Amanda Karen Sakonda
Pretoria
Summary
Results-driven Sous Chef and Waitress with 10 years of service experience supporting daily operations of dining room and kitchen areas, restaurant maintenance procedures and quality standards. Skillful in setting up food stations, accurately recording orders and assisting guests in making menu choices. Reliable, customer service-driven team player.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Bar Waitress
Shisanyama Restaurant
09.2024 - Current
- Greeted customers in bar area of busy, fast-paced restaurant with energy and enthusiasm.
- Assisted other bar staff with seating and taking orders when backed-up or unavailable.
- Cleared plates and utensils, cleaned table and chairs and prepared new place settings.
- Checked identification of customers ordering cocktails to confirm patrons met age requirements to order alcoholic beverages.
- Handled complaints and questions relating to drinks or food promptly.
- Assisted bartenders with washing of glasses and bar equipment when unusually busy.
- Performed opening and closing duties within bar area according to schedule.
- Maintained clean and organized bar area.
- Served alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in bar environment.
- Maintained accuracy and efficiency when processing sales transactions.
- Poured and prepared mixed drinks for over 200-500 customers daily.
- Communicated with guests to record orders and assess needs.
Chef Sous Assistant
Manor Resort
01.2021 - 08.2024
- Performed as Sous Chef to maintain team productivity and restaurant quality
- Plated food according to restaurant artistic guidelines to promote attractive presentation
- Directed staff in restaurant kitchen and field to maintain department objectives, standards, guidelines and budget
- Helped staff adhere to tough restaurant requirements through practical discipline and motivation
- Maximized customer satisfaction and team operations by executing command-based structure and staff performance oversight
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted
- Created diverse cuisines for full restaurant, special event, catering and tasting menus
- Liaised closely with kitchen and front-of-house personnel
- Devised creative food and wine pairings to drive successful cross-marketing strategy
- Maintained highest food quality standards regarding food inventory procedures, food storage and rotation
- Developed delicious customized menu items for catered functions, delivering exceptional food and service for plated, buffet and family-style
- Conducted daily line checks, food reviews and taste tests to make improvements and correct deficiencies
- Worked closely with customers and internal development teams to provide on-trend concepts and menu guidance
Waitress
Victoria Falls Hotel
03.2015 - 12.2019
- Checked on guests to verify satisfaction with meals and suggested additional items to increase restaurant sales
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials, wine and desserts to increase profits
- Communicated with kitchen staff frequently to stay up-to-date on supply availability and potential customer wait times
- Addressed concerns or complaints quickly to improve service and escalated more advanced issues to management for resolution
- Handled food safely and kept spaces clean to protect customers from foodborne illness and maintain proper sanitation
- Maximized beverage sales by suggesting appropriate food and drink pairings to suit unique customer preferences
- Updated customers on menu changes and new food and beverage offerings to maintain quality service relationships
- Served plated dinners, oversaw buffet-style dinners and passed hors d'oeuvres for parties
- Developed strong and lasting resident relationships
- Maintained accuracy while handling payments, giving change and printing receipts to customers
- Maintained knowledge of menu items, garnishes, ingredients and preparation methods to assist guests with menu selection
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and anticipating condiments, napkins and other needs
- Cleared table and bussed dishes to allow for quick setups
Education
Certificate - Tourism and Hospitality
School of Tourism Zimbabwe
Bulawayo10.2014
Skills
- Menu memorization
- Point of Sale (POS) system operations
- High-volume dining
- Relationship management
- Special dietary requirements
- Table setting arrangements
- Dish preparation
- Liquor, wine and food service
- Safe food handling
- Food inspection
- Wine pairings
- Regulatory compliance
- Service prioritization
- Check payment processing
Languages
English
Timeline
Bar Waitress
Shisanyama Restaurant
09.2024 - Current
Chef Sous Assistant
Manor Resort
01.2021 - 08.2024
Waitress
Victoria Falls Hotel
03.2015 - 12.2019
Certificate - Tourism and Hospitality
School of Tourism Zimbabwe
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