Vanesa Raya
Seattle
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with a strong work ethic and exceptional customer service skills, honed at Islander Bar and Grill. Proven ability to enhance guest experiences through effective communication and teamwork, while maintaining cleanliness and safety standards. Recognized for training new staff and ensuring order accuracy in high-pressure environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Islander Bar and Grill
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Provided exceptional customer service in high-volume dining environment.
- Assisted in menu presentation and explained daily specials to patrons.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area and service stations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and accuracy.
- Trained new servers on restaurant protocols and customer service standards.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to enhance dining experience.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, reporting shortages to management as needed.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
Food Runner
Islander Bar and Grill
10.2021 - 12.2025
- Delivered food and beverages to customers promptly and accurately.
- Assisted servers in maintaining cleanliness and organization of dining areas.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation and delivery.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies and communicated needs to management.
- Enhanced customer experience by providing exceptional service and support.
- Trained new team members on food running procedures and best practices.
- Resolved customer inquiries and concerns effectively to maintain satisfaction.
- Implemented efficient workflow strategies to streamline food delivery processes.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally during peak hours or unexpected rushes at the restaurant.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritizing duties effectively for maximum productivity.
- Greeted customers and provided outstanding customer service.
- Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure accuracy of orders, minimizing order errors and complaints.
Busser
Islander Bar and Grill
10.2021 - 12.2025
- Maintained cleanliness of dining area, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
- Supported kitchen staff by delivering dishes and refilling supplies as needed
- Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow during peak hours
- Assisted servers by promptly clearing and resetting tables for efficient service
- Monitored inventory levels, restocking items to prevent shortages
- Responded to customer inquiries to ensure a positive dining experience
- Developed familiarity with menu items, assisting guests with recommendations
- Participated in training new staff on operational procedures and best practices
- Reset and cleaned tables quickly to prepare for new customers.
- Trained new staff in bussing and cleaning procedures.
- Reduced wait times for tables by quickly clearing and resetting them after guests departed.
- Organized and cleaned assigned sections by sanitizing and cleaning table, counter, and kitchen surfaces.
- Collaborated with fellow bussers and servers to create an efficient flow during peak hours.
- Kept close eye on customers to quickly spot leaving guests and clear tables for future patrons.
- Worked quickly, communicated with other staff and always looked for better ways of completing tasks to improve productivity and keep tables ready for incoming guests.
- Collected trash, wiped up spills, and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean customer areas.
Hostess
Islander Bar and Grill
05.2023 - 08.2025
- Greeted and seated guests promptly, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
- Managed reservation system, optimizing table turnover and guest flow.
- Collaborated with servers to coordinate timely service and enhance guest satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new staff on seating procedures and customer service standards.
- Handled guest inquiries and complaints efficiently, maintaining high satisfaction levels.
- Monitored dining area for cleanliness and readiness, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff to manage wait times and special requests.
- Adapted to changing priorities during peak hours, maintaining operational efficiency under pressure.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Assisted in training new host staff, sharing best practices for maintaining a professional demeanor and efficient work habits.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Proactively assisted servers during busy times, helping to expedite food delivery and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction throughout their meal.
- Reduced wait times for guests by effectively coordinating with other team members during peak hours.
- Answered phone calls to take orders, give information and document reservations.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Seated patrons based on guest preferences and seating availability.
- Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
- Backed up servers by checking on tables and retrieving items for guests.
- Provided patrons with estimated waiting times during peak service hours.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lopez Middle High School
Lopez Island, WANursing
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06.2029
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Guest engagement
- Professional appearance
- Hospitality service expertise
- Memory retention
- Customer service
- Cleanliness standards
- Safe food handling
- Menu memorization
- Food running
- Service prioritization
- Team collaboration
- Order accuracy
- Supply restocking
- Food safety practices
- Table bussing
- Relationship management
- Dining area maintenance
- Table setting
- Guest seating
- Item promotion
- Table setting knowledge
- Ordering procedures
- Food station setup
- Food delivery
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Server
Islander Bar and Grill
07.2025 - 12.2025
Hostess
Islander Bar and Grill
05.2023 - 08.2025
Food Runner
Islander Bar and Grill
10.2021 - 12.2025
Busser
Islander Bar and Grill
10.2021 - 12.2025
High School Diploma -
Lopez Middle High School
Nursing
University of Washington