Tara Perry
Houston,TX
Summary
Hospitality professional with over 13 years in the restaurant industry, excelling in serving and bartending. Recognized for building genuine rapport with guests while training new staff to uphold high service standards, ensuring personalized dining experiences and customer loyalty.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Server and Bartender
Lost and Found
Houston, Tx
12.2020 - Current
- Lead Server and Certified Trainer for bar and floor, entrusted with training new hires through a 6 day course over all cruising and craft cocktail knowledge
- Achieved weekly best server recognition through top sales, minimal comps, punctuality, positive guest reviews, and adherence to uniform standards among 40+ servers
- Managed 10 table sections and multiple large parties during peak hours while ensuring organized and accurate transactions
- Push out a wide variety of craft and specialty cocktails at a high paced volume while maintaining quality and consistency
- Communicate effectively with kitchen, bar, and management
- Oversaw staff side work, confirmed completion, and prepared the restaurant for the next shift.
- Ensured compliance with safety and alcohol regulations while upholding company standards
- Ability to work 14+ hour shifts with no downtime or breaks whilst maintaining a positive attitude and exceptional customer service
Promotional Model and Brand Ambassador
Julie Freeman Agency
Houston, Tx
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Represented the brand with a polished, positive, and energetic presence
- Engaged guests and promoted products, services, or experiences
- Distributed promotional materials and explained brand messaging
- Distributed promotional materials and explain brand messaging
- Communicated effectively with event staff and management to streamline event operations
- Followed event guidelines, schedules, and promotional goals
- Adapted quickly to changing environments during events.
Bartender
Chimy's
Houston, Tx
08.2019 - 11.2020
- Provided exceptional customer service in a high volume establishment with a people oriented and positive attitude
- Maintained clean, organized, and fully stocked bar area to enhance customer experience
- Maintained full knowledge of drink menus, specials and seasonal promotional items
- Kept the bar area clean, organized, and fully stocked at all times
- Worked many large parties in private event room while also working the main floor, quickly inputting and delivering all orders, skilled enough to handle hundreds of open tabs, whilst remaining organized and efficient
- Wash glassware and maintain sanitation standards in compliance with health regulations
- Trained new hires to adapt to fast-paced environment and uphold establishment's high standards
- Assisted in bar set up and closing duties including cleaning and inventory counts
Cocktail Server
Circo Uptown
Houston, Tx
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Served high-profile parties and private events, distributing hors d'oeuvres and cocktails tailored to each affair
- Full knowledge of wine and liquor selection to appropriately pair with our specialty dishes for each event
- Maintained professional yet engaging relationships with hosts and guests to enhance overall event experience
- Ensured the tables were fully stocked with glasses, mixers, and clean throughout their entire experience
Server
Pazzo Uptown
Houston, Tx
12.2017 - 09.2018
- Delivered exceptional, upscale dining experiences with attentive and personalized service
- Described menu changes, chef features, and seasonal offerings to enhance guest awareness and satisfaction
- Accurately describe menu changes, chef features, and seasonal offerings
- Coordinated special events, private parties, and holiday celebrations to create memorable experiences for guests
- Addressed guest inquiries and requests promptly to ensure satisfaction, concerns, and special dietary needs
Server
Texas Bleu Steakhouse
Houston, Tx
09.2015 - 03.2017
- Showcased expertise in steak cuts, preparation methods, sauces, and accompaniments to enhance guest dining experience
- Guided guests through wine selections and beverage pairings
- Executed tableside service, including wine presentation and pouring
- Maintained proper table presentation, cleanliness, and fine dining service standards
- Provided tableside service to enhance dining experience, including wine presentation and pouring when applicable
- Maintained restaurant brand standards and professionalism to foster a welcoming and high-quality dining environment
Lead Host
Classic Cafe
Houston, Tx
06.2013 - 08.2015
- Handled special requests and ensure guest satisfaction from the moment they enter
- Managed reservations and accommodated walk-in guests
- Handled special requests and ensured guest satisfaction from the moment they enter
- Oversaw and trained hosts to consistently adhere to restaurant protocols
- Organized seating arrangements to optimize guest flow and dining experience
- Assigned guests to tables based on preferences (e.g., window seats, quiet areas) and availability
- Ensured the restaurant's décor, lighting, and music are set appropriately to create a pleasant dining environment
- Always maintained a polished and professional appearance, in line with the restaurant's dress code
Skills
- Advanced cocktail techniques
- Specialty drink knowledge
- Beverage service knowledge
- Menu pairing expertise
- POS system operation and order accuracy
- High-volume service management
- Staff training
- Customer service excellence
- Guest needs anticipation
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Multitasking in high-pressure settings
- Speed and accuracy
- Maintaining a clean and organized workspace
- Health and safety knowledge
- Establishing positive ambience
Timeline
Server and Bartender
Lost and Found
12.2020 - Current
Bartender
Chimy's
08.2019 - 11.2020
Cocktail Server
Circo Uptown
09.2018 - 06.2019
Server
Pazzo Uptown
12.2017 - 09.2018
Promotional Model and Brand Ambassador
Julie Freeman Agency
01.2017 - 01.2024
Server
Texas Bleu Steakhouse
09.2015 - 03.2017
Lead Host
Classic Cafe
06.2013 - 08.2015