Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Melvin Cortez

Calgary,Alberta

Summary

Experienced and dedicated Hardworking Head Waiter with a decade of serving experience in the Restaurant/Food and Beverage industry. Skilled in training employees on POS systems and resolving conflicts effectively. Committed to enhancing both customer and employee experiences, while driving sales. Customer-oriented Wait Staff Member prioritizing guest satisfaction through excellent interpersonal communication skills. Licensed for the preparation and sale of alcoholic beverages, well-versed in bar procedures and liquor laws. Expertise in food and beverage operations and guest services, excelling in managing both large-scale events and intimate gourmet dining or afternoon tea services. Building strong relationships with customers is a specialty, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Waiter

Hotel Novotel Jazan
10.2018 - 09.2024
  • Developed strong rapport with returning guests, leading to increased customer loyalty and positive reviews.
  • Cross-trained new staff on guest services expectations, safety procedures, proper food handling, and restaurant protocols
  • Trained staff members on use of POS system.
  • Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
  • Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
  • Supervised server staff and simultaneously served personal section of tables.
  • Utilized knowledge of menu offerings to upsell specials and premium dishes, contributing positively to the restaurant''s overall revenue.
  • Successfully resolved customer complaints, ensuring satisfaction and maintaining a positive atmosphere.
  • Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
  • Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
  • Upheld high standards of professionalism when dealing with customer issues, supporting serving staff, and waiting on tables.
  • Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
  • Managed food resources, memorized orders, and coordinated customer service.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery for guest satisfaction.
  • Improved communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams, resulting in smoother operations during peak hours.
  • Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
  • Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
  • Increased overall restaurant efficiency by effectively managing and delegating tasks to the wait staff.
  • Managed scheduling for waitstaff while considering individual availability requests ensuring appropriate coverage during busy times.
  • Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
  • Stored food in designated containers and storage areas to increase shelf life, improve kitchen organization, and provide easy access during busy peak service times.
  • Maintained accurate inventory of restaurant supplies, reducing waste and controlling costs.
  • Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
  • Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.

Waiter

RAMADA CONTINENTAL JEDDAH
03.2014 - 09.2018
  • Maintained high level of customer service and professionalism this was able to gain regular clientele
  • Ability to memorize orders, tables and cash out customers within short period of time
  • Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
  • Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
  • Maintained a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
  • Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
  • Provided support during busy periods by assisting other servers in cleaning tables and resetting them quickly for incoming guests.
  • Handled customer complaints diplomatically, working towards satisfactory solutions that ultimately retained loyal clientele.
  • Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
  • Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper accounting and minimizing discrepancies at the end of shifts.
  • Complied with all company policies regarding uniform standards, punctuality, and professionalism.
  • Communicated with kitchen staff to enable accurate food preparation.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure special requests or dietary restrictions were accurately communicated and accommodated for guests.
  • Contributed to the restaurant''s positive reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service and building rapport with regular patrons.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure seamless guest experiences and resolve any issues promptly.
  • Participated in monthly inventory checks, helping management maintain adequate stock levels and reduce waste costs.
  • Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
  • Ensured food safety compliance by adhering to proper handling procedures when serving dishes.
  • Reduced order errors by double-checking tickets before sending them to the kitchen staff for preparation.
  • Folded napkins and prepared silverware sets to provide adequate supply for host station.
  • Streamlined order processing for increased efficiency through clear communication with kitchen staff.
  • Collaborated closely with bartenders to fulfill beverage orders accurately while managing patron expectations efficiently.
  • Assisted in training new waitstaff, sharing best practices and improving overall team performance.
  • Demonstrated extensive menu knowledge, enabling personalized recommendations for guests based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Promoted specials or upsold items to increase average check amount.
  • Met with chef to review daily specials and menu changes.
  • Checked customers' IDs to verify age in compliance with minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
  • Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
  • Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
  • Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
  • Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.

Skills

  • Menu presentation
  • Guest Relations Management
  • High-volume dining
  • Menu Memorization
  • Wine pairing
  • Dining area maintenance
  • Team Supervision
  • Table Setting
  • Relationship Management
  • Sales Techniques
  • Fine-dining expertise
  • Upselling techniques

References

  • Mr. Moozhikkal Musthafa, F&B Manager, Ramada Continental Jeddah, +00966508257882
  • Mr. Tamer Gerges, F&B Manager, Hotel Novotel Jazan, +96655 781 1139

Languages

English
Full Professional
Arabic
Professional Working

Timeline

Head Waiter

Hotel Novotel Jazan
10.2018 - 09.2024

Waiter

RAMADA CONTINENTAL JEDDAH
03.2014 - 09.2018
Melvin Cortez