Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Reading, Taking long walks, Jogging
Timeline
GeneralManager

Merle Hendricks

Front Of House Manager/Assistant Restaurant Manager
Somerset West

Summary

Accomplished Restaurant Front of House Manager at Somerbosch Wine Farm, adept in reservation management and fostering guest relations, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction. Leveraged operational efficiency and allergy awareness to streamline processes and improve service standards. Proven track record in leading teams to achieve excellence in service and compliance, demonstrating exceptional brand representation and promotional planning skills. Hospitable Assistant Front of House Manager leverages interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence and encourage staff and deliver outstanding experiences for guests. Advocates sound financial and business decision-making and demonstrates honesty and integrity by suggestive selling. Performs well under pressure and thrives in fast paced high-volume environments. Enthusiastic and driven candidate with proven experience in fast-paced restaurant settings. Committed to providing friendly and professional service to customers to maintain consistent revenue.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Somerbosch Wine Farm
03.2018 - Current
  • Resolved conflicts among team members diplomatically while maintaining positive work atmosphere conducive to collaboration.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guests'' needs from arrival through departure.
  • Streamlined reservation processes, improving guest experience and maximizing seating capacity during peak hours.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of staff performance, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth within organization.
  • Maintained clean, welcoming environment by overseeing daily cleaning tasks and ensuring adherence to health codes.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing front-of-house operations and addressing guest concerns promptly.
  • Monitored guest feedback on review platforms such as Yelp or TripAdvisor; implemented changes based on trends observed in comments received.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings to provide updates, address concerns, and maintain open lines of communication among team members.
  • Streamlined reservation processes, improving guest experience and maximizing seating capacity during peak hours
  • Managed financial aspects such as budgeting, payroll processing, and cash handling procedures to ensure accurate accounting practices
  • Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guests'' needs from arrival through departure
  • Improved table turnover rates with efficient seating procedures and timely clearing of tables after guests'' departures
  • Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction
  • Elevated guest experience by implementing tableside ordering technology for faster order processing and increased accuracy in meal delivery
  • Boosted restaurant revenue with strategic marketing initiatives and promotions to attract new customers
  • Adhered to safe work practices, food safety regulations, and corporate guidelines
  • Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations
  • Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits
  • Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment
  • Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions

Bistro Manager

Webersburg Wine Estate
03.2016 - 02.2018
  • Supported local community involvement by participating in charity events, sponsoring local teams, and donating gift certificates for fundraisers.
  • Implemented energy-saving initiatives that reduced utility costs without compromising dining experience.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement by actively seeking out and implementing best practices in bistro management.
  • Conducted regular competitor analysis to identify areas for improvement within business strategy while staying up-to-date on industry trends.
  • Continuously improved front-of-house processes by evaluating workflows regularly; providing constructive criticism when necessary.
  • Maintained high levels of staff performance through clear communication of expectations, ongoing coaching, and recognition of achievements.
  • Optimized seating arrangements for maximum capacity during peak hours while maintaining comfortable atmosphere for guests.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by implementing innovative menu offerings and exceptional service standards.
  • Kept Bistro in full compliance with health code standards and achieved consistent scores above 90%
  • Raised customer return rates with exceptional attention to detail in both food presentation and service quality
  • Continuously improved front-of-house processes by evaluating workflows regularly; providing constructive criticism when necessary
  • Secured daily cash by verifying totals and making nightly deposits
  • Optimized seating arrangements for maximum capacity during peak hours while maintaining comfortable atmosphere for guests
  • Led diverse team of employees by fostering inclusive workplace culture that celebrated individual strengths and contributions
  • Handled business administration functions such as payroll, cash register counting, and supply ordering

Duty Manager

Erinvale Golf Club
11.2007 - 01.2016
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients, vendors, and business partners to foster collaborative working environment.
  • Monitored daily financial reports, reconciling discrepancies to ensure accurate accounting records were maintained at all times.
  • Managed staff scheduling for optimal coverage, ensuring efficient operations during peak hours.
  • Maintained safe and secure environment for guests and employees through regular facility inspections and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Oversaw inventory management, ordering supplies as needed to maintain adequate stock levels and minimize waste.
  • Handled escalated customer issues with diplomacy, ensuring satisfactory resolution while preserving long-term client relationships.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, identifying areas of improvement and recommending appropriate action plans.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving guest concerns and complaints
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, identifying areas of improvement and recommending appropriate action plans
  • Coordinated staff training sessions on new systems or procedures, fostering continuous learning among team members
  • Served as the primary point of contact for VIP guests, ensuring personalized service and exceptional experiences throughout their stay
  • Enhanced team performance by providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and training opportunities for staff members
  • Managed staff scheduling for optimal coverage, ensuring efficient operations during peak hours
  • Coordinated with suppliers and vendors to determine availability of required materials

Education

High School Diploma -

Macassar Secondary School
Macassar, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Reservation Management

Reading, Taking long walks, Jogging

Taking long walks in nature helps me to appreciate every aspect of my existence. I don't consider myself as perfect, but always strive to perfection and see life as a challenge every day. I love reading on a quiet day to relax my mind, and just enjoy the peace that surrounds me. When I am not faced with the hours of fast pacing around work, I go jogging to clear my mind and also making sure I try and stay fit at most times.

Timeline

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Somerbosch Wine Farm
03.2018 - Current

Bistro Manager

Webersburg Wine Estate
03.2016 - 02.2018

Duty Manager

Erinvale Golf Club
11.2007 - 01.2016

High School Diploma -

Macassar Secondary School
04.2001 -
Merle HendricksFront Of House Manager/Assistant Restaurant Manager