Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Tara West

Hamilton,MT

Summary

Dynamic hospitality professional with a strong work ethic and exceptional customer service skills, honed at Cj Den. Proven track record in cash handling and inventory management, enhancing guest experiences and boosting sales. Adept at training staff and maintaining cleanliness standards, ensuring compliance with food safety practices while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Server Bartender

Cj Den
09.2021 - 04.2025

Opened and closed restaurant

  • Highlighted daily meal features, emphasizing key cuisine elements and suggested wine and spirit pairings.
  • Demonstrated exceptional multitasking skills during peak hours, accurately managing 15 plus tables at a time
  • Maintained cleanliness of dining area by promptly clearing tables, sanitizing surfaces, and restocking supplies as needed
  • Handled cash transactions accurately using POS system while maintaining a balanced cash drawer at the end of each shift
  • Adhered to all food safety regulations to ensure the health and well-being of customers
  • Communicated effectively with team members to coordinate table assignments for efficient seating arrangements
  • Resolved customer complaints or concerns promptly and professionally to ensure a positive dining experience
  • Assisted in training new servers on restaurant policies, procedures, and best practices for delivering excellent customer service
  • Managed inventory levels of supplies such as napkins, utensils, condiments etc. ensuring availability during peak hours

Bar Manager

Eagles
03.2022 - 10.2023

Maintained inventory and ordering of the bar

Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day

Interview , hired and trained staff to improve customer retention and bolster sales

Complied with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations while streamlining productivity initiatives

Restocked and ordered liquor and beer products

Monitored cash intake to reduce discrepancies

Increased profits by overseeing inventory and strategically increasing menu prices

Poured wine , beer and cocktails for patrons

Monitored patron consumption of alcohol

Planned and coordinated special events

Developed and implemented bartender training programs, policies and procedures

Created signature beverages to increase revenue and patron loyalty

Assisted staff by serving food and beverages

Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals

Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guests needed

Crafted drinks for special events

Farm and Produce Manager

Self
02.2016 - 01.2021
  • Trained and supervised produce staff for optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
  • Maintained produce display, and prep and storage areas in clean and orderly condition.
  • Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction through attentive service and consistent delivery of high-quality products.
  • Managed product rotation to minimize waste, optimizing freshness and quality of available goods.
  • Coached and mentored new team members.
  • Conducted regular inventory audits, addressing discrepancies and minimizing shrinkage due to theft or spoilage.
  • Assisted customers with produce questions.
  • Maintained safety standards throughout the department, ensuring compliance with local regulations and company policies.
  • Implemented effective merchandising techniques, leading to increased visibility of seasonal items and specialty products.

Assistant Bar Manager

Corner Sports Bar Abd Grill
12.2014 - 01.2016
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Assisted servers with specialty drinks orders by preparing on-demand items without delay.
  • Cultivated a loyal customer base by delivering exceptional service experiences, resolving complaints promptly, and soliciting feedback for continuous improvement efforts.
  • Collaborated with the Bar Manager in setting sales targets, budgeting, forecasting, and expense control measures.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by providing ongoing support, training, and mentoring to bar staff.
  • Supported event planning initiatives by coordinating with clients to accommodate special requests or customizations within budget constraints.
  • Ensured smooth operations during peak hours with effective staff scheduling and delegation of tasks.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Facilitated ongoing communication between bar staff and restaurant kitchen team to ensure seamless service delivery during busy meal periods.

Bartender Server

Pier 11
05.2008 - 02.2013
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
  • Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.

Education

Hospitality Management

Clatsop Community College
Astoria, OR

Skills

  • Strong work ethic
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Cash handling
  • Guest engagement
  • Professional appearance
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • Memory retention
  • Customer service
  • Cleanliness standards
  • Safe food handling
  • Menu memorization
  • Food running
  • High volume dining
  • Service prioritization
  • Team collaboration
  • Sales expertise
  • Sales techniques
  • Order accuracy
  • Supply restocking
  • Quality control
  • Food safety practices

Timeline

Bar Manager

Eagles
03.2022 - 10.2023

Server Bartender

Cj Den
09.2021 - 04.2025

Farm and Produce Manager

Self
02.2016 - 01.2021

Assistant Bar Manager

Corner Sports Bar Abd Grill
12.2014 - 01.2016

Bartender Server

Pier 11
05.2008 - 02.2013

Hospitality Management

Clatsop Community College
Tara West