Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Melissa “Missie” Ailor Dusett

Richmond

Summary

Dynamic hospitality professional with extensive experience at Ironfish RVA, excelling in customer service and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing guest satisfaction through effective problem-solving and upselling strategies. Skilled in inventory management and maintaining cleanliness standards, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Bartender Shift Manager

Buddy’s Bar

Real Estate Agent

Fathom Realty
09.2012 - Current

As a buyer’s agent:

- assisting buyers through the entire process including understanding buyers’ needs, budgets, and home preferences.

- locating homes that meet criteria, scheduling showings, viewing homes and using my trained eye to recognize any common issues, explain repairs necessary, and pointing out features.

- keeping an update on the market in central Virginia to help buyers make informed, competitive, and financially responsible decision for each individual situation

- helping buyers to prepare an offer using legal documents including: negotiations, inspections, repair requests, due diligence

- acting as a bridge to buyers to facilitate all aspects of a successful closing with an escrow attorney and title company.


As a listing agent:

- walking through a home with a seller and addressing items of concern before going to market

- make staging recommendations and scheduling photography

- handling all MLS input, marketing materials, open house, and legal document facilitation

- schedule all showings, make sure home is presentable for showings

- coordinate all contractors and vendors, if needed

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Ironfish RVA
08.2011 - 10.2014
  • Managed front-of-house operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences and efficient service delivery.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Oversaw inventory management, coordinating supplies to maintain optimal stock levels.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing feedback to improve team effectiveness.
  • Trained and supervised staff on customer service protocols and operational procedures.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely communication and coordination during peak hours.
  • Resolved guest complaints promptly, enhancing overall dining experience through effective problem-solving skills.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends, recommending improvements for service excellence.
  • Mentored new team members on restaurant policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistent guest experiences across shifts.
  • Collaborated with back of house management to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and service staff for optimal dining experiences.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing front-of-house operations and addressing guest concerns promptly.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guests'' needs from arrival through departure.
  • Improved table turnover rates with efficient seating procedures and timely clearing of tables after guests'' departures.
  • Recruited top talent for front of house positions through networking efforts, job fairs, and social media advertising campaigns.
  • Coordinated special events including private parties, catering orders, and community outreach programs to expand the restaurant''s presence within its local market area.
  • Maintained a clean, welcoming environment by overseeing daily cleaning tasks and ensuring adherence to health codes.
  • Resolved conflicts among team members diplomatically while maintaining a positive work atmosphere conducive to collaboration.
  • Increased employee productivity through effective scheduling, training, and performance evaluations for all front of house staff.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings to provide updates, address concerns, and maintain open lines of communication among team members.
  • Monitored guest feedback on review platforms such as Yelp or TripAdvisor; implemented changes based on trends observed in comments received.
  • Implemented inventory control measures to reduce waste, lower food costs, and improve overall profitability.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, securing competitive pricing on products and services for the restaurant.
  • Managed financial aspects such as budgeting, payroll processing, and cash handling procedures to ensure accurate accounting practices.
  • Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
  • Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment.
  • Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
  • Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
  • Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
  • Adhered to safe work practices, food safety regulations, and corporate guidelines.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer satisfaction.
  • Utilized upselling techniques to maximize revenue and increase customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated with suppliers to establish timely delivery of food and beverage items.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with vendors and other business partners to establish trust and build rapport.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
  • Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
  • Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
  • Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Olive Garden Restaurant
09.2002 - 08.2011

Education

Magna Cum Laude Diploma -

Midlothian High School
Midlothian, VA

Biology

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Skills

  • Cleanliness standards
  • Upselling strategies
  • POS system operation
  • Ordering supplies
  • Scheduling staff
  • Waste reduction
  • Employee coaching
  • Health and safety
  • Menu development
  • Promotions and events
  • Beverage making
  • Liquor restocking
  • Customer service
  • Cash register operation
  • Suggestive selling
  • Outgoing personality
  • Inventory
  • Beverage preparation
  • Engaging personality
  • Basic accounting
  • Menu memorization
  • Performance improvement
  • New hire training
  • Customer service expertise
  • Handling difficult customers
  • Creative mixology
  • Responsible alcohol service
  • Highly reliable
  • Dining room management
  • Service-oriented mindset
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • Food running
  • Changing beer kegs
  • Team training and development
  • Payment processing
  • Clear and effective communication
  • Sales expertise
  • Preparing garnishes
  • Food preparation
  • Group reservations management
  • Professional appearance
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Order management
  • Ordering bar supplies
  • Staff management
  • Health codes compliance
  • ABC standards
  • Food service
  • Salesmanship
  • Classic cocktails
  • Elegant food plating
  • Ordering procedures
  • Marketing and sales experience
  • Safe food handling procedures
  • Able to stand number hours
  • Mixology
  • Bar service preparation
  • Financial records oversight
  • Point of sale systems
  • Hospitality and accommodation
  • Cash and credit transactions
  • Glassware management
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Maintaining a clean bar
  • Courteous
  • Safe service compliance
  • Recipe and menu memorization
  • Craft cocktail preparation
  • Beverage supply orders
  • Anticipating guest needs
  • Bar operations management
  • Excellent judgment
  • ABC regulations
  • Bar restocking
  • Menu design
  • Proficient in mixology
  • Reliable and responsible
  • Problem-solving
  • Team leadership
  • Critical thinking
  • Staff supervision
  • Back of house management
  • Relationship building
  • Conflict resolution
  • Inventory management
  • Supply ordering and management

Timeline

Real Estate Agent

Fathom Realty
09.2012 - Current

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Ironfish RVA
08.2011 - 10.2014

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Olive Garden Restaurant
09.2002 - 08.2011

Bartender Shift Manager

Buddy’s Bar

Magna Cum Laude Diploma -

Midlothian High School

Biology

Virginia Commonwealth University
Melissa “Missie” Ailor Dusett