James Wooten
Phoenix
Summary
Experienced Service Professional with solid background in foodservice. Offers excellent track record of tackling various tasks to support kitchen and wait staff. Demonstrates genuine hospitality to establish rapport with patrons and deliver memorable experiences.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Server/Bartender Trainer
Porter Creek Hardwood Grill
Fargo
08.2021 - 01.2026
- Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Managed multiple tables while maintaining high service standards.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Mixed cocktails and beverages according to standard recipes and guests preferences.
Manager
Chili's Bar and Grill
Fargo
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Ordered supplies from vendors as needed while staying within budget guidelines.
- Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs.
- Managed day-to-day operations of restaurant, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
- Assisted with kitchen preparation during peak times as needed.
- Conducted weekly inventory, placed orders for liquor and beer, and tracked stock levels to ensure adequate supply.
FOH Manager
Lucky's 13 Pub
Fargo
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Inspected restrooms and dining and serving areas to foster cleanliness and proper setup.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Oversaw employee recruiting, hiring, performance management and discipline.
- Handled guest complaints quickly to maintain positive dining experience for patrons.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Managed day-to-day restaurant operations with focus on quality and meeting customer expectations.
Server, Bartender, Service Professional
Olive Garden - Darden Restaurants
Madison
11.2013 - 11.2020
- Instructed new staff members on food handling procedures and service techniques.
- Created and offered additional materials to enhance training.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
- Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands to help boost sales.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and dealing with intoxicated guests.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
Education
High School Diploma -
James Madison Memorial High School
Madison, WI 09.2011 - 06.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Business Management
Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WISkills
- Liquor, Wine and Food Service
- Customer Service
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management and Prioritization
- Reliable and Punctual
- Fluent in English
- Engaging Personality
- Excellent Multi-Tasker
- Neat, Clean and Professional Appearance
- Dependable and Cooperative
- Proven Leader
- Math and Language Skills
- Team Player
- Enjoys cooking, swimming, and listening to music
- Mixology techniques
- Event coordination
- Upselling techniques
- Positive guest relations
- Bar operations management
Timeline
Manager
Chili's Bar and Grill
01.2023 - 01.2025
FOH Manager
Lucky's 13 Pub
01.2022 - 01.2023
Server/Bartender Trainer
Porter Creek Hardwood Grill
08.2021 - 01.2026
Server, Bartender, Service Professional
Olive Garden - Darden Restaurants
11.2013 - 11.2020
High School Diploma -
James Madison Memorial High School
09.2011 - 06.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Business Management
Madison Area Technical College