Stephanie Branquet

Customer-oriented server with excellent interpersonal and communication skills focused on guest satisfaction. Recognized food and beverage expert with over 10 years of experience . Licensed in preparation and sale of alcoholic beverages, bar procedures and liquor laws. Possess dynamic presence and flare to enhance customer experiences. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

03/23-Current

Server/bartender
Offshore Rooftop – 1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60611

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.

Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.

Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests. 

Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.

 Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.

Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.

Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.

Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.

Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.

Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.

03/2020 to 03/2023 

Server

El Nuevo Vallarta Sports Bar And Grill – 6801 Cermark Rd, Berwyn IL 60402

Supported needs of 30+.

 Wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Bar restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.

Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.

Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.

Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.

Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation. 

Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers. 

Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.

Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.

Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.

 04/2017 to 02/2020 

Server

White Hall Hotel—105 E Delaware Pl Chicago IL 60601

Performed complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.

Greeted new customers, discussed specials, took drink orders and built immediate positive connections with guests.

Stayed up to date on menu changes to offer current and accurate information, answer questions and help customers select optimal meal choices based on individual preferences. 

Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.

Used correct cleaning, sanitizing and food handling procedures to maintain optimal protections for customers.

Applied communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.

Checked identification to enforce age requirement for alcoholic beverages.

Monitored guests for intoxication and immediately reported concerns to management.

Kept server areas clean and stocked during service hours to increase efficiency while serving tables.

Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments from customers and made proper change for cash transactions.

Maintained customer satisfaction by clarifying questions about orders and specialty items. 

Suggested appropriate food and drink pairings to increase per-ticket sales.

04/2018 to 11/2019 

TGI Friday's—153 E Erie st Chicago IL 60611

Created orders, documented special requests and followed up with kitchen personnel to foster top-quality service and minimize complaints.

Upsold high-profit items such as appetizers and mixed drinks to enhance sales numbers. 

Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments from customers and made proper change for cash transactions.

Maintained table settings by removing courses, replacing utensils and refilling beverages promptly and courteously.

Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items for dissatisfied customers.

Enhanced operational efficiency by using slow periods to restock employee and customer supplies, including ice, condiments, utensils, napkins, trays and delivery bags.

Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies.
Greeted and maintained relationships with regular customers.

Trained incoming staff on restaurant's practices, culture and procedures to maximize job satisfaction and productivity.

Helped customers place orders, explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.

Arranged tables for customers, following established preparation procedures to provide guests with excellent experiences and foster repeat business.

01/2015 to 01/2016 

Banayer Server 

McCormick Place—2301 S King Dr Chicago IL 60616

Set dining tables to prepare for diverse types of events and follow strict service standards. 

Maintained table settings by removing courses, replacing utensils and refilling beverages promptly and courteously.

Assisted with various banquet food stations, set up and service to multiple dining areas. 

Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.

Carrying plates of food on trays and serving guests

Perform cleaning tasks and breakdown of service

03/2014 to 12/2015 

Banquet Server 

Abbington Distinctive Banquets—3S002 Route 53 Glen Ellyn IL 60137

Assisted with various banquet food stations, set up and service to multiple dining areas. 

Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to deliver prompt, courteous service to patrons.

Maintained event cleanliness during service by promptly clearing dishes after each course. 

Used correct cleaning, sanitizing and food handling procedures to maintain optimal protections for customers.

Smoothly circulated appetizer and drink trays around events, offering selections to guests. 

Cleared dishes and glassware quickly following each course.

Prepared serving and appetizer trays and set tables for events with up to 300 attendees. 

Carrying plates of food on trays and serving guests

Maintained flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends and on-call to meet event needs.

06/2013 to 08/2014 

Banquet Server 

Renaissance Hotel—1W Wacker Dr Chicago IL 60601

Used correct cleaning, sanitizing and food handling procedures to maintain optimal protections for customers.

Set up for events by putting out tablecloths and place settings, arranging table placement and setting up a buffet.

Carrying plates of food on trays and serving guests

Keep glasses filled; remove each round of plates and replenish utensils Perform cleaning tasks and breakdown of service.

Maintain high standards of safety and cleanliness.

Adhere to grooming and appearance standards.

02/2010 to 10/2011

Banquet Server

Pierres Banquet—3237 S Harlem Berwyn IL 60402

Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.

Loaded trays with accessories, including eating utensils, napkins and condiments.

Checked dining area supplies, including linens and wrapped silverware, and replenished low stock.

Maintained adequate levels of condiments and well-stocked drink stations to keep service flowing smoothly.

Transported dirty utensils, dishes and trays to kitchen to support efficient cleaning. Prepared beverages and filled food orders for customers.

Provided attentive service and proactively assessed guest needs.

Greeted customers and answered any questions.

Carried out professional service, retaining polite and friendly approach at all times. 

Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme. 

Maintained flexible work schedule to meet event needs.

Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.

Handled food and beverage orders for up to Number guests, delivering prompt and friendly service.

Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.

High School Diploma
Curie Metropolitan - Chicago, IL

Associate of Arts
Richard J Daley - Chicago, IL

Certified Cosmetologist

Cannella School of Hair Design - Chicago, IL