Karen Johnson

Experience

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  The Resort at Singer Island, Florida

  Dec 2007 - Oct 2009

  Server

  • Managed sections and provided a Starwood fine-dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all guests.

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  PGA National Resort

  Oct 2009 - Jul 2017

  Restaurant & Cocktail Server

  • Effectively served the golf clientele to include adjusting service style to casual and professional, remaining level-headed during peak times, and ensuring quick beverage service when necessary.• Participated in the annual Honda Classic event by serving and engaging with 100,000+ golf guests every year, which increased in attendance year-over-year.• Responsible for understanding and communicating the daily fresh fish specials and participating in wine, scotch, rum, and spirits tastings in an effort to elevate the guest dining experience.• Ensured that all orders were accurate by repeating them back to the guest.• Managed parties of 20+ along with a Server Assistant to include set up, service, and clearing of tables. Show less

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  The International Polo Club of Palm Beach/The Wanderers Club of Wellington

  Oct 2017 - Oct 2018

  Restaurant Server

  • Provided a fine-dining steakhouse experience for all guests attending brunch, lunch, or dinner by maintaining table settings and linens, removing courses when necessary, replacing utensils, and refilling beverages promptly and courteously.• Remained well-versed on all menu items and changes to offer current and accurate information to guests as well as answer questions and assist customers in selecting optimal meal choices based on individual preferences.• Performed complete opening, closing, and shift change duties to ensure service efficiency for fellow coworkers.• Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts, and maintained accurate cash drawer.• Partook in multiple wine tastings and trainings and partnered with the Restaurant Manager in recommending wine pairings based on guest meal selections. Show less

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  JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

  Nov 2018 - Apr 2020

  Restaurant Server

  • Participated as a key associate in the opening, brand transition, and expansion of the Resort and its American-inspired kitchen and bar, which included learning new service standards, attending luxury service trainings, and adjusting service styles to cater to the increase in business and change in clientele upon Tidal Cove Water Park’s opening. • Implemented a service style that reflected a faster pace and higher sense of urgency for the influx of families and children visiting the restaurant.• Executed personalized service for every guest dependent upon their personalities and expectations by using the guest’s name, building immediate positive connections, offering recommendations, and ensuring any food allergies were avoided. • Increased food and beverage sales by utilizing upselling techniques such as explaining daily specials, recommending wine pairings based on menu selections, and enthusiastically describing appetizers and dessert items to drive consumption.• Multitasked to keep server areas clean and stocked during service hours to increase efficiency.• Interacted with club members and create memorable experiences by genuinely engaging with them and remembering their preferences and allergies upon arrival. Show less

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  BallenIsles Country Club

  Jul 2020 - Mar 2022

  Server

  • Provided elevated service to multiple country club guests and members within three different restaurants including a fine-dining restaurant featuring up-scale global cuisine, a weekly tasting menu, and signature cocktail list.• Executed a relaxed experience at an indoor/outdoor restaurant and showcased attention to detail when describing seasonal dishes to guests and members.• Anticipated needs and multitasked efficiently to serve all guests and members dining in a casual gastropub setting. Show less

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  Biltmore Hotel

  May 2021 - now

  Fontana Server

  • Provide high-level elevated service at an upscale/luxury Italian-inspired three-meal restaurant offering a full breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.• Successfully serve large parties of 20+ for celebratory events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and more.• Participate in executing monthly wine and whiskey dinners featuring various wineries and distilleries.• Offer knowledgeable suggestions for menu choices as well as accurately describe dishes and ingredients to avoid allergies for any guests.• Suggest well-paired accompaniments, wines, cocktails, and/or other beverages to enhance guest experience and increase overall check average.• Ensure a positive guest experience by efficient multitasking, heightened attentiveness, and keen anticipatory service. Show less