Thandabantu Chako
Johannesburg,South Africa
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in compliance regulations and leadership proficiency, adept at staff training methods and reservation system mastery. Demonstrates exceptional skills in inventory control techniques and hospitality IT systems, ensuring seamless restaurant operations. Proficient in serving techniques, restaurant software utilisation, dining etiquette knowledge, and alcoholic beverage serving laws. Committed to enhancing guest experiences through strategic application of industry knowledge and aiming to drive operational excellence within the hospitality sector.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Reservations & Front Desk Agent
Grapnel Property Asset Managers (pty)ltd
Johannesburg, South Africa
2021.09 - Current
- Maintained a clean reception area to create a welcoming environment.
- Responded swiftly in emergency situations, ensuring safety of all guests.
- Multitasked efficiently during peak hours without compromising on service quality.
- Liaised with housekeeping staff to ensure timely room preparation for incoming guests.
- Kept abreast with local events and attractions, providing valuable recommendations to guests.
- Managed payment transactions with utmost accuracy and honesty.
- Managed incoming calls, ensuring professional service.
- Provided hotel information for guest convenience.
- Provided wake-up call services punctually as requested by guests.
- Assisted guests with luggage for enhanced comfort and ease.
- Ensured smooth check-ins and check-outs for optimal guest experience.
- Improved customer satisfaction by managing complaints effectively.
- Processed reservation requests from various channels accurately to avoid double bookings.
- Delivered excellent customer service by understanding and catering to guests' needs promptly.
- Handled confidential information discreetly to maintain privacy and trust of guests.
- Coordinated with maintenance department promptly when repairs were needed in guest rooms or common areas.
- Updated records regularly for accurate tracking of guest stay details.
- Facilitated communication between hotel departments for efficient operations.
- Communicated problems regarding guest rooms to housekeeping services and maintenance personnel.
- Maintained excellent product and service knowledge to offer helpful customer guidance.
- Advised guests of current offers and promotions to upsell services.
- Delivered first class customer care through polite, professional service.
- Took guest reservations over the phone, in person and via computer and provided confirmations.
- Checked guests in and out and processed payments according to booking notes.
- Applied local area knowledge to provide guests with information about dining options, sports events and live entertainment.
- Updated systems with booking information to reflect accurate, current availability.
- Solved administrative and customer service issues with knowledgeable assistance and friendly support.
- Wrote professional letters, memos and emails for internal and external business communication.
- Managed office calendar, set new appointments and assisted with arrangements.
- Issued visitor and contractor passes and recorded visits on security system.
Reservations & Front Desk Agent
Home from Home Hospitality Group
Johannesburg, South Africa
2019.02 - 2021.08
Restaurant Manager
Zulu Nyala Country Manor
Johannesburg, South Africa
2017.08 - 2019.01
- Managed daily operations for smooth restaurant functioning.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, reduced customer waiting time.
- Coordinated events and parties to increase restaurant revenue.
- Monitored stock levels regularly; minimised waste and over-ordering incidents.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness within the restaurant premises, upheld reputation of establishment.
- Implemented new menus, improved dining experience.
- Conducted regular inspections for adherence to food hygiene norms and standards.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial planning, maintained profitable margins whilst ensuring top-notch service quality.
- Planned menu changes seasonally for fresh dining options throughout the year.
- Streamlined staff rotas to optimise efficiency.
- Trained new team members, enhanced service quality.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff; communicated updates and received feedback.
- Ensured compliance to health and safety regulations for safe dining environment.
- Liaised effectively with all departments, ensured seamless operation flow from kitchen to tables.
- Quickly identified problem situations, skilfully resolving incidents to maintain satisfaction of involved parties.
- Interacted positively with customers, effectively promoting restaurant facilities and services.
Assistant Bartender
SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
Cape Town, Western Cape
2016.02 - 2017.07
- Cleaned tables, removed empty glasses; ensured a tidy environment for customers.
- Handled cash transactions to facilitate seamless sales process at the bar.
- Delivered excellent customer service with a positive attitude and friendly demeanour.
- Helped reduce waste by effectively managing inventory levels at the bar.
- Assisted in setting up events at the venue for successful functions and parties.
- Assisted bartenders in creating cocktails for enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to serve food orders promptly, improving overall guest experience.
- Supported fast-paced service by efficiently restocking glasses and ice.
- Prepared garnishes for drinks to improve presentation and taste.
- Oversaw deliveries of fresh stock to ensure quality control measures were followed.
- Ensured smooth operation of the bar with stocking and replenishing supplies.
- Prevented stock shortages with timely inventory management tasks at peak hours.
- Handled and moved supplies between stores and bars for restocking and storage.
- Performed bar closing duties, thoroughly cleaning, sanitising and replenishing stock.
- Served high volumes of guests in fast-paced service environments with exceptional customer care.
- Engaged with guests to create positive rapport, encouraging loyalty and repeat visits.
Waiter
Cresta Jameson Hotel
Harare, Zimbabwe
2013.04 - 2015.11
- Maintained knowledge of menu items, leading to accurate order taking.
- Upheld health and safety standards by regularly sanitising hands and work areas.
- Remained calm under pressure, ensuring better performance during peak hours.
- Helped reduce waiting times by swiftly clearing tables after use.
- Handled payment transactions to guarantee smooth customer checkout process.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to queries and requests.
- Ensured cleanliness of restaurant area with regular sweeping and wiping.
- Assisted in food preparation, resulting in timely service delivery.
- Managed table settings for optimal dining experience.
- Explained dish components clearly to inform customers' decisions.
- Warmly greeted guests upon arrival to create welcoming atmosphere.
- Cleaned and set tables quickly after customers left to maximise restaurant capacity.
- Served meals and drinks with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.
- Delivered food and drinks from kitchen to respective tables to meet timely expectations.
- Served high volumes of guests in fast-paced service environments with exceptional customer care.
- Cleaned, sanitised and organised food storage racks and bins, maintaining exceptional hygiene standards.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly and professionally, notifying restaurant management of concerns.
- Managed restaurant closing duties, from cleaning dining areas to cashing up tills.
Education
National Diploma - Tourism & Hospitality Management
School of Hospitality & Tourism
Zimbabwe 2013.01 - 2015.11
National Certificate - Tourism & Hospitality Management
Mutare Polytechnic
Zimbabwe 2012.01 - 2012.11
Skills
- Compliance regulations understanding
- Leadership proficiency
- Staff training methods
- Reservation system mastery
- Inventory control techniques
- Hospitality it systems
- Serving techniques
- Restaurant software utilisation
- Dining etiquette knowledge
- Alcoholic beverage serving laws
Languages
English
Fluent
Shona
Fluent
References
Rabelani Moyo
General Manager
Grapnel Property Asset Managers (pty) ltd
+27109004005
gm@tsac.co.za
Mudiwa Mtandwa
General Manager
Home From Home Hospitality Group
+27620728127
mudiwamtandwa@gmail.com
Bella Shaw
Director
Zulu Nyala Country Manor
+27825659427
Blessings Tengwa
Bar Manager
SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
+27694018498
rufaroten@gmail.com
Fair Svondo
Accounts Manager
Cresta Jameson Hotel
+263772247408
Timeline
Reservations & Front Desk Agent
Grapnel Property Asset Managers (pty)ltd
2021.09 - Current
Reservations & Front Desk Agent
Home from Home Hospitality Group
2019.02 - 2021.08
Restaurant Manager
Zulu Nyala Country Manor
2017.08 - 2019.01
Assistant Bartender
SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
2016.02 - 2017.07
Waiter
Cresta Jameson Hotel
2013.04 - 2015.11
National Diploma - Tourism & Hospitality Management
School of Hospitality & Tourism
2013.01 - 2015.11
National Certificate - Tourism & Hospitality Management
Mutare Polytechnic
2012.01 - 2012.11