Tara K. Hodge
Miami,FL
Summary
I am an enthusiastic professional with over 18+ years of experience in Customer Service, Marketing and the Food and Beverage Industry. I am the owner of one of the leading catering companies in the Virgin Islands (British) since 2014 and have provided first-class catering service for countless celebrities and Government officials throughout my career.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef & CEO
JBK Catering & ENDULGE Restaurant
05.2013 - 08.2023
- Oversaw the daily operation of the restaurant and catering service
- Created recipes and prepared weekly food menus
- Prepped food and drinks for daily sales and catering events
- Took weekly inventory of food, reordered and restocked the restaurant
- Hired, trained and managed servers and kitchen staff
- Created staff schedules and led in-house weekly meetings/briefings
- Created monthly budgets and managed all financial matters
- Implemented and enforced food safety laws for a healthy, food safe environment
- Created and implemented suitable restaurant policies and procedures.
Switch Board Operator & Office Assistant
CCT Global Communications
01.2005 - 08.2008
- Handled incoming, interoffice and directory assistance calls
- Operated telegraph and satellite communication equipment
- Took and relayed messages to various departments within the company
- Liaison between managers, staff and customers
- Notified customers of various promotions and rate plan changes
- Processed incoming and outgoing work permits
- Handled customers queries and complaints in a professional manner
- Placed orders and kept accurate inventory of office equipment and supplies
- Maintained and managed customers and office files.
Waitress
Coco Plum Restaurant
08.2003 - 12.2006
- Took orders and delivered food & beverages to guests 5 nights per week
- Assisted co-workers during busy hours to eliminate long waits
- Assisted with food preparations when needed
- Worked flexible hours, including weekend & holidays
- Made recommendations for menu items and upsold additional products
- Handled customer complaints and queries effectively and professionally
- Provided courteous service for an excellent dining experience
- Played the role of hostess when management wasn’t available to do so
- Always remained professional & polite under stress and in complicated situations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
The Art Institute of Washington DC
05.2012
Associate’s - Interior Design
New England Technical Institute
05.2010
High School Diploma - Business Administration & Information Technology
Elmore Stoutt High School (formerly BVI High School)
06.2004
Skills
- Proficient with Quickbooks
- Proficient with Microsoft software
- Knowledgeable in AutoCad and Revit architectural programs
- Critical thinker, Creative and Responsible
Team Management
Food Safety
Food Safety Regulations
Culinary expertise
Extracurricular Activities
Member of the PTA at South Miami Elementary School Previous member of my High School Band and Choir
Timeline
Head Chef & CEO
JBK Catering & ENDULGE Restaurant
05.2013 - 08.2023
Switch Board Operator & Office Assistant
CCT Global Communications
01.2005 - 08.2008
Waitress
Coco Plum Restaurant
08.2003 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design
The Art Institute of Washington DC
Associate’s - Interior Design
New England Technical Institute
High School Diploma - Business Administration & Information Technology
Elmore Stoutt High School (formerly BVI High School)
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