Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Personal Interests
Timeline
Generic

SYDNEY SNELSON

Summary

Highly skilled hospitality professional with 3 years of experience working in fast paced bistro and private function environment. Strong focus on interpersonal communication and customer satisfaction. Knowledgeable about wine and spirits with a keen interest in food pairings. Well versed in the Aloha POS system and Resy. A fast learner who takes pride in attaining knowledge within the workplace and exceeding management standards. Seeking to build upon my skills and learn from industry professionals who are passionate about their work.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Server, Supervisor and Lead Bartender

Mappatura Bistro
Halifax
06.2021 - 11.2022

Mappatura Bistro is a small, family run Italian restaurant focused on providing polished service, simple yet upscale food and a thoughtfully curated wine list.

  • Enhanced upscale dining experience by quickly greeting guests and assessing their needs.
  • Facilitated pre-service food and wine pairing discussions with team in order to improve nightly sales and motivate teammates.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Maintained an attentive and positive rapport with both new and regular guests. Maximized menu knowledge in order to effectively upsell and offer thoughtful suggestions.
  • Cultivated a strong team dynamic that aligned with the restaurants values.
  • Effectively handled difficult situations in a professional manner as the supervisor on duty.

Beverage Product Specialist

Mappatura Bistro
Halifax
07.2022 - 11.2022
  • Worked closely with the restaurant owner to update and maintain a unique and quality beer and wine list. Developed curated Italian themed cocktails for a seasonal beverage list.
  • Sought out beer, wine and spirits to fill in gaps within our beverage program.
  • Arranged product tastings and information sessions with staff and the bar manager. Generated notes based on extensive research of new products in order to help servers and bartenders sell more effectively.
  • Supervised and trained new bartenders on maintaining an organized, functional bar set up, with a main focus on speed optimization.
  • Trained staff to perform professional wine and sparkling wine service to guests.

Lead Bartender

Mappatura Bistro
Halifax
11.2019 - 06.2021
  • Introduced bar staff to precision pouring and waste reduction tactics to lower costs.
  • Maintained inventory of beer, wine, liquor and related bar supplies.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, bar hygiene and sanitary bartending practices.
  • Created signature beverages to increase revenue and guest loyalty. Advertised, marketed and recommended drink options.
  • Managed the demands of a high volume service bar while producing quality drinks at an efficient pace.

Hostess

Mappatura Bistro
HALIFAX
10.2019 - 06.2021
  • Collected reservation information and communicated updates to guests. Tracked the dining progress of seated guests and available seating using Resy.
  • Checked dining and serving areas to verify proper cleanliness and readiness for guests.
  • Developed long-term relationships with customers to increase opportunities for repeat business.
  • Delivered outstanding service and support from initial interaction to final departure, maintaining loyal clientele.
  • Communicated with servers about new tables, changes in food availability and customer comments. Took beverage orders and served drinks during peak meal times.

Economic Development Intern

Spring Garden Area Business Association
Halifax
05.2018 - 09.2020
  • Assisted the Events and Communications Coordinator with creating content for social media, planning annual events and updating the website on Squarespace.
  • Collaborated with the Policy Advocate and Operations Manager to develop a 'journey mapping' workshop that we presented to surrounding business associations, addressing diversity and inclusion within the city.
  • Leveraged Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets skills to input and compile data gathered from surveys our team conducted with a sample population within the Spring Garden Area.
  • Compiled, analyzed and condensed academic journals written by urban development, economic, and city planning experts.

Houseperson

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Halifax
04.2017 - 05.2018
  • Maintained lobbies, guest rooms and halls, keeping safe environment for patrons.
  • Organized supplies for use based on expected customer needs. Checked inventory for required supplies and made lists for needed cleaning products, toiletries and other guest supplies.
  • Employed deep-cleaning techniques for areas in need of additional sanitation. Sanitized and cleaned sinks, mirrors, toilets and showers.

Floor Manager

Bar Brutal
Barcelona
03.2025 - Current
  • Supervised daily operations and staff performance in a busy bar environment.
  • Coordinated inventory management, ensuring stock levels met demand consistently.
  • Trained and mentored new employees on service standards and operational procedures.
  • Implemented effective customer service strategies to enhance guest experiences.
  • Coached team members on customer service techniques and provided feedback on performance.

Server

Bar Brutal
Barcelona
07.2023 - Current
  • Handled food and beverage orders with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Provided excellent customer service to enhance guest experiences.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly to ensure satisfaction.
  • Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
  • Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
  • Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.

Education

Smart Serve Certified -

Smart Serve Ontario
12.2022

Wine Appreciation

Bishops Cellar
02.2020

Bachelor of Arts -

Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS

High School Diploma -

Lorne Park Secondary School
Mississauga, ON
2013

Skills

  • Professional Service Standards
  • Takes initiative
  • Ensuring customer satisfaction
  • Leadership skills
  • Works efficiently under pressure
  • Upselling and Cross Selling
  • Attention to detail while anticipating guest needs
  • Food and wine pairings
  • Conflict and Complaint Resolution
  • Maintains a tidy and sanitary workspace

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Elementary
Spanish
Elementary

Personal Interests

  • Travel, food and cooking
  • Natural and biodynamic wine practices
  • Sustainable fashion

Timeline

Floor Manager

Bar Brutal
03.2025 - Current

Server

Bar Brutal
07.2023 - Current

Beverage Product Specialist

Mappatura Bistro
07.2022 - 11.2022

Server, Supervisor and Lead Bartender

Mappatura Bistro
06.2021 - 11.2022

Lead Bartender

Mappatura Bistro
11.2019 - 06.2021

Hostess

Mappatura Bistro
10.2019 - 06.2021

Economic Development Intern

Spring Garden Area Business Association
05.2018 - 09.2020

Houseperson

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
04.2017 - 05.2018

Smart Serve Certified -

Smart Serve Ontario

Wine Appreciation

Bishops Cellar

Bachelor of Arts -

Dalhousie University

High School Diploma -

Lorne Park Secondary School
SYDNEY SNELSON