Karen Hester
San Diego
Summary
Motivated professional focused on maximizing customer satisfaction with delicious foods. Effective at training, disciplining and motivating staff to achieve new heights of skill and performance. Proven history in team leadership, group time management and multitasking.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2001
2001
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Deli Manager
Sprouts Farmer Market
San Diego
10.2020 - Current
- Managed daily operations of deli department, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Oversaw inventory management, including ordering and receiving products efficiently.
- Trained and supervised deli staff on food preparation and customer service techniques.
- Ensured product quality by conducting regular inspections of perishable items.
- Implemented processes for waste reduction and efficient use of resources.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints effectively to enhance satisfaction levels.
- Trained new employees on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
- Monitored daily sales reports to maximize profitability.
- Supervised deli staff to ensure efficient customer service.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Managed daily operations of the deli including staffing, scheduling, merchandising.
- Addressed employee performance issues promptly while also providing feedback and coaching as needed.
- Reviewed invoices from vendors for accuracy prior to payment processing.
- Established policies and procedures for the safe storage and rotation of food products.
- Reduced costs by controlling portion sizes and eliminating all types of waste.
- Performed periodic audits of cash registers for accuracy in transactions and pricing.
- Enforced company policies and procedures while maintaining a positive work environment.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Coached staff on strategies to enhance performance and improve customer relations.
- Managed team workflow to ensure efficient store operations and customer service.
- Implemented loss prevention measures to minimize shrinkage and enhance security.
- Balanced end-of-day deposits using bank deposit slips in accordance with company procedures.
- Operated POS system to process payments from customers.
- Supervised bank deposits and security procedures to support store opening and closing.
Server, Expediter, Head trainer
Cheesecake Factory Inc
San Diego
03.2005 - 05.2020
- Provided excellent customer service to enhance dining experience.
- Took and processed orders accurately and efficiently.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery.
- Assisted in training new servers on menu items and service standards.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved complaints promptly.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
- Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Coordinated orders with kitchen staff and waitstaff for timely meal delivery.
- Streamlined communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
- Monitored food presentation and portion control to maintain quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance order accuracy and speed.
- Maintained a clean and organized expediting area for optimal workflow efficiency.
- Inspected finished plates for quality assurance purposes before serving them.
- Monitored food preparation times to ensure freshness of dishes served.
- Trained new servers on menu items and service standards.
- Organized role-playing scenarios to simulate real-life service situations.
- Provided feedback to servers to promote continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements that could enhance server efficiency.
- Ensured all servers are knowledgeable about menu items and able to answer questions from customers.
- Provided classroom instruction in areas such as customer service techniques, product knowledge and sales techniques.
Bank Teller
BB&T
Winston-Salem
02.2017 - 10.2017
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently at a leading financial institution.
- Assisted customers with account inquiries and banking services in a friendly manner.
- Managed cash drawer, ensuring proper balancing at the end of each shift.
- Conducted routine audits of cash and checks to ensure compliance with policies.
- Handled large sums of money with accuracy while maintaining appropriate levels of security.
- Provided exceptional customer service to customers by answering inquiries, resolving complaints and processing transactions in a timely manner.
- Maintained confidentiality of bank records, transactions and customer information.
- Served large number of customers during high volume shifts and remained composed and professional in stressful situations.
Education
AL Brown High
Kannapolis, NCSkills
- Inventory management
- Food safety compliance
- Staff training
- Customer service enhancement
- Works great under pressure
- Self motivated
- Very detailed oriented
- Fast learner
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Deli Manager
Sprouts Farmer Market
10.2020 - Current
Bank Teller
BB&T
02.2017 - 10.2017
Server, Expediter, Head trainer
Cheesecake Factory Inc
03.2005 - 05.2020
AL Brown High