WITNESS PHAKATHI
New York
Summary
Fine dining server with 15+ years of experience in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and private members clubs. Known for refined service, expert menu and wine knowledge, and consistently exceeding guest expectations. Skilled in upselling, guest relations, and delivering polished, detail-driven service.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Fine Dining Server / Captain
COCOS at Colette
New York
12.2024 - Current
- Deliver high-level fine dining service with precise timing and attention to detail.
- Guide guests through food and beverage offerings with refined service etiquette.
- Coordinate with culinary and bar teams to ensure accurate and timely order execution.
- Utilize upselling strategies to increase check averages and guest satisfaction.
- Members Club
In-Room Dining Server
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
New York
09.2023 - 06.2025
- Executed luxury in-room dining service in accordance with Forbes/LQA standards.
- Handled guest orders through PBX and Digivalet with accurate POS entry.
- Ensured premium presentation, punctual delivery, and personalized guest interaction.
Fine Dining Server
Café Luxembourg
New York
07.2021 - 12.2024
- Delivered polished service in a high-volume French-American bistro.
- Provided knowledgeable recommendations on wine and menu items.
- Ensured accurate ordering and coordinated smoothly with kitchen and bar teams.
Restaurant Captain
Milo’s
New York
03.2019 - 02.2021
- Led floor service, ensuring seamless guest experiences during peak dining periods.
- Managed seating flow and supported service teams to maintain elevated standards.
- Engaged guests with professionalism and attentive service.
Restaurant Manager / Senior Server
The Grand Grill
08.2006 - 02.2011
- Oversaw front-of-house dining operations with a focus on guest satisfaction.
- Supported premium service delivery during busy periods.
- Dubai, UAE
Education
High School Diploma -
Barnato High School
Johannesburg, South AfricaSkills
- Fine Dining & Luxury Service
- Guest Service & Relations
- Wine & Menu Knowledge
- Upselling & Sales
- POS & Order Management
- Communication & Conflict Resolution
- Coordination with Kitchen & Bar
- LQA / Forbes Standards
Timeline
Fine Dining Server / Captain
COCOS at Colette
12.2024 - Current
In-Room Dining Server
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
09.2023 - 06.2025
Fine Dining Server
Café Luxembourg
07.2021 - 12.2024
Restaurant Captain
Milo’s
03.2019 - 02.2021
Restaurant Manager / Senior Server
The Grand Grill
08.2006 - 02.2011
High School Diploma -
Barnato High School