Simon Matepo
Restaurant Front Of House Manager
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Professional hospitality expert with proven skills in mixing and serving beverages, managing bar inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving high-quality results. Skilled in providing exceptional service, handling high-pressure situations, and maintaining clean and organized workspace. Known for reliability, flexibility, and creating positive experiences for patrons.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head Bartender/Barista
FutureCafe Bryanston & Sandton
05.2019 - Current
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving the establishment's reputation for excellent service.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss performance goals, share feedback, and foster teamwork among employees.
- Educated staff on responsible alcohol serving practices; created a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for guests while reducing liability risks.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for the health and safety of customers.
- Implemented upselling strategies that boosted revenue without compromising guest experience or satisfaction.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
Restaurant Front of House Manager
The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts
05.2012 - 04.2019
- Assisted in menu development and pricing strategies to increase sales while maintaining food quality standards.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, securing competitive pricing on products and services for the restaurant.
- Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guests'' needs from arrival through departure.
- Maintained a 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.
- Implemented inventory control measures to reduce waste, lower food costs, and improve overall profitability.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to provide updates, address concerns, and maintain open lines of communication among team members.
- Collaborated with back of house management to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and service staff for optimal dining experiences.
- Conducted regular evaluations of staff performance, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth within the organization.
- Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Coordinated with suppliers to establish timely delivery of food and beverage items.
- Utilized upselling techniques to maximize revenue and increase customer satisfaction.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Collaborated with chefs to create seasonal menus and promotional offers.
- Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
Bartender/Cafe Barista
The Blue Train
08.2009 - 04.2012
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Tourism And Hospitality Management
University of Zimbabwe
Harare 08.1999 - 09.2003
Skills
Customer-focused service
Seasonal menu planning
Staff training and supervision
Cash transaction processing
Effective verbal communication
Advanced cocktail preparation
Experienced with point-of-sale technology
Sales and upselling techniques
Cost control
Certification
Lessons in Leadership
Certifications
Enrolled for the Lessons in Leadership while employed at The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts. I was the best student for the course.
Hobbies
Watching sport such as soccer, cricket and rugby
Travelling and exploring new places
Solving puzzles and word games
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
French
Beginner (A1)
Accomplishments
- Served individually made coffee drinks to over 200 customers daily.
- Promoted to Front of House Manager after 12 months.
- Won "Barista of the Year" Award in 2022 for exceptional service.
- Won "Employee of theMonth" Award for excellent service in front of the house.
Software
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Powerpoint
Micros POS, EasiPOS, Humble Till, Lightspeed
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Head Bartender/Barista
FutureCafe Bryanston & Sandton
05.2019 - Current
Lessons in Leadership
02-2018
Restaurant Front of House Manager
The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts
05.2012 - 04.2019
Bartender/Cafe Barista
The Blue Train
08.2009 - 04.2012
Bachelor of Science - Tourism And Hospitality Management
University of Zimbabwe
08.1999 - 09.2003