Mercy Nkatha Muriithi
Nairobi,Nairobi
Summary
Dedicated food and beverage server with more than 5 years of experience in managing orders and processing payments. Adept at upselling and making customized recommendations based on customer preferences. Familiar with buffet service management, dietary accommodations, and maintaining food safety compliance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Team Server
MSC Cruises- Seascape
12.2025 - Current
- Listened to and understood concerns and issues raised by food line members and guests.
- Prepared staff schedules according to business forecast and maintained focus on wage control productivity standards and guest service scores.
- Maintained service standards within food line operations and deployed coaching sessions and motivational recognitions.
- Assisted food services manager in maintaining food and beverage costs.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Restaurant Attendant
MSC Magnifica Cruise Ship
07.2024 - 02.2025
- Participated in setting up dining areas and service stations, ensuring everything was in place before guests arrived.
- Supported waitstaff by delivering food and beverages to tables promptly and efficiently.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Monitored and refilled food and beverage supplies during service to ensure availability.
Assistant Waitress
MSC Seaside
06.2023 - 05.2024
- Participated in setting up the restaurant before opening hours, ensuring proper table settings and a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
- Assisted with banquet events by setting up tables, serving guests, and clearing dishes, contributing to a successful event experience.
- Supported waitstaff in taking and delivering accurate food and beverage orders, ensuring prompt service.
- Greeted guests warmly upon arrival, guiding them to available tables or waiting areas when necessary.
- Supported waitstaff by promptly clearing plates, refilling drinks and attending to any additional requests from guests.
Restaurant Hostess
Park inn by Radisson
02.2021 - 06.2022
- Coordinated with servers and kitchen staff to balance table turnover and guest experience.
- Handled group bookings and VIP guests with attention to detail and discretion.
- Updated and maintained accurate guest logs and reservation lists.
- Assisted in organizing themed nights, helping boost guest turnout by 30%.
Restaurant Hostess
The Node - Jacaranda Hotel
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests.
- Answered phone calls to take orders, give information, and document reservations.
- Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen, and to go stations.
- Collected credit card, cash, and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
Restaurant Head Waitress
Sankara Nairobi Hotel
05.2017 - 11.2017
Hostess & Waitress
Ocean Basket Kenya, Westlands & The Hub
06.2016 - 05.2017
Server
Msc Meraviglia-Newyork
02.2025 - 2025
- Provide silver service in fine dining and specialty restaurants to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
- Present food and beverage menus, take orders, and offer suggestions based on guest preferences.
- Set and prepare table covers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to maintain high presentation standards.
- Adjust table setups during service to enhance flow and guest comfort.
- Serve food and drinks with precision and maintain cleanliness by crumbing down tables promptly.
- Manage allergy-sensitive by liaising with the kitchen staff to ensure proper precautions were taken.
Education
Diploma - Sales and Marketing
Kenya Institute of Management
Nairobi, KE01.2018
Diploma - Graphics and Design Artist Design
Griffins College
Nairobi, KE01.2015
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Gathambi Girls Secondary School
01.2014
Skills
- Food pairing
- Hygienic food handling
- Currency handling
- Guest service coordination
- Buffet service organization
- Space configuration
- Specials retention
- Beverage mixology
- Gastronomy pairing
- Customer retention
- Transaction processing expertise
- Allergen identification
Language
English | Native
French | Elementary
Spanish | Elementary
Accomplishments
- Increased guest satisfaction scores by consistently delivering prompt, accurate, and friendly service.
- Boosted revenue through effective upselling of menu items, beverages, and promotions.
- Maintained compliance with food safety and hygiene standards, contributing to excellent audit results.
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% through attentive service and personalized recommendations.
- Successfully upsold premium menu items and beverages, resulting in a 15% increase in average check size.
Certification
Seamans Booklet
Seafarers certificates
US C1/D Visa
Referrals upon request
Timeline
Team Server
MSC Cruises- Seascape
12.2025 - Current
Server
Msc Meraviglia-Newyork
02.2025 - 2025
Restaurant Attendant
MSC Magnifica Cruise Ship
07.2024 - 02.2025
Assistant Waitress
MSC Seaside
06.2023 - 05.2024
Restaurant Hostess
Park inn by Radisson
02.2021 - 06.2022
Restaurant Hostess
The Node - Jacaranda Hotel
01.2018 - 01.2020
Restaurant Head Waitress
Sankara Nairobi Hotel
05.2017 - 11.2017
Hostess & Waitress
Ocean Basket Kenya, Westlands & The Hub
06.2016 - 05.2017
Diploma - Sales and Marketing
Kenya Institute of Management
Diploma - Graphics and Design Artist Design
Griffins College
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Gathambi Girls Secondary School