Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in [Area of expertise] and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
El Coto Libanes
11.2021 - Current
Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner.
Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
Maintained strict adherence to dietary restrictions, crafting creative alternatives that catered to diverse customer needs.
Significantly reduced preparation times by optimizing kitchen layout and equipment placement.
Fostered positive working environment, encouraging teamwork and open communication among staff.
Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
Restaurant Co-Owner
Zoe Loves Vegan/vegetarian Restaurant
04.2014 - 09.2021
Supervised daily restaurant operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely resolution of any issues that arose.
Delegated work, and monitored food quality and service performance.
Maintained positive relationships with local community and government officials.
Recruited, hired, and trained talented staff to fill vacancies.
Mentored and developed staff members, fostering an environment that promoted professional growth within the team.
Established strong vendor relationships for the consistent sourcing of fresh ingredients at competitive prices.
Led restructuring of restaurant menu and interior design, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and profits.
Planned and executed strategies to increase customer loyalty and retention.
Implemented effective inventory management systems to minimize waste and control food costs.
Sourced vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed efficient deliveries of high-quality supplies.
Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
Oversaw renovation projects that enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the restaurant space, contributing to increased guest satisfaction levels.
Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
Coordinated catering events that showcased the restaurant''s culinary talents while generating additional revenue streams through off-site services.
Developed comprehensive employee manuals outlining operational procedures, company policies, and expectations for enhanced staff performance.
Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
Utilized social media platforms effectively as part of marketing strategy for wider audience reach generating higher foot traffic into establishment.
Store Owner
Zoe Food Projects
09.2015 - 02.2017
Developed a loyal customer base with personalized assistance, attentive listening, and friendly interactions.
Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing agreements and secure high-quality products for the store.
Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
Maintained a clean, organized, and visually appealing store environment to create an inviting shopping experience.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing customer inquiries or concerns promptly.
Restaurant Co-Owner
Zoe Food Organic Restaurant
09.2010 - 05.2016
Created a welcoming atmosphere by designing an inviting restaurant layout and selecting tasteful décor elements.
Led restructuring of restaurant menu and interior design, an organic overview from the food to the ambiance.
Adapted menu offerings seasonally based on customer preferences and availability of fresh ingredients, resulting in dynamic menu options year round.
Established strong relationships with local suppliers for access to fresh ingredients at competitive pricing structures.
Optimized vendor relationships through effective negotiation tactics, securing high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Recruited, hired, and trained talented staff to fill vacancies.
Supervised daily activities of restaurant and 11 employees.
Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
Sourced vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed efficient deliveries of high-quality supplies.
Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Spearheaded menu and staff development through detailed training and facilitation of staff meetings.
Restaurant Consultant
Ecor Natura Si
11.2013 - 06.2014
Led interior design across conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document phases. The first restaurant in an organic supermarket space for the client.
Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay current on industry advancements and forge new connections within the field.
Participated in furniture selection and documentation of specifications.
Assisted clients with budget considerations and made recommendations for furniture, wall hangings and reuse-recycle-vintage items.
Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
Developed strong partnerships with local artisans and craftsmen to incorporate unique elements into custom designs.
Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing timelines and ensuring project completion within agreed deadlines.
Achieved cost-effective project outcomes by reusing and repurposing existing decor elements creatively.
Implemented sustainable design principles, reducing environmental impact with eco-friendly materials and practices.
Optimized menu with fresh offerings and seasonal fare. No waste method hand in hand with the organic supermarket.
Assisted in recruitment efforts by developing job descriptions, interviewing candidates, and evaluating potential hires for fit within the organization''s culture.
Observed restaurant operations, watched staff interactions and ate different foods from established menu.
Collaborated with chefs to create new menu items that catered to evolving consumer tastes and preferences.
Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
Co-Founder
Wine and Marmalade Coffee Shop and Gourmet Store
09.2006 - 07.2009
Evaluated market trends to identify emerging opportunities, like bringing bagels to the island, Ben and Jerry´s ice cream, Illy coffee, and quinoa to the establishment.
Created a welcoming atmosphere by designing an inviting restaurant layout and selecting tasteful décor elements.
Introduced unique events and promotions to drive customer engagement, increasing repeat visits and cultivating loyalty among patrons.
Optimized vendor relationships through effective negotiation tactics, securing high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Collaborated with co-owner on daily operations, ensuring a cohesive management approach to maximize business success.
Maintained positive relationships with local community and government officials.
Sourced vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed efficient deliveries of high-quality supplies.
Restaurant Consultant
Basso Est
03.2005 - 06.2006
Improved customer service policies to maximize satisfaction and build brand loyalty.
Improved customer satisfaction by conducting thorough restaurant evaluations and providing actionable feedback.
Optimized floor plans for better workflow, enhancing table turnover rates and maximizing seating capacity.
Boosted client revenue by identifying opportunities for cost reduction and operational improvements.
Observed restaurant operations, watched staff interactions and ate different foods from established menu.
Collaborated with chefs to create new menu items that catered to evolving consumer tastes and preferences.
Identified operational bottlenecks through regular observation periods resulting in faster service times.
Streamlined communication between kitchen staff, servers, and management to improve overall team cohesion.
Served as an ongoing resource for clients answering questions addressing concerns and providing guidance whenever needed.
Trainer Coordinator
The River Oyster Bar by David Braccha
01.2004 - 02.2005
Trained new servers to uphold company standards in customer service, food handling, and overall professionalism.
Supervised server staff and simultaneously served personal section of tables.
Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders while maintaining food quality standards.
Handled high-pressure situations with poise, ensuring a positive experience for both staff and customers.
Contributed to the restaurant''s reputation for exceptional service by consistently receiving positive reviews from satisfied guests.
Reception Manager
L´albero Nascosto Boutique Hotel
06.2002 - 12.2003
Assisted in the hiring, training, and mentoring of new staff members, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on excellent customer service.
Developed strong relationships with local businesses and vendors, creating valuable partnerships that benefited both parties.
Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient front desk procedures and streamlining check-in/check-out processes.
Streamlined inventory management by establishing an organized system for ordering supplies and tracking usage patterns.
Fostered a welcoming atmosphere for guests upon arrival by maintaining a clean reception area and ensuring prompt assistance from staff members when needed.
Optimized room occupancy rates by closely monitoring reservations and coordinating with housekeeping to ensure timely room availability.
Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
Wine Bar Supervisor
La Tantina De Burgos Restaurant
06.2001 - 05.2002
Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient bar operations and service standards.
Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for wines.
Collaborated with kitchen staff to develop food pairing suggestions for specialty beverages, enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.
Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
Scheduled and rotated staff for adequate coverage and fair distribution of workload.
Completed bar opening and closing procedures.
Restaurant Owner/Operator
El Rincon De Carmela
02.1999 - 04.2001
Maximized dining experience by designing an inviting atmosphere through thoughtful interior design choices and menu selections.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient service processes and training staff on exceptional customer service techniques.
Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure favorable pricing agreements, ensuring timely deliveries of quality products.
Supervised daily activities of restaurant and 12 employees.
Maintained positive relationships with local community and government officials.
Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
Head Server
Fishbone Grill by David Bracha
02.1997 - 01.1999
Increased restaurant revenue by upselling menu items and promoting daily specials.
Trained new servers to uphold company standards in customer service, food handling, and overall professionalism.
Maintained a clean, safe, and welcoming environment through regular monitoring of dining areas and server stations.
Provided support to management in the development and implementation of new policies and procedures, ensuring consistency in service standards across the team.
Contributed to the restaurant''s reputation for exceptional service by consistently receiving positive reviews from satisfied guests.
Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by clearly communicating pertinent information to incoming staff members.
Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders while maintaining food quality standards.
Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to provide prompt and successful service to patrons.
Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
Bakery Supervisor
Biga Bakery and Gourmet Shop
03.1994 - 04.1997
Greeted customers, answered questions and provided great customer experiences.
Packaged and labeled products, checked for accurate pricing and made sure signs were visible.
Inspected baked goods for quality and esthetics prior to displaying and discarded outdated or spoiled items.
Established proper procedures for waste management, sanitation, food handling and safety.
Maintained and controlled inventory of baked goods.
Arranged bakery displays to showcase baked goods, cakes, and pies to drive product sales.
Assistant Manager
Yuca Restaurant
03.1992 - 03.1994
Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
Established a welcoming atmosphere by greeting guests promptly and professionally upon arrival.
Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
Coordinated large parties and events, ensuring seamless service from arrival through departure.
Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
Took reservations by phone and walk-in, keeping scheduling demands, and kitchen output in time to avoid overbooking.
Oversaw the dining room layout and table settings, ensuring compliance with restaurant standards and aesthetics.
Hostess/Admin/Trainer Coordinator/Head Server
Bennigan's Restaurant
09.1987 - 02.1992
Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by handling telephone inquiries while attending to in-person guest needs seamlessly.
Maintained an organized waitlist for busy times, ensuring efficient seating of guests.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by greeting and seating guests promptly upon arrival.
Managed reservations effectively, accommodating special requests and ensuring accurate guest counts.
Collaborated with servers to ensure smooth transitions between tables, minimizing wait times for guests.
Checked and balanced weekend revenue.
Prepared tip share for runners, bussers, service bar and hosts.
Prepared and counted cash for wells fargo pick up.
Trained new staff on the company manual and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.
Optimized existing training programs to better align with company goals and objectives.
Enhanced training efficiency by developing and implementing well-structured lesson plans.
Tested students to assess progress and adapted learning plans in alignment with performance.
Contributed to the restaurant''s reputation for exceptional service by consistently receiving positive reviews from satisfied guests.
Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by clearly communicating pertinent information to incoming staff members.
Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders while maintaining food quality standards.
Managed food resources, memorized orders, and coordinated customer service.
Streamlined dining operations for improved efficiency with effective communication and coordination among team members.
Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
Cashier
Burger King
09.1985 - 08.1987
Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback.
Addressed customer needs and made product recommendations to increase sales.
Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
Education
High School Diploma -
Miami Springs
Miami
06-1990
Skills
Enthusiastic demeanor, enate ability to learn new skills and adjust to changing circumstances
Leadership experience
Team player
Ability to analyze situations, identify issues, and develop solutions