Christopher Reyes Zelaya
Arlington
Summary
Hardworking professional with proven relationship-building and time management skills in fast-paced restaurant environments. Successful at handling tables of all sizes with accuracy and impeccable service skills. Strives to meet customer needs, drive satisfaction and promote long-term loyalty. Strives to improve with every challenge throw.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Hawkers
Arlington, VA
07.2022 - Current
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Stayed informed about new menu items and promotions.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, and tidying up server stations.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Arranged place settings with napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Crafted high-quality beverages consistently, ensuring adherence to company standards.
- Crafted innovative cocktail recipes to enhance customer experience.
- Trained new staff on beverage preparation, customer service standards, and bar equipment usage.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure timely restocking and minimize waste of supplies.
- Implemented efficient workflow strategies to improve bar service speed during peak hours.
- Developed strong customer relationships through personalized service and attentive interaction.
- Oversaw compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe environment for guests and staff.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Created attractive bar displays by strategically arranging bottles and glasses.
Server
Ted’s Bulletin
Arlington, VA
05.2022 - Current
- Input orders into point of sale system and handled customer payments.
- Maintained calm demeanor during high-volume periods and special events.
- Stocked customer service stations with paper products or beverage preparation items.
- Restocked self-service area with sweeteners, stir sticks and coffee cup sleeves.
- Collected payments and provided accurate change.
- Described menu items to customers and suggested appealing products.
- Developed and maintained relationships with regular customers, recognizing preferences and anticipating needs.
- Monitored and adjusted inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure availability of popular items.
- Customized drink orders based on customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and attention to detail.
- Gave samples of popular coffee and tea blends to create sales opportunities.
- Kept up-to-date records of sales transactions using point-of-sale systems.
- Developed creative recipes for signature coffees or blended drinks unique to the cafe.
- Utilized coffee maker, coffee grinder, milkshake blender, and espresso machine to prepare coffee.
- Repaired minor issues with equipment and handled troubleshooting tasks to keep coffee machines operational.
- Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction by efficiently handling drink orders and inquiries.
- Prepared specialty coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, mochas, and Americanos.
- Prepared and served hot or cold beverages.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, including proper food handling and cleanliness standards.
- Checked temperatures of freezers, refrigerators or heating equipment to verify proper functioning.
- Managed morning rush of customers daily with efficient, levelheaded customer service.
- Maintained clean and organized workspace, enabling coworkers to locate resources and product.
- Labeled containers of milk for use in coffee drinks according to expiration dates.
- Managed cash register and processed transactions with accuracy and integrity.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality service during peak hours.
- Memorized official and off-menu coffee and tea preparations.
- Washed and cleaned coffee maker, coffee grinder, milkshake blender, and espresso machine to remove mineral and hard water deposits.
- Trained new baristas on coffee-making techniques, customer service standards, and operational procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of coffee bean varieties, roasting processes, and brewing methods.
- Implemented promotional activities, including in-store events, to increase customer engagement and sales.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines to pass state inspections.
- Ensured all equipment was maintained in proper working order according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Utilized upselling techniques to promote bakery items and specialty drinks, increasing average order value.
- Demonstrated techniques on using multiple beverage machines with new team members.
- Utilized POS system to receive and process customer payments.
- Recommended pastries and sandwiches to pair with customers' beverages.
- Memorized recipes for specialty coffee beverages and seasonal offerings.
- Maintained a clean work environment by wiping down counters, washing dishes, and cleaning floors.
- Cleaned and sanitized service or seating areas, complying to health protocols and food safety standards.
- Addressed and resolved customer concerns to maintain brand loyalty.
- Followed safety procedures while operating machinery such as grinders and espresso machines.
- Participated in coffee tasting and evaluation to enhance product knowledge and menu development.
- Trained new baristas on company policies and procedures regarding food handling safety standards.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Assisted in the preparation of baked goods including muffins, cookies, croissants, cakes.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wakefield High School
Arlington, VA06-2022
Skills
- Point of sale operation
- Customer service
- Menu knowledge
- Order accuracy
- Food safety
- Conflict resolution
- Inventory management
- Team collaboration
- Employee training
- Upselling techniques
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Sanitation practices
- Specialty beverage preparation
- Positive customer engagement
- Menu item recommendation
- Memory retention
- Server training
- Dietary restrictions knowledge
- Calm demeanor
- Food delivery
- Table bussing
- Dining crew workflow optimization
- Quality control
- Table setting arrangements
- Guest engagement
- Order management
- Table resetting
- Dish preparation
- Professional appearance
- Food station setup
- Specials promotion
- Foreign language proficiency
- Food running
- Task prioritization
- Wine service
- Menu presentation
- Exceptional customer service
- High volume dining
- Bill computation
- Cleanliness standards
- Suggestive selling
- Beverage preparation
- Responsible beverage service
- Performance improvement
- Take-out service
- Food and beverage pairings
- Strong work ethic
- Team member support
- Guest seating
- Hospitality service expertise
- Allergy awareness
- Customer feedback management
- Food spoilage prevention
- Positive and professional
- Multitasking and organization
- Cash handling
- Service prioritization
- Supply restocking
- Price memorization
- Sales techniques
- Patience and tolerance
- Outgoing personality
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Bartender
Hawkers
07.2022 - Current
Server
Ted’s Bulletin
05.2022 - Current
High School Diploma -
Wakefield High School