Hi, I’m
Michelle Du Plooy
Seafarer Food And Beverage Department
Saldanha
Summary
Proven to excel in high-volume dining environments, I leveraged my beverage expertise and exceptional guest relations management at Norwegian Cruise Line to significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. My adeptness at beverage preparation and a knack for upselling resulted in a noticeable increase in bar revenue, demonstrating my commitment to driving business success and providing outstanding service.
Overview
16
years of professional experience
2
Certifications
Work History
CunardSouthampton
Bar Waiter
08.2022 - 06.2023
Job overview
- Maintained clean and organized bar area.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment to ensure efficient service and compliance with health regulations.
- Assisted with bartending duties during high-volume shifts.
- Supported fellow team members during peak hours to maintain seamless operations and minimize wait times for guests.
- Served alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in bar environment.
- Collected dirty flatware and glassware to deliver to sanitizing station.
- Communicated with guests to record orders and assess needs.
- Displayed extensive knowledge of drink ingredients, preparation techniques, glassware selection, allowing customers to make informed decisions about their orders.
- Maintained a positive, professional demeanor even during high-pressure situations, promoting a team-oriented work environment.
- Ensured responsible alcohol service, adhering to local laws and regulations regarding age verification and intoxication levels.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to preserve guest satisfaction.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, balancing the register at the end of each shift without discrepancies.
- Collaborated with bartenders to prepare and serve high-quality cocktails and mixed drinks.
- Received over Number beverage orders nightly from wait staff and delivered beverages to guests while keeping up with bar orders.
- Poured and prepared mixed drinks for over Number customers daily.
- Maintained accuracy and efficiency when processing sales transactions.
- Anticipated guest needs and provided proactive service.
- Participated in staff meetings and training sessions to continuously improve skills and stay up-to-date on industry best practices.
- Increased bar revenue by upselling premium beverages and promoting special offers.
- Assisted in event planning efforts for private parties or special occasions held at the bar venue.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using point-of-sale systems for accurate order processing and payment handling.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking stock levels, and ordering supplies as needed.
- Performed opening and closing duties efficiently, ensuring the bar was ready for operation each day or safely secured after closing time.
- Exceeded daily sales targets consistently through effective upselling strategies and personalized service.
- Received numerous positive reviews from guests for providing exceptional service, contributing to the bar''s overall reputation.
- Built solid rapport with many frequent patrons to cultivate guest loyalty.
- Contributed to menu development by suggesting new beverage offerings based on current trends and customer preferences.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht Australia
Bar Waitress
10.2019 - 03.2020
Job overview
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive and friendly service during busy shifts.
- Checked identification of customers ordering cocktails to confirm patrons met age requirements to order alcoholic beverages.
- Managed inventory effectively, rotating stock as needed to minimize waste and maintain freshness.
- Collaborated with bartenders to ensure efficient drink preparation and timely delivery to guests.
- Cleared plates and utensils, cleaned table and chairs and prepared new place settings.
- Participated actively in weekly staff meetings, offering constructive feedback on how to improve overall operations and sharing ideas for new promotions or events.
- Upsold menu items strategically, resulting in increased revenue for the establishment.
- Maintained compliance with state regulations through proper handling of alcoholic beverages and checking identification when necessary.
- Solved customer complaints professionally, working towards resolutions that satisfied both parties involved while preserving the establishment''s reputation.
- Performed opening and closing duties within bar area according to schedule.
- Greeted customers in bar area of busy, fast-paced restaurant with energy and enthusiasm.
- Improved team communication by consistently relaying essential information between kitchen staff, bartenders, and fellow servers.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly taking orders and delivering drinks to patrons.
- Increased repeat business by establishing rapport with patrons and remembering their preferences.
- Assisted new employees with training, sharing best practices for success in a fast-paced environment.
- Assisted bartenders with washing of glasses and bar equipment when unusually busy.
- Ensured prompt seating of guests during high-volume periods by assisting host staff when necessary.
- Adapted to various guest needs by offering suggestions on drink pairings or alternatives based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized bar environment for optimal functionality and positive guest experiences.
- Handled complaints and questions relating to drinks or food promptly.
- Strengthened relationships between patrons and the establishment by participating in promotional events such as themed nights or happy hours.
- Provided support during large events, ensuring smooth service for all guests in attendance.
- Took drink and food orders, detailed new menu items and specials and recommended add-ons.
- Supported a positive work environment by collaborating with colleagues, assisting them when needed, and contributing to team morale.
- Demonstrated excellent multitasking skills, managing multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining high standards of service quality.
- Checked-in on customers within Number minutes of seating and periodically throughout service.
- Assisted other bar staff with seating and taking orders when backed-up or unavailable.
- Coordinated with fellow servers during peak hours to ensure seamless teamwork and efficient table turnover rates.
- Assisted with bartending duties during high-volume shifts.
- Maintained clean and organized bar area.
- Served alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in bar environment.
- Collected dirty flatware and glassware to deliver to sanitizing station.
- Poured and prepared mixed drinks for over Number customers daily.
- Communicated with guests to record orders and assess needs.
- Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to provide prompt and successful service to patrons.
- Received over Number beverage orders nightly from wait staff and delivered beverages to guests while keeping up with bar orders.
- Anticipated guest needs and provided proactive service.
- Maintained accuracy and efficiency when processing sales transactions.
- Built solid rapport with many frequent patrons to cultivate guest loyalty.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- 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.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
Norwegian Cruise Line Miami FL
Bar Waiter
12.2016 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Maintained clean and organized bar area.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive and friendly service during busy shifts.
- Increased repeat business by establishing rapport with patrons and remembering their preferences.
- Strengthened relationships between patrons and the establishment by participating in promotional events such as themed nights or happy hours.
- Adapted to various guest needs by offering suggestions on drink pairings or alternatives based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
- Ensured prompt seating of guests during high-volume periods by assisting host staff when necessary.
- Demonstrated excellent multitasking skills, managing multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining high standards of service quality.
- Managed inventory effectively, rotating stock as needed to minimize waste and maintain freshness.
- Supported a positive work environment by collaborating with colleagues, assisting them when needed, and contributing to team morale.
- Maintained compliance with state regulations through proper handling of alcoholic beverages and checking identification when necessary.
- Checked identification of customers ordering cocktails to confirm patrons met age requirements to order alcoholic beverages.
- Upsold menu items strategically, resulting in increased revenue for the establishment.
- Assisted other bar staff with seating and taking orders when backed-up or unavailable.
- Coordinated with fellow servers during peak hours to ensure seamless teamwork and efficient table turnover rates.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly taking orders and delivering drinks to patrons.
- Checked-in on customers within Number minutes of seating and periodically throughout service.
- Cleared plates and utensils, cleaned table and chairs and prepared new place settings.
- Assisted bartenders with washing of glasses and bar equipment when unusually busy.
- Improved team communication by consistently relaying essential information between kitchen staff, bartenders, and fellow servers.
- Took drink and food orders, detailed new menu items and specials and recommended add-ons.
- Performed opening and closing duties within bar area according to schedule.
- Assisted new employees with training, sharing best practices for success in a fast-paced environment.
- Participated actively in weekly staff meetings, offering constructive feedback on how to improve overall operations and sharing ideas for new promotions or events.
- Greeted customers in bar area of busy, fast-paced restaurant with energy and enthusiasm.
- Provided support during large events, ensuring smooth service for all guests in attendance.
- Solved customer complaints professionally, working towards resolutions that satisfied both parties involved while preserving the establishment''s reputation.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized bar environment for optimal functionality and positive guest experiences.
- Collaborated with bartenders to ensure efficient drink preparation and timely delivery to guests.
- Handled complaints and questions relating to drinks or food promptly.
- Assisted with bartending duties during high-volume shifts.
- Served alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in bar environment.
- Collected dirty flatware and glassware to deliver to sanitizing station.
- Poured and prepared mixed drinks for over Number customers daily.
- Communicated with guests to record orders and assess needs.
- Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to provide prompt and successful service to patrons.
- Received over Number beverage orders nightly from wait staff and delivered beverages to guests while keeping up with bar orders.
- Anticipated guest needs and provided proactive service.
- Maintained accuracy and efficiency when processing sales transactions.
- Built solid rapport with many frequent patrons to cultivate guest loyalty.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
CunardSouthampton UK
5 *waitress
03.2007 - 12.2015
Job overview
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Collaborated with team members to consistently provide efficient service during peak hours.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper change was provided to customers as needed.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new menu items and incorporating them into knowledgeable recommendations for guests.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
- Supported needs of Number- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Type restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
Education
AlisonIreland
Hotel Management Food And Beverage Certificate from Hotel Operations
10.2020
Alison Ireland
Hotel Management Diploma from Hotel Operations
10.2020
Virtual College United Kingdom
Level 3 Food Safety And Hygiene For Supervisors from Food Safety And Hygiene in Hospitality Industry
09.2019
Vredenburg High School Vredenburg
Matric Diploma from Business Economics
11.1996
Skills
Beverage expertise
Tableside Service
Daily specials memorization
Banquet coordination
ABC standards
Wine service
Food and beverage pairings
Item promotion
Bartending prowess
Dining area maintenance
Food spoilage prevention
POS system expertise
Craft beer knowledge
Guest seating arrangements
Food station setup
Order accuracy
Knowledge of Identification regulations
Guest relations management
Front-of-house display creation
Menu presentation
Sales expertise
Food sales and promotion
Order delivery practices
Point of sale operation
Beverage preparation
Food running
Hospitality service expertise
Stocking and replenishing
High-volume dining
Accomplishments
White star runner up for 5 star waitress on board Queen Elizabeth
Vacation Hero twice on board Norwegian Cruise Line
Certification
Hotel Management Diploma
Timeline
Bar Waiter
Cunard
08.2022 - 06.2023
Hotel Management Diploma
10-2020
Hotel Management Food and Beverage Certificate
10-2020
Bar Waitress
Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht
10.2019 - 03.2020
Bar Waiter
Norwegian Cruise Line
12.2016 - 12.2018
5 *waitress
Cunard
03.2007 - 12.2015
Alison
Hotel Management Food And Beverage Certificate from Hotel Operations
Alison
Hotel Management Diploma from Hotel Operations
Virtual College
Level 3 Food Safety And Hygiene For Supervisors from Food Safety And Hygiene in Hospitality Industry
Vredenburg High School
Matric Diploma from Business Economics