Sondra Benitez
Virginia Beach,Va
Summary
The goal is to become associated with a company where I can utilize skills and gain further experience while enhancing the company's productivity and reputation. Dedicated food service professional well-versed in food and beverage operations and guest services. Experienced in managing large-scale events or intimate gourmet dining and afternoon tea services. Successful at building relationships with customers to increase loyalty and repeat business.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Server
First Watch Restaurant
04.2019 - Current
- Spoke with guests to ensure satisfaction with food and service
- Communicate with kitchen and other team members to ensure food was properly prepared on time and correctly
- Follow all safety and sanitation when handling food and beverages to uphold proper health standards
- Always maintained a professional attitude, even while working in a high volume atmosphere
- Bussed, cleared, cleaned and set tables in a quiet and efficient manner
- Routinely supported other areas of the restaurant as requested, including answering phones, and completing financial transactions for others
- Train new employees on proper serving steps and daily shift responsibilities.
- Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to provide prompt and successful service to patrons.
- Supervised server staff and simultaneously served personal section of tables.
- Maintained clean and organized dining area to create pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for customers.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Inspected FOH stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
- Taught staff how to deliver outstanding service to every customer without sacrificing profit objectives.
Server, Bartender, Shift Lead
Outback Steakhouse
08.2016 - 04.2020
- Assist in day to day operations of the front-of-house functions
- Profound ability to keep the bar organized and clean at all times
- Delivered friendly and efficient service to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all guests by suggesting specific menu items
- Accurately recorded orders and partnered with team members to serve food and beverages that exceeded guests’ expectations
- Skillfully anticipated and addressed guests’ service needs
- Managing opening and closing duties, including restocking items and reconciliation of cash, credit card, gift card sales.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Seated customers in timely manner by managing reservations and waitlists skillfully.
- Helped store management meet standards of service and quality in daily operations.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
Server
Denny’s
06.2017 - 02.2018
- Delivered exceptional, friendly, and fast service
- Fostered repeat business and clientele of regular patrons
- Trained new servers on menu knowledge, order accuracy, and steps of quality service
- Completed side work including resetting tables and sections, cleaning appliances, and some food prep
- Created weekly server work schedules, approved time off, and rework loads as needed.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
Education
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA05.2023
Associate of Science - Science
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA05.2023
Skills
- Microsoft Word
- POSI System
- 10 Key Calculator
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
Additional Information
- Ability to Work Under Pressure Decision Making Time Management Self-motivation Conflict Resolution Leadership Adaptability, AWARDS , May 2018 FOH Employee of the Month (Outback Steakhouse)
Certification
NHA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
Timeline
Head Server
First Watch Restaurant
04.2019 - Current
Server
Denny’s
06.2017 - 02.2018
Server, Bartender, Shift Lead
Outback Steakhouse
08.2016 - 04.2020
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
Tidewater Community College
Associate of Science - Science
Tidewater Community College
NHA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
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