Mary Ruff
Leo-Cedarville
Summary
Dynamic Front of House Manager at Caruso's Italian Restaurant, skilled in team leadership and service quality assurance. Enhanced customer satisfaction through effective employee training and strategic scheduling, resulting in consistently positive feedback. Proven ability to multitask and optimize sales through expert wine and cocktail pairing and menu development. Efficient and productive professional in the food service management field, skilled at completing tasks with speed and accuracy. Possess strong capabilities in inventory management, staff training, and customer service excellence. Excel in leadership, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring smooth operation of food service establishments. Skilled in coordinating dining room operations, overseeing staff and ensuring customer satisfaction. Known for implementing effective strategies to improve workflow efficiency and team productivity. Demonstrated success in fostering strong relationships with customers while maintaining high levels of professionalism.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Front of House Manager
Caruso's Italian Restaurant
Angola
10.2021 - Current
- Created weekly schedules for staff members based on business needs.
- Controlled and maintained labor costs through careful scheduling.
- Processed customer payments using cash registers or point-of-sale systems.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Developed goals and plans to prioritize, organize and accomplish daily service tasks.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Monitored and evaluated staff performance, providing regular feedback and coaching.
- Coached and developed team members to support employee growth and development.
- Built strong, respectful employee relationships to drive employee satisfaction in high turnover industry.
- Delivered high level of quality service to each patron, resulting in consistent, positive feedback from guests.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Enhanced ambiance and customer experience through strategic layout and design changes in front of house areas.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in all front of house areas to uphold brand standards.
- Monitored customer service to ensure all guests received prompt, friendly, and courteous service.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
Bartender, Server, Catering
Caruso's Italian Restaurant
Angola
04.2007 - Current
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Arranged reception and dining rooms in preparation for the wedding event, including linens on tables and chairs, folding linen napkins, setting tables with silverware, etc., arranging buffets, cutting large cakes, and coordinating service staff for distribution.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Adhered to established sanitation standards at all times while serving food or drinks.
- Communicated with kitchen staff to stay updated on item availability and customer wait times.
- Maintained positive relationships with co-workers and customers alike through friendly communication.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Assisted other servers as needed during peak hours or special events.
- Stocked server areas with supplies before, during and after shifts.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Provided menu recommendations and answered questions regarding food ingredients and preparation methods.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Responded to customer inquiries about menu items or services offered by the restaurant.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while providing excellent customer service.
- Attended to guests needs in a timely manner, ensuring satisfaction throughout their dining experience.
- Delivered beverages, appetizers, entrees, and desserts to guests in an efficient manner.
- Processed payments from customers using cash registers or POS systems.
- Conducted daily side work duties such as polishing glassware and restocking condiments.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Greeted and seated customers promptly, courteously, and professionally.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Complied with safety procedures when handling food items or cleaning materials.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Demonstrated knowledge of alcoholic beverage offerings when making drink suggestions to patrons.
- Completed opening and closing checklists to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Bar Manager
Caruso's Italian Restaurant
Angola
02.2017 - 10.2021
- Implemented training programs for front-of-house staff on service techniques and effective communication.
- Mentored newly hired employees to ensure understanding of company programs and policies.
- Ensured safety by monitoring patron alcohol consumption and managing bar staff performance.
- Optimized labor costs through strategic scheduling aligned with customer demand projections.
- Developed cleaning schedules and stock management practices to minimize health risks.
- Conducted inspections of dining areas for compliance with cleanliness standards and health regulations.
- Boosted revenue by recommending food pairings, creating signature cocktails, and assisting in menu development.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints promptly to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN12-2011
Skills
- Team leadership
- Service quality assurance
- Employee scheduling
- Sales and marketing
- Calm and pleasant demeanor, Professionalism
- Front of house management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Time tracking
- Decision-making
- Wine pairing
- Table allocation
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Front of House Manager
Caruso's Italian Restaurant
10.2021 - Current
Bar Manager
Caruso's Italian Restaurant
02.2017 - 10.2021
Bartender, Server, Catering
Caruso's Italian Restaurant
04.2007 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne
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