Zoë Eldridge
Birmingham,USA
Summary
Hospitality professional with progressive leadership experience in fine dining and bar operations, including management roles at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille and El Royale. Known for creating welcoming, guest-focused environments while supporting and developing strong service teams. Experienced in front-of-house coordination, inventory oversight, staff training, and maintaining high service standards in fast-paced settings. Brings a hands-on leadership style, clear communication, and a commitment to operational excellence and memorable guest experiences.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Bar Manager
El Royale Cafe
Huntsville, AL
05.2025 - 02.2026
- Managed inventory levels and established ordering protocols.
- Ordered and maintained an adequate supply of alcoholic beverages, glassware, garnishes, ice, napkins, straws and other items needed for drinks.
- Directed full bar operations including staffing, scheduling, inventory management, vendor relations, and financial oversight
- Increased bar profitability through cost control measures, strategic product placement, and cocktail program optimization
- Maintained liquor cost targets through disciplined inventory tracking and waste reduction strategies
- Recruited, trained, and developed bartenders to ensure consistent service execution and elevated guest engagement
- Strengthened guest retention through relationship-building and hands-on leadership during peak service hours
- Ensured full compliance with ABC regulations, health standards, and internal policies
Service & Host Manager
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Birmingham, AL
05.2023 - 04.2024
- Led front-of-house operations in a high-volume, fine-dining environment
- Oversaw host team coordination, reservation systems, guest flow management, and floor pacing strategies
- Supervised and coached service staff to maintain elevated hospitality standards
- Resolved guest concerns with professionalism, preserving brand reputation and loyalty
- Collaborated with executive leadership and culinary teams to ensure seamless service execution
- Assisted with onboarding and performance development initiatives
Server
Perrys Steakhouse & Grille
Birmingham, AL
03.2022 - 05.2023
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing guest inquiries and ensuring a positive dining experience.
- Managed table settings and maintained cleanliness, contributing to an inviting atmosphere for all guests.
Server
Redlands Grill
Birmingham, AL
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
Cashier/Food Handler
Chipotle Grill
Auburn, AL
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Performed cash, card and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Streamlined checkout process for increased efficiency and reduced waiting times.
- Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
- Contributed to store success by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility.
- Demonstrated product features, answered questions and redirected objections to highlight positive aspects.
Lash Technician
Self Employed
Auburn, AL
02.2021 - 01.2022
- Maintained full schedule of appointments with over 20 clients per week.
- Consulted with clients to understand desired look and discuss available lash options.
- Utilized exceptional customer service skills throughout lash consultations and services.
- Followed correct processes to apply lash extensions to clients' natural lashes.
- Ensured optimal sanitation and safety by maintaining a clean work environment and adhering to strict hygiene standards.
Cashier/ Server
Zoners
Auburn, AL
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from customers.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Provided exceptional service by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and answering questions knowledgeably.
- Entered food and beverage orders into POS system.
Server
Twin Peaks
Montgomery, AL
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
Cashier
Voodoo Wings
Auburn, AL
07.2019 - 10.2019
- Encouraged customers to make additional purchases by highlighting current deals and keeping lane well-stocked.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, contributing to a positive customer experience.
- Performed cash, card and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Suggested and described items based on guest preferences.
Key Holder/Cashier/Retail Sales Associate
Journeys
Auburn, AL
02.2019 - 06.2019
- Assisted with team responsibilities by cleaning, managing cash registers, and product merchandising.
- Assisted customers in locating specific items they were looking for quickly resulting in an increase of overall client satisfaction.
- Contributed to store profitability by identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling products.
- Marked-down clearance items and relocated merchandise to proper store areas.
- Prepared bank deposits, and drafted sales reports to keep daily processes running smoothly.
Cashier/Food Server
Nothing But Noodles
Huntsville, AL
11.2017 - 12.2018
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Proactively addressed long lines by opening additional registers when necessary, enhancing customer experience.
- Exceeded productivity goals through consistent attention to detail and organization during busy shifts.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
Server
Waffle House
Huntsville, AL
07.2017 - 11.2017
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Retail Sales Associate
Bella Divine
Huntsville, AL
03.2017 - 06.2017
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
Cashier/Retail Sales Associate
Aeropostale
Huntsville, AL
10.2016 - 01.2017
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions and highlighted sales to customers.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
- Worked with floor team and managers to meet wide range of customer needs.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain clean, well-stocked store environment.
Education
Cosmetology Education -
Aveda Institute Birmingham
Birmingham, AL 08.2022 - 01.2024
Auburn University - Marketing
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 08.2017 - 05/2022
High School Diploma -
Huntsville High School
Huntsville, ALSkills
- Bar and Restaurant Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Culture and Morale Building
- Revenue Optimization
- Fine- Dining Service Standards
- Guest Relations and Retention
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Problem Solving
- Cash Handling
Timeline
Bar Manager
El Royale Cafe
05.2025 - 02.2026
Service & Host Manager
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
05.2023 - 04.2024
Cosmetology Education -
Aveda Institute Birmingham
08.2022 - 01.2024
Server
Redlands Grill
08.2022 - 02.2023
Server
Perrys Steakhouse & Grille
03.2022 - 05.2023
Cashier/Food Handler
Chipotle Grill
06.2021 - 07.2022
Lash Technician
Self Employed
02.2021 - 01.2022
Cashier/ Server
Zoners
02.2021 - 05.2021
Server
Twin Peaks
11.2019 - 12.2020
Cashier
Voodoo Wings
07.2019 - 10.2019
Key Holder/Cashier/Retail Sales Associate
Journeys
02.2019 - 06.2019
Cashier/Food Server
Nothing But Noodles
11.2017 - 12.2018
Auburn University - Marketing
Auburn University
08.2017 - 05/2022
Server
Waffle House
07.2017 - 11.2017
Retail Sales Associate
Bella Divine
03.2017 - 06.2017
Cashier/Retail Sales Associate
Aeropostale
10.2016 - 01.2017
High School Diploma -
Huntsville High School