Zain Ahmed
Woodbridge
Summary
Hospitality professional with over a decade of experience in both casual and fine-dining environments, specializing in dining service, private events, and front-of-house operations. Proven track record of delivering elevated guest experiences, driving revenue through skilled upselling and product knowledge, and maintaining standards and consistency under pressure in fast-paced, detail oriented service settings. Recognized for leadership capabilities including staff training, shift support, and operational coordination across service teams. Currently expanding advanced wine knowledge through WSET certification, with a focused goal of advancing into top-tier dining environments within luxury hospitality with continued growth in hospitality service and beverage expertise.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Front of House Supervisor, Private Dining Captain
Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood
Ashburn, VA
11.2024 - Current
- Lead Private Events up to 140+ guests and $50k+ minimums, ensuring high end service execution and guest satisfaction
- Serve as both Private Dining Captain and Front of House Supervisor, coordinating service flow, staffing, guest concern resolution, and event execution
- Head Trainer responsible for creating training programs and developing new hires and service staff within dining standards
- Consistently ranked among top-performing servers in metrics such as Check Averages, PPA, LBW PPA, Sales, and Guest Feedback
- Execute upselling strategies driving Food and Beverage revenue through product knowledge and guest engagement
- ServSafe Food Handler Certified (Active), WSET Wine Certification (In Progress)
Lead Server / Bartender
Maggiano's Little Italy
Springfield, VA
10.2022 - 11.2024
- Lead closing shifts as one of the Head Servers, ensuring smooth FOH Operations, service recovery, and end of night execution
- Ranked among top performing servers in the entire brand in metrics such as PPA, Guest Reviews, as Feature Menu Item sales
- Served as bartender responsible for high-volume well service during weekend shifts
- Trained and Onboarded new servers in service standards, menu knowledge, and POS systems
Back Office Supervisor
Mario's Pizza House (Family Business)
Arlington, VA
04.2020 - 10.2022
- Managed daily financial operations including cash reconciliation, bank deposits, and end of day reporting
- Maintained Excel based tracking systems for sales, expenses, and inventory
- Handled onboarding and hiring for new employees, supporting hiring and compliance processes
- Coordinated inventory and delivery documentation, order tracking, and inventory management
- Assisted with general business administrative support
Server
Maggiano's Little Italy
Springfield, VA
12.2017 - 03.2020
- Delivered high-volume table service in a fast-paced casual dining environment with a strong eye for guest experience
- Consistently maintained accuracy, speed, and item knowledge while managing multiple tables during peak service periods
- Developed foundational skills in dining service standards, guest communication, and FOH teamwork
- Recognized for reliability and performance
Food Runner / Server
On the Border Mexican Cantina
Woodbridge, VA
11.2014 - 12.2017
- Supported FOH Operations by running food, running expo, bussing tables, and supporting serving staff
- Promoted to Server at age 18 based on performance, reliability, and demonstration of an understanding of service flow
Education
Associate of Science -
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA12-2019
Skills
- Fine Dining & Guest Experience
- Private Dining / Event Service Execution
- FOH Operations & Shift Leadership
- Staff Training and Onboarding
- Fine Wine and Beverage Knowledge
- ServSafe Certified
- Inventory Management
- Conflict Resolution and Guest Recovery
- Excel, SharePoint, MS Office, CrunchTime, & SalesForce proficient
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification (Active)
- WSET Level 1 Award in Wines (In Progress)
Timeline
Front of House Supervisor, Private Dining Captain
Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood
11.2024 - Current
Lead Server / Bartender
Maggiano's Little Italy
10.2022 - 11.2024
Back Office Supervisor
Mario's Pizza House (Family Business)
04.2020 - 10.2022
Server
Maggiano's Little Italy
12.2017 - 03.2020
Food Runner / Server
On the Border Mexican Cantina
11.2014 - 12.2017
Associate of Science -
Northern Virginia Community College