Serenity Graves
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Proven leadership and performance led to promotion from hostess to restaurant manager within 2 years. Managed busy bar and dining area, delivering exceptional service to 100+ guests daily. Addressed guest concerns with professionalism, cultivating repeat business and positive reviews. Improved guest satisfaction scores through attention to detail and building strong rapport. Maintained cleanliness standards to meet health and safety regulations in organized work environment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Cashier/Cook
Brooklyn Bagels
Virginia Beach, VA
01.2025 - 06.2025
- A cashier - handling money throughout the day as well as being the face of the business - insuring the guests had a great experience from the beginning until the end.
- A cook - handled the flattop grill as well as fryer - prepared delicious sandwiches for guests.
- A key holder.
Server
Lucky Oyster
Virginia Beach, VA
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Served guests food/drinks efficiently and effectively.
- Handled guests complaints ensuring any issue was solved immediately with the proper dialect.
- Maintained speed and customer service oriented throughout a high volume high speed restaurant.
- Handled cash/credit card transactions efficiently.
- Assisted with table bussing and resetting.
Bartender/Manager/Server
Flip Flops Grill and Chill
Virginia Beach, VA
08.2016 - 10.2024
- After starting out as a hostess I worked my way all the way up from a server, bartender, to becoming a manager/key holder.
- Constantly built rapport with the guests and encouraged them to come back for other specials or events.
- Oversaw the dining room to ensure smooth service was happening throughout the restaurant.
- Effectively and efficiently handled customer complaints.
- Six years of bartending experience specifically here - creating craft cocktails.
Education
High school diploma - undefined
Kennett High School
North Conway, NH06.2016
Skills
- Natural communication skills; happy to be able to give guests a memorable experience
- Ability to handle high-pressure circumstances while remaining calm, professional, and empathic of the issue at hand
- Confident in being able to handle any type of guest conflict with simple solutions When someone is angry about their experience it is key to make sure they know you are acknowledging how they feel first before offering a simple solution to their specific issue
- Excellent at time management and multi-tasking while under pressure in fast paced environments Taking care of things abruptly but also with a positive attitude and smile
- Strict on safety consciousness as well as paying attention to detail not only operationally but also in order to maintain a clean environment
- Experienced in building a diverse strong rapport with guests that leave them feeling respected and appreciated enough to come back
- Reliable team player with leadership experience as a key holder and manager
- Quick to adapt, willing to relocate due to flexibility and a passion for learning new skills or techniques from either my teammates or leaders
- Prideful in appearing clean cut and polished because of the respect for the profession
- Cross-trained in hospitality roles including food service, bartending, and guest engagement
- Comfortable working independently or as part of a team with shared responsibilities
- Strong situational awareness as well as emotional intelligence that benefits my judgement on safety, solutions, and overall guest experience
Timeline
Cashier/Cook
Brooklyn Bagels
01.2025 - 06.2025
Server
Lucky Oyster
08.2024 - 02.2025
Bartender/Manager/Server
Flip Flops Grill and Chill
08.2016 - 10.2024
High school diploma - undefined
Kennett High School