James Taylor
Watsonville
Summary
Dynamic and customer-focused professional with extensive experience at Olive Garden, excelling in guest service and sales expertise. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction through exceptional communication and efficient order handling. Skilled in POS system operation and maintaining cleanliness, consistently fostering positive dining experiences and building lasting relationships with patrons.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Server
Olive Garden
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming dining environment for guest comfort and enjoyment.
- Contributed to team success by assisting fellow servers during peak hours, ensuring smooth operations.
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to maintain positive relationships.
- Boosted overall sales by confidently recommending daily specials and upselling menu items.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive and personalized service during busy shifts.
- Managed cash transactions accurately with attention to detail, minimizing discrepancies in daily reports.
- Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Elevated the guest experience by anticipating their needs proactively throughout their visit.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate preparation and prompt delivery of special dietary requests.
- Stayed up-to-date on menu changes to help customers make food choices.
Restaurant Host
Sevy’s Bar & Kitchen
11.2023 - 06.2025
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly greeting and seating guests upon arrival.
- Communicated effectively with servers and kitchen staff to ensure seamless dining experiences for guests.
- Maintained an organized reservation system for efficient guest accommodation and minimized wait times.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Assisted in increasing table turnover rate by promptly clearing and resetting tables after guest departure.
- Monitored wait times accurately, providing accurate estimates of wait time during busy periods while keeping guests informed and engaged.
- Ensured a welcoming atmosphere by maintaining a clean, well-organized, and inviting reception area.
- Supported team morale by fostering positive relationships with coworkers through reliable communication and teamwork efforts.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Handled high-pressure situations with grace, maintaining a calm demeanor and professional attitude during peak hours and unexpected challenges.
- Coordinated large party reservations, ensuring adequate staffing levels and table arrangements to accommodate group needs effectively.
Ice Cream Server
Brusters
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Greeted incoming customers and provided reliable, friendly customer service.
- Explained ice cream flavors, toppings, sundaes, and other frozen concoctions to customers.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring a positive environment for customers and coworkers.
- Managed long lines of customers during peak times while maintaining professionalism under pressure.
- Prepared ice cream orders quickly while adhering to proper food safety guidelines.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service during peak hours.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, promoting trust between the business and its customers.
- Maintained menu knowledge to provide recommendations and answers to customer questions.
- Kept tidy and organized area to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Processed sales transactions for cash, debit, and credit purchases.
Education
Business
Cabrillo College
Aptos, CASkills
- Customer satisfaction
- Order taking
- Organization
- Guest service
- Exceptional communication
- Cleanliness
- Cash handling
- POS system operation
- Order accuracy
- Safe food handling
- Service prioritization
- Alcohol service
- Customer service
- Tray balancing techniques
- Exceptional customer service
- Food running
- Guest engagement
- Table bussing
- Sales expertise
- Guest seating
- Reservation handling
- Effective multitasking
- Professional server
Timeline
Restaurant Host
Sevy’s Bar & Kitchen
11.2023 - 06.2025
Ice Cream Server
Brusters
09.2022 - 02.2023
Restaurant Server
Olive Garden
Business
Cabrillo College
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