Tj Coppla
Morristown,NJ
Summary
Versatile hospitality professional skilled in delivering outstanding service across various roles, including server, bartender, and culinary positions. Adept at enhancing guest satisfaction through detailed menu knowledge and effective team collaboration. Interested in opportunities that merge culinary passion with a commitment to service excellence.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Server / Bartender
Birdman (Streeterville, Chicago) Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
12.2025 - 08.2026
- Delivered exceptional service to high-volume daily customers.
- Greeted customers, provided menu recommendations, and answered inquiries to boost sales.
- Displayed enthusiasm and comprehensive knowledge of restaurant menu items.
- Coordinated food and beverage orders with kitchen staff.
- Communicated effectively with hosts, bussers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Assisted in training new servers to maintain service standards.
- Completed cleaning tasks including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and organizing server stations.
Lead Server
Birdman (Lakeview, Chicago)
Chicago, Illinois
03.2025 - 08.2026
- Trained new staff in effective serving and bartending techniques, ensuring consistent service quality and smooth team integration.
- Memorized food and drink menu, including seasonal and weekly specials, to provide informed recommendations and elevate customer experience.
- Host, server, and bartender in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood, enhancing guest satisfaction and fostering a vibrant atmosphere.
Veg. Chef and Expediter
Sochin
Chicago, Illinois
10.2025 - 01.2026
- Expedited preparation of modern Vietnamese menu items, ensuring timely service and Michelin guide standards.
- Monitored presentation and quantities of plated food, ensuring consistency and adherence to menu specifications.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations, promoting safety and efficiency during food preparation.
- Ensured raw materials met quality standards before preparation.
- Utilized proper containers and labeling systems for food storage.
Runner
Alinea
10.2023 - 11.2023
- Memorized and ran 17 course menus, sharing details about each course while running tables.
- Executed restaurant opening and closing tasks, including clearing tables, wiping down trays, and reporting to expediter for operational efficiency.
- Cultivated understanding of exceptional service and culinary excellence in a renowned restaurant environment.
- Studied operations of three Michelin star restaurant to understand high standards of service and culinary excellence.
Interviewer and Social Media Rep.
Chicago Independent Venue League
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Interviewed musicians and venue staff across over 20 Chicago independent venues.
- Researched background information on venues and artists, crafting tailored questions to enhance interview quality.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive social media strategies to increase public awareness and engagement.
- Researched and identified new target audiences for social media recruitment, expanding reach and engagement potential.
- Engaged with individuals in spontaneous conversations while filming on location.
Waiter
Pequonnock Dinner
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Managed orders, food delivery, beverage refills, and table resets to ensure rapid turnover and enhance guest satisfaction.
- Delivered prompt, courteous service in a high-volume, 24/7 restaurant.
- Developed extensive knowledge of various cuisines and cooking methods to effectively guide guest choices across diner's large menu.
Waiter
Cyprus
06.2017 - 02.2018
- Anticipated and responded quickly to customer needs, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Developed effective customer interaction skills to provide excellent service in fast-paced, high-volume restaurant.
- Collaborated with colleagues to deliver timely service and ensure guest satisfaction.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kinnelon High School
121 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon, NJ06-2022
Skills
- 9 years restaurant experience
- Menu and beverage knowledge
- Server training and development
- Exceptional customer service
- Strong work ethic
- Initiative taking
- Multitasking ability
- Quality assurance
- Up-selling techniques
- Daily specials memorization
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Server / Bartender
Birdman (Streeterville, Chicago) Chicago
12.2025 - 08.2026
Veg. Chef and Expediter
Sochin
10.2025 - 01.2026
Lead Server
Birdman (Lakeview, Chicago)
03.2025 - 08.2026
Runner
Alinea
10.2023 - 11.2023
Interviewer and Social Media Rep.
Chicago Independent Venue League
01.2023 - 05.2023
Waiter
Pequonnock Dinner
05.2022 - 08.2022
Waiter
Cyprus
06.2017 - 02.2018
High School Diploma -
Kinnelon High School