Karla Vara
Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden
Riverside
2
Languages
6
years of professional experience
Detail-oriented restaurant professional with 4+ years of experience supporting fast-paced dining service. Skilled in training new team members, prioritizing tasks, and coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy, food safety, and timely guest service. Consistently supports smooth shift flow through teamwork and strong communication.
Work History
Restaurant Team Member
5 Years 7 Months- Trained new team members on service standards, station setup, and guest interaction expectations.
- Coordinated dining room support to maintain timely food delivery and smooth table turnover.
- Ensured order accuracy by confirming modifications, allergy requests, and guest preferences with kitchen staff.
- Maintained clean, stocked work areas through consistent side work and sanitation procedures.
- Assisted with POS transactions, payment handling, and order entry during high-volume service periods.
- Improved shift efficiency by anticipating needs, prioritizing tasks, and supporting teammates across stations.
- Arrived to work in uniform and presentable appearance to meet restaurant standards.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper cash handling procedures were followed.
- Operated the register to process paymentss and collect cash payment for order totals.
- Trained new employees by demonstrating tasks and coaching during daily activities.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Greeted customers and answered inquiries regarding menu items and specials.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
- Served and assisted diners by carrying plates of food, taking and delivering beverage orders and refilling glasses.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a positive guest experience.
Education
High School Diploma
Associate of Science - Kinesiology
Skills
Order taking
Menu memorization
Food running
Cash handling
Food allergy awareness
Liquor law compliance
Cleaning and sanitizing
Service prioritization
Strong teamwork
Customer interaction
Strong work ethic
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Restaurant Team Member
Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden
04.2021 - CurrentRead More
Riverside City College
Associate of Science from Kinesiology
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Centennial High School
High School Diploma
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