Tameka Aiken
Miami,FL
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in food service and event management, notably at Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. Excelled in team collaboration and adaptive problem solving, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Proven track record in safe food handling and innovative event setup, contributing to significant service quality improvements.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Banquet Server/Catering Kitchen Prep Cook
Empty Plates Catering
06.2022 - Current
- Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
- Adhered to safety protocols during food handling processes, minimizing risk of contamination or illness for guests.
- Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
- Contributed to positive guest feedback by consistently delivering high-quality service in a professional manner.
- Handled special dietary requests, ensuring all guests received appropriate meals according to their preferences or restrictions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service during banquet events.
- Carried out professional service, retaining polite and friendly approach at all times.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Arranged food, utensils and condiments on trays to serve meals with necessary items.
Banquet Server/Banquet Cook
All Access Catering
06.2020 - Current
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
- Adapted to last-minute changes in event schedules or requirements, effectively modifying plans and maintaining service quality without any negative impact on guest experience.
- Increased overall event success by anticipating guests'' needs and promptly addressing requests or concerns.
- Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.
- Performed opening and closing duties for banquet hall, following checklist to restock supplies and clean up all service areas.
- Completed post-event tasks such as cleaning, breakdown, and inventory management to prepare for future banquets efficiently.
- Worked with banquet manager to coordinate event set up and schedule.
- Handled food and beverage orders for up to 300 guests, delivering prompt and friendly service.
- Adhered to safety protocols during food handling processes, minimizing risk of contamination or illness for guests.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
Assistant Deli Manager
Plum Market
10.2021 - 01.2024
- Ensured accurate record-keeping of daily temperature logs as well as maintenance activities performed on deli equipment.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Prepared and placed meat cuts and products in display counter to catch shopper's eye and boost sales.
- Operated slicer and price computing scale to accurately slice, weigh and label meat products.
- Served as an integral part of the management team, actively participating in weekly meetings to discuss operational updates, challenges, or achievements.
- Controlled freshness of products by rotating and removing out of code merchandise.
- Coordinated special events such as holiday promotions or cooking demonstrations to increase foot traffic in the deli department.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to food safety guidelines and procedures.
Deli Department Manager
Sprouts Farmers Market Inc, Grocery
01.2018 - 02.2021
- Contributed to schedule creation and set daily priorities for supervisory staff.
- Oversaw ordering processes for supplies and products, maintaining appropriate stock levels to meet anticipated demand while minimizing overstock situations.
- Developed and implemented systems to maintained accurate records of product costs, production and losses.
- Managed staff performance through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback and coaching opportunities.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks, ensuring safe operation of slicers, scales, refrigeration units, and other tools within the department.
- Developed and implemented standard and special menu items and deli selections.
- Increased sales with creative merchandising strategies, such as cross-promotion and seasonal product displays.
- Led weekly meetings with deli team members to review performance metrics, set goals for improvement areas identified in data analysis reports.
- Delivered front-end support to staff during rush periods.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary deli environment, adhering to health department regulations and company policies.
- Developed strong vendor relationships, negotiating pricing and delivery schedules for optimal inventory levels.
- Implemented cost control measures to reduce waste and optimize profits without sacrificing quality or customer experience.
Associate Trainer
Panera Bread
08.2011 - 11.2017
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Established and maintained quality control standards.
- Completed training-related administrative tasks, documentation and team support.
- Increased employee productivity by conducting targeted skill development workshops.
- Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to trainees as they transitioned into their new roles within the organization.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
- Trained and mentored 30 new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
- Identified and communicated to superiors concerning opportunities for curriculum enhancement.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences through group activities and simulations, promoting practical application of concepts.
Education
Associate of Science - Nutrition Sciences
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL05-2019
Skills
- Strong teamwork
- Time Management
- Customer Service
- Table setting knowledge
- Food Service
- Adaptive Problem Solving
- Event Setup and Breakdown
- Punctual and Reliable
- Clear Communication
- Hospitality service expertise
- Safe Food Handling
- Service prioritization
- Menu Memorization
- Team Collaboration
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Banquet Server/Catering Kitchen Prep Cook
Empty Plates Catering
06.2022 - Current
Assistant Deli Manager
Plum Market
10.2021 - 01.2024
Banquet Server/Banquet Cook
All Access Catering
06.2020 - Current
Deli Department Manager
Sprouts Farmers Market Inc, Grocery
01.2018 - 02.2021
Associate Trainer
Panera Bread
08.2011 - 11.2017
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
Associate of Science - Nutrition Sciences
Miami Dade College
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