CARMEN HOLLAND
Philadelphia
Summary
Dedicated food service professional well-versed in food and beverage operations and guest services. Experienced in managing large-scale events or intimate gourmet dining . Successful at building relationships with customers to increase loyalty and repeat business.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Cocktail Server
Delilahs
Philadelphia, PA
07.2025 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service in high-pressure environments, enhancing guest satisfaction and retention.
- Managed cocktail orders efficiently, ensuring timely delivery to optimize guest experiences and minimize wait times.
- Collaborated with bartenders to create innovative drink specials, contributing to menu development and seasonal promotions.
- Trained new staff on service standards and cocktail preparation techniques, fostering team productivity and cohesion.
Bartender
Saint Lazarus Bar
Philadelphia, PA
03.2025 - 07.2025
- Implemented drink specials that increased customer interest during off-peak hours.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and safe environment.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
Server
McGillins Olde Ale House
Philadelphia, PA
06.2024 - 02.2025
- Delivered exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Assisted in training new staff on menu offerings and service standards.
- Managed multiple tables at a high volume simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and presentation.
Bartender
Winston on the Water
Philadelphia, PA
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Crafted and served innovative cocktails, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.
- Managed bar inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Trained new staff on bar operations, promoting efficient workflow and teamwork.
- Established rapport with patrons, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and encouraging repeat business.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
Cocktail Server
Rivers Casino
Philadelphia, PA
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Developed strong relationships with regular guests, personalizing service to increase loyalty and repeat visits.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper handling of payments and tips.
- Served customers alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages on the casino floor
Server
Buffalo Wild Wings
Philadelphia, PA
09.2016 - 12.2018
- Named Lead/Closing Server and oversaw that closing duties were completed by serving staff
- Maintained a extensive knowledge of food and drink menus to proactively up-sell menu items to guests all the while ensuring customer satisfaction
- Ensured that all guests felt welcome and provided responsive, professional, gracious service at all times
- Led training and orientation for all new server staff
- Trained new server staff on best practices and regularly provided feedback to junior staff to improve customer satisfaction
- Regularly assisted colleagues during rush-hour periods by helping take customer orders and and bringing out dishes as they were prepared.
Server
Chima Brazilian Steak House
Philadelphia, PA
06.2017 - 11.2017
- Proactively recommended wine pairings with dishes along with complementary desserts to provide a memorable, enjoyable experience for diners
- Responsible for learning extensive wine and cocktail menu
- Recommended food, drink and desserts highlighted on the menu increasing sales for the restaurant
- Proficient in wine serving etiquette
- Worked with a team of servers and gauchos in providing an excellent Brazilian steakhouse dining experience.
Sales Associate
H&M
Philadelphia, PA
06.2012 - 10.2017
- Worked the cash registers, fitting rooms and helped customers on the sales floor
- Successfully up-sold and cross-sold customers on items that met their needs, increasing purchase sizes
- Mentored inexperienced sales associates on best practices for prioritizing customer attention naturally.
- Greeted guests within 12 seconds of store entry, allowing for settling time but ensuring a welcoming environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Broadcast Journalism
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA12-2014
Skills
- Food and beverage pairings
- Sales expertise
- Beverage preparation
- High-Volume Dining
- Cash handling
- Hospitality Service Expertise
- Menu Memorization
- Order Accuracy
- Customer service
- Handling large groups
- Speed and efficiency
Timeline
Cocktail Server
Delilahs
07.2025 - Current
Bartender
Saint Lazarus Bar
03.2025 - 07.2025
Server
McGillins Olde Ale House
06.2024 - 02.2025
Bartender
Winston on the Water
06.2024 - 10.2024
Cocktail Server
Rivers Casino
08.2023 - 03.2024
Server
Chima Brazilian Steak House
06.2017 - 11.2017
Server
Buffalo Wild Wings
09.2016 - 12.2018
Sales Associate
H&M
06.2012 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Broadcast Journalism
The Pennsylvania State University