Witness Phakathi
New York
Summary
Experienced in fast-paced environments and adaptable to last-minute changes. Thrives under pressure and consistently earns high marks for work quality and speed.
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Customer-focused individual with a passion for delivering exceptional service. Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for effectively addressing concerns. Committed to improving customer satisfaction and driving positive outcomes.
Adaptable professional with a quick-learning ability and a talent for adjusting to new environments. Skilled in rapidly acquiring new knowledge and applying it effectively. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Captain
Cocos at colette
New York
12.2024 - Current
- Greet, seat, and serve guests, ensuring prompt and accurate order taking.
- Address inquiries, handle complaints, and provide exceptional dining experiences.
- Supervise, train, and motivate front-of-house staff to deliver top-tier service.
- Coordinate with kitchen and staff for seamless service, manage inventory, and ensure cleanliness and safety standards.
- Drive sales through upselling, manage billing, and contribute to overall revenue goals.
- Handle room service orders, collect guest feedback, and resolve disputes efficiently.
IRD Attendant
Avenue Hotel
New York
09.2023 - Current
- Deliver luxury in-room dining experiences, ensuring fine dining presentation and service.
- Manage and process guest orders via phone, PBX, and Digivalet, accurately inputting them into the POS system.
- Expertly prepare and arrange trays with meticulous attention to detail, following mise en place standards.
- Professionally present and serve meals, creating a seamless and elevated guest experience.
- Set up and deliver customized guest amenities to enhance the stay experience.
- Handle all payment methods efficiently while maintaining discretion and professionalism.
- Anticipate guest needs, provide personalized service, and ensure every interaction leaves a lasting impression.
Senior Server
CaféLuxembourg
New York
07.2021 - 12.2024
- Set up tables with linens, utensils, and condiments for a polished dining experience.
- Provide expert menu guidance, including wine and cocktail recommendations.
- Accurately take and relay orders, ensuring special requests are met.
- Maintain table cleanliness, refill beverages, and clear courses promptly.
- Open and serve wine professionally, following service standards.
- Process payments efficiently and handle guest inquiries with professionalism.
- Coordinate with kitchen and bar staff for seamless service.
- Assist with events and ensure compliance with food safety and service standards.
Restaurant Captain
Milo’s
New York
03.2019 - 02.2021
- Greet, seat, and serve guests, ensuring prompt and accurate order taking.
- Address inquiries, handle complaints, and provide exceptional dining experiences.
- Supervise, train, and motivate front-of-house staff to deliver top-tier service.
- Coordinate with kitchen and staff for seamless service, manage inventory, and ensure cleanliness and safety standards.
- Drive sales through upselling, manage billing, and contribute to overall revenue goals.
- Handle room service orders, collect guest feedback, and resolve disputes efficiently.
Restaurant Manager
The grand grill
08.2006 - 02.2011
- Inspected restrooms and dining and serving areas to foster cleanliness and proper setup.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Coached staff on strategies to enhance performance and improve customer relations.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
Education
HIGH SCHOOL -
Barnato High School
Johannesburg 10-1994
Skills
- Inventory management
- Fine dining service
- POS system usage
- Conflict resolution
- Team leadership
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Upselling techniques
- Upselling strategies
- Fine-dining expertise
- Food safety compliance
- Wine pairing
- Payment processing
- Hygiene standards
- Guest relations
- Cash handling expertise
- Reservation management
- Staff scheduling
- Tableside service master
- Team training and development
- POS systems master
Timeline
Restaurant Captain
Cocos at colette
12.2024 - Current
IRD Attendant
Avenue Hotel
09.2023 - Current
Senior Server
CaféLuxembourg
07.2021 - 12.2024
Restaurant Captain
Milo’s
03.2019 - 02.2021
Restaurant Manager
The grand grill
08.2006 - 02.2011
HIGH SCHOOL -
Barnato High School