Zachary Simmons
Hawthorne,NJ
Summary
Dedicated professional with strong background in the coffee industry. Skilled in beverage preparation, team mentorship, and ensuring exceptional service quality. Ready to leverage expertise in training and compliance to drive operational success and enhance customer experiences.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Barista Trainer
Starbucks
12.2025 - Current
- Trained new baristas on beverage preparation and customer service techniques.
- Conducted regular assessments of barista performance and provided constructive feedback.
- Implemented best practices for equipment maintenance and cleanliness standards.
- Ensured adherence to Starbucks' quality standards in all beverage preparations.
- Mentored team members, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Trained new team members with positive reinforcement and respectful, encouraging coaching.
- Improved barista skills through one-on-one training sessions and practical demonstrations.
- Taught proper procedures and strategies for success to new employees.
- Customized training strategies based on individual barista knowledge, experience, and strengths.
- Increased employee retention by fostering a positive, supportive work atmosphere.
- Trained new employees, sharing knowledge and expertise of coffees, teas, and merchandise.
Barista
Starbucks
06.2025 - Current
- Prepared high-quality beverages following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to ensure efficient service flow.
- Provided exceptional customer service by actively listening and addressing customer preferences.
- Monitored inventory levels, reporting shortages to management for timely replenishment.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline order processing during peak hours, enhancing service speed.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Managed time effectively to balance both front-of-house tasks and back-of-house responsibilities during busy periods.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Assisted in inventory management to maintain adequate stock levels and reduce wastage.
- Educated customers on coffee offerings, promoting upselling opportunities and enhancing their overall experience.
- Streamlined order processing through accurate cash handling and efficient use of the point-of-sale system.
- Showcased versatility by assisting in other areas of the café as needed, including food preparation or table service when required.
- Demonstrated expertise in various brewing techniques, ensuring consistent quality across all drinks served.
- Adapted quickly to high-volume periods by efficiently managing tasks and delegating responsibilities among team members.
Valet Parking Supervisor
Glen Toyota
11.2024 - 05.2025
- Supervised daily valet operations, ensuring timely vehicle retrieval and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored valet staff on best practices and safety protocols.
- Implemented efficient parking strategies to enhance workflow and reduce wait times.
- Coordinated with management to optimize staffing levels during peak hours.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, enhancing overall guest experience and service quality.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of parking areas, promoting a professional environment.
- Continuously monitored parking lot capacity to optimize space utilization and minimize congestion during peak hours.
- Upheld exceptional standards of cleanliness throughout valet areas, contributing to a positive impression on guests.
Server
Bareburger
05.2024 - 03.2025
- Delivered excellent customer service in fast-paced environment, ensuring guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- Managed food and beverage orders efficiently, minimizing wait times during peak hours.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain high-quality food presentation and accuracy in orders.
- Trained new servers on menu items, service standards, and operational procedures to enhance team performance.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, adhering to health and safety regulations consistently.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and enhancing guest experience.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- 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.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
Counter Supervisor
Puzo's Family Restaurant
06.2021 - 08.2023
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient customer service and order accuracy.
- Trained new staff on restaurant procedures and best practices for customer interactions.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies for kitchen and service areas.
- Implemented strategies to enhance workflow efficiency during peak hours.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to streamline food preparation and delivery processes.
- Monitored cash handling procedures to ensure financial integrity at the counter.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly to maintain satisfaction standards.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints in a timely manner.
- Trained associates on product specifications, merchandising, counter organization and retail sales.
- Managed cash register transactions, ensuring accuracy and proper handling of cash deposits.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - HVAC
Universal Technical Institute
Bloomfield, NJ07-2027
Associate of Applied Science - Civil Engineering
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT06-2027
Associate of Applied Science - Undeclared
Bergen Community College
Paramus, NJ06-2027
Skills
- Leadership experience
- Health and safety compliance
- Cleanliness standards
- Milk steaming
- Barista mentoring
- Coffee expertise
- Sales expertise
Accomplishments
- First Degree Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts
- American Legion Jersey Boys State Alumni
- Envision engineering program scholar
Timeline
Barista Trainer
Starbucks
12.2025 - Current
Barista
Starbucks
06.2025 - Current
Valet Parking Supervisor
Glen Toyota
11.2024 - 05.2025
Server
Bareburger
05.2024 - 03.2025
Counter Supervisor
Puzo's Family Restaurant
06.2021 - 08.2023
Associate of Applied Science - HVAC
Universal Technical Institute
Associate of Applied Science - Civil Engineering
University of New Haven
Associate of Applied Science - Undeclared
Bergen Community College