Maria F Matadamas
Phelan
Summary
Dynamic server with a strong work ethic and exceptional customer service skills, honed at IHOP. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through effective suggestive selling and meticulous order accuracy. Recognized for fostering team collaboration and maintaining cleanliness standards, contributing to a welcoming dining environment and increased repeat business.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
IHOP
08.2021 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service in high-paced dining environment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area for optimal guest experience.
- Assisted customers with menu selections and dietary restrictions, enhancing satisfaction.
- Processed transactions accurately using point-of-sale (POS) system, ensuring smooth operations.
- Educated team members on operational procedures.
- Addressed customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly to maintain positive relationships.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
Server
IHOP
2020 - 2021
- Trained new team members on service standards and operational procedures.
- Monitored inventory levels and communicated needs to management for efficient stock control.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Trained new staff on menu knowledge and service protocols, raising team's overall performance.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Kept up with fast-paced environments, ensuring timely delivery of orders during peak hours.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy and timely preparation of dishes.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that increased guest satisfaction.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and processed transactions swiftly, contributing to restaurant's financial accuracy.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Managed inventory of dining supplies to prevent shortages during service.
Expo Runner
IHOP
2019 - 2020
- Coordinated timely delivery of food items to tables, ensuring prompt service and customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of dining area, enhancing overall guest experience.
- Monitored inventory levels, notifying management of shortages to prevent service disruptions.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure efficient order processing and communication during peak hours.
- Assisted chefs with plating dishes, ensuring a visually appealing presentation for guests.
- Upheld quality control measures by monitoring temperature logs and consistently checking food storage areas for compliance.
- Maintained clear communication channels with kitchen staff to address any issues or discrepancies in orders promptly.
- Adhered to strict hygiene standards, minimizing potential contamination risks for guests.
- Achieved a fast-paced work environment through focus on speed and accuracy while assembling dishes according to chef''s specifications.
- Promoted waste reduction initiatives within the kitchen, repurposing or properly disposing of unused ingredients.
- Delivered food orders from kitchen to customers' tables.
- Collaborated with servers to ensure timely delivery of orders, reducing wait times for customers.
- Maintained a clean and organized expo station, improving efficiency in the kitchen.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly adjusting to changes in menu items or special requests from guests.
- Handled high-pressure situations gracefully under stress, ensuring all orders were completed accurately and efficiently.
Server
IHOP
02.2014 - 2019
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Contributed to inventory management by monitoring stock levels.
- Increased sales by suggesting additional items like desserts and drinks based on customers' orders.
- Facilitated team-oriented atmosphere, assisting coworkers during rush periods to ensure smooth operations.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Assisted in planning and execution of special events, contributing to restaurant's reputation for hosting.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Supported needs of Number- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Type restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
- Provided exceptional customer service in high-paced dining environment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery.
- Processed transactions accurately using point-of-sale (POS) system, ensuring smooth operations.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
Education
High School Diploma -
Penn Foster College
Scottsdale, AZ07.2021
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Cash handling
- Guest engagement
- Hospitality service expertise
- Memory retention
- Customer service
- Cleanliness standards
- Safe food handling
- Menu memorization
- Food running
- High volume dining
- Service prioritization
- Team collaboration
- Order accuracy
- Supply restocking
- Quality control
- Table bussing
- Suggestive selling
- Allergy awareness
- Beverage preparation
- Task prioritization
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Server
IHOP
08.2021 - Current
Server
IHOP
02.2014 - 2019
Server
IHOP
2020 - 2021
Expo Runner
IHOP
2019 - 2020
High School Diploma -
Penn Foster College