Kirstin Shipp
Columbia,MD
Summary
Dynamic Lead Server with extensive experience at Glenwood's, excelling in upselling techniques, and employee training. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction through personalized service and effective communication, resulting in increased referrals. Skilled in managing high-volume dining environments, including banquets, while maintaining a positive atmosphere. My goal is always to provide an unforgettable guest experience, while maintaining a professional, safe environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Server/Lead Banquet Server
Glenwood's
10.2021 - 11.2025
- Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies.
- Taught staff how to deliver outstanding service to every customer without sacrificing profit objectives.
- Kept accurate billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
- Oversaw daily operations of service team, delegated tasks, and trained new staff.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Created a personalized experience for guests in various banquet scenarios such as weddings, baby showers, celebrations of life, corporate parties and rehearsal dinners.
- Assigned tasks and shifts to servers to manage organized schedules and provide adequate coverage.
- Maintained clean and organized dining area to create pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for customers for 50+ guests per shift.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
Lead Server
The Cheesecake Factory
09.2015 - 05.2022
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
Server
Eggspectations
01.2012 - 10.2015
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
Education
No Degree - Sociology
Keene State College
Keene, NHHigh School Diploma -
St. Vincent Pallotti High School
Laurel, MD05.2007
Skills
- Liquor, wine, and food service
- Upselling techniques
- High volume dining
- Accurate money handling
- Daily special memorization and food presentation
- Employee training and development
- Multiple POS system knowledge
- Safe food handling, including dietary restrictions
- Party management, including table setting arrangements, maintaining a clean, environment and tailored specifications based on party type
- Alcoholic beverage sales, wine pairing presentations, and bar terminology
- Positive and friendly attitude through all types of shifts
- Multitasking with different types of guests and steps of service
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 20 staff members, ensuring team work and guest satisfaction.
- Acquired multiple regular guests, who continue to come back for the excellent service and atmosphere provided.
- Excellent time management skills, both in my professional life and my home life as a working wife and mother of two children.
Timeline
Lead Server/Lead Banquet Server
Glenwood's
10.2021 - 11.2025
Lead Server
The Cheesecake Factory
09.2015 - 05.2022
Server
Eggspectations
01.2012 - 10.2015
No Degree - Sociology
Keene State College
High School Diploma -
St. Vincent Pallotti High School