to address shortfalls due to unexpected absences or unusual service volumes.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to align on goals, improving upselling strategies and addressing product availability.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
Server
SpiritLine Cruises
07.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered food and beverages promptly while prioritizing customer preferences.
- Worked with a POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of dining areas to meet hygiene standards.
- Recorded customer meal selections accurately and coordinated service with the galley staff.
- Took orders and coordinated service with galley staff.
- Facilitated exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction.
Server
O’Charley’s Bar And Grill
03.2010 - 12.2014
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Instructed servers on proper techniques for taking orders, serving food and providing customer service.
- Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards and led by example to instill in new servers.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as the first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Cleared and reset tables after guests departed to maintain cleanliness in dining area. to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Restocked supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags during slow periods to ensure readiness for busy times. to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Monitored patrons' alcohol intake levels appropriately and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
Prep Cook
Cru Catering
11.2009 - 11.2010
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace through regular sweeping, mopping, and trash removal, ensuring a safe cooking environment.
- Prepared fruits and vegetables by washing, peeling, and cutting in advance, streamlining food preparation process.
- Preserving freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Cleaned chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils by operating dishwasher and manually washing, maintaining cleanliness and readiness for service.
Server, Hostess, Expo
Applebee's Grill + Bar
05.2005 - 11.2009
- Bussed and reset tables to maintain cleanliness and enhance guest experience.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers by keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in a timely manner.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout the dining experience.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Engaged with regular customers to build lasting relationships and enhance their dining experience.
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
Education
Phlebotomy Certification - Phlebotomy
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Charlotte, NCHigh School Diploma -
Stratford High School
Goose Creek, SCSkills
- POS operations
- High-Volume Dining
- Beverage Service
- Wine Service
- Wine Pairings
- Food and Beverage Pairings
- Upselling Techniques
- White Glove Service
- Anticipating Guest Needs
- Team Coordination
- Cool Under Pressure
- Hospitality Service Expertise
Timeline
Server
Pages Okra Grill
01.2023 - 09.2026
Server
SpiritLine Cruises
07.2022 - 01.2023
Server Shift Leader
Middleton Place Restaurant
02.2014 - 07.2023
Server
O’Charley’s Bar And Grill
03.2010 - 12.2014
Prep Cook
Cru Catering
11.2009 - 11.2010
Server, Hostess, Expo
Applebee's Grill + Bar
05.2005 - 11.2009
Phlebotomy Certification - Phlebotomy
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
High School Diploma -
Stratford High School