Vanessa Smith
West Fork
Summary
Dedicated server with a strong work ethic, offering exceptional customer service and sales expertise. Known for enhancing guest satisfaction through effective problem-solving and personalized service in high-volume dining environments.
Professional hospitality worker with extensive experience in delivering high-quality service in busy dining settings. Known for strong focus on teamwork and achieving customer satisfaction. Versatile and reliable, adapting to changing needs and ensuring smooth operations through excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server, Shuttle Driver, Cook
Holiday Inn Hotel
03.2022 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction and retention.
- Managed food and beverage orders efficiently, ensuring timely delivery to guests.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate menu specials and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Trained new servers on restaurant procedures and standards to maintain service quality.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to meet health and safety regulations.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking supplies and reporting shortages promptly.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring balanced registers at end of shifts.
- Resolved guest complaints effectively, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and professionalism.
- 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.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- 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.
- 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.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
Opening Cook, Server
Doubletree Club By Hilton
11.2016 - 03.2022
- Prepared diverse menu items adhering to quality standards and presentation guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes and reduce wait times.
- Trained new staff on kitchen procedures, enhancing team performance and service consistency.
- Supervised kitchen staff during peak hours, maintaining high standards of food quality and service speed.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Manager
Wagon Wheel Country Cafe
06.2015 - 10.2016
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
- Trained and mentored staff to enhance customer service skills and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for improved team performance.
- Coordinated inventory management, optimizing stock levels to minimize waste and reduce costs.
- Analyzed customer feedback to drive menu improvements and elevate dining experience.
- Led team meetings to communicate goals, establish priorities, and foster collaboration among staff.
- Streamlined scheduling processes, enhancing staff coverage during peak hours for better service delivery.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Monitored financial performance, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Fork
West Fork, AR05-2003
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Cash handling
- Guest engagement
- Hospitality service expertise
- Professional appearance
- Memory retention
- Customer service
- Cleanliness standards
- Safe food handling
- Menu memorization
- Food running
- High volume dining
- Service prioritization
- Team collaboration
- Sales expertise
- Sales techniques
- Order accuracy
- Supply restocking
- Quality control
- Food safety practices
- Performance improvement
- Table bussing
- Suggestive selling
- Guest relations management
- Point of sale operation
- Relationship management
- Dining area maintenance
- Allergy awareness
- Table setting
- Table setting knowledge
Certification
- Certified servsafe, Holiday Inn -
Timeline
Server, Shuttle Driver, Cook
Holiday Inn Hotel
03.2022 - Current
Opening Cook, Server
Doubletree Club By Hilton
11.2016 - 03.2022
Manager
Wagon Wheel Country Cafe
06.2015 - 10.2016
High School Diploma -
West Fork