Alaina Whitson
Hendersonville
Summary
Hardworking professional with proven relationship-building and time management skills in fast-paced restaurant environments. Successful at handling tables of all sizes with accuracy and impeccable service skills. Strives to meet customer needs, drive satisfaction and promote long-term loyalty.
I’ve been in the restaurant industry since I was 14. I’m upbeat, bubbly, fast-paced, and absolutely love feeding hungry people in a happy environment. I look forward to hearing from you.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Cowboys And Angels
Helen
06.2023 - 12.2025
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service quality and menu offerings.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Responded to ad hoc cleaning duties at end of shift.
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Assisted in preparing salads, appetizers and desserts to speed up food service.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
Server
Nacoochee tavern pizzeria
Helen
11.2017 - 06.2023
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service quality and menu offerings.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Responded to ad hoc cleaning duties at end of shift.
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Assisted in preparing salads, appetizers and desserts to speed up food service.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Server/Bartender Shift
Celebrities piano bar
Helen
09.2016 - 12.2017
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Assisted in preparing salads, appetizers and desserts to speed up food service.
- Responded to ad hoc cleaning duties at end of shift.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Completed cleaning duties by sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet and tidying up server stations.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service quality and menu offerings.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
Server
Mount Mitchell State Park
Burnsville
03.2017 - 10.2017
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service quality and menu offerings.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Responded to ad hoc cleaning duties at end of shift.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
Server
Rib Country
Helen
03.2015 - 09.2016
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
Education
GED -
Balfour Education Center
Hendersonville, NC09-2014
Skills
- Point of sale operation
- Menu knowledge
- Food safety
- Customer service
- Sales promotion
- Order taking
- Team collaboration
- Employee training
- Time management
- Inventory management
- Dining area setup
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Customer feedback handling
- Cash handling
- Reservation management
- Catering experience
- Beverage Serving
- Beverage pairing
Timeline
Server
Cowboys And Angels
06.2023 - 12.2025
Server
Nacoochee tavern pizzeria
11.2017 - 06.2023
Server
Mount Mitchell State Park
03.2017 - 10.2017
Server/Bartender Shift
Celebrities piano bar
09.2016 - 12.2017
Server
Rib Country
03.2015 - 09.2016
GED -
Balfour Education Center