SIMON KARIUKI
Nairobi, Nairobi Province,Kenya
Summary
Enthusiastic and reliable professional takes pride in providing excellent customer service and creating memorable dining experiences for restaurant customers. Skilled in anticipating customer needs, addressing complaints and resolving issues in timely manner. Maintains focus and positive attitude in stressful situations and high-volume environments.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bartender/Server
Hotel Boulevard
01.2025 - Current
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Applied knowledge to create innovative cocktails, enhance flavor profiles and expertly pair food and drinks.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Mixed unique and interesting cocktails for customers, including bar specials.
- Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
Chef
Coco Jambo Gardens
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
Hotel Waiter
The Curve by The Park
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Cleared dishes, trays and carts from rooms with discretion and professionalism.
- Met guests' needs by delivering meals and snacks and retrieving additional items.
- Answered detailed questions about menu items, contents and preparation methods to help guests make informed decisions.
- Assessed meal preparation to check creation of special orders and cooking procedures.
- Used downtime to get ahead of support work such as folding napkins, wrapping silverware and polishing glasses.
- Offered knowledgeable suggestions about foods and related wine pairings to guests with discerning tastes.
- Refilled beverage glasses, cleared and reset tables, and stocked service areas.
- Increased sales significantly by upselling higher-end products to customers.
Education
Diploma in Food And Beverage Management.
Kenya Utalii College
Nairobi, Kenya05-2022
Certificate in Mixology Skills
Barmisco Hospitality And Commercial College
Nairobi, Kenya07-2021
Certificate in Mixology And Bar Operations
Diageo Bar Academy
Nairobi, Kenya09-2019
Certificate in Computer Packages
Westilfe Computer College
Nairobi, Kenya11-2018
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Utugi High School
Kenya11-2017
Skills
- Customer Service excellence - creating memorable guest experiences that drive satisfaction and repeat business
- Communication Skills - clear,polite and professional interaction with guests and team members
- Food and Beverage knowledge - strong understanding of menus, ingredients, wines and cocktails for accurate service and upselling
- Teamwork and Collaboration - working effectively with chefs, bartenders and other colleagues for smooth operations
- Multitasking Ability - handling multiple tables, orders, and guests requests efficiently during peak hours
- Problem solving skills - quickly and calmly resolving guest complaints or service challenges
- Attention to Details - ensuring accuracy in orders, presentation, hygiene and table settings
- Flexibility and Adaptability - adjusting to different roles, busy shifts and diverse guest expectations
Accomplishments
- Successfully upsold premium wines and cocktails, increasing average check value by 15
- Maintained 95% positive guest feedback scores in customer surveys.
- Assisted in training and mentoring 5 new team members, improving service consistency.
- Commended by management for maintaining hygiene and safety standards during audits.
Certification
Food safety and Hygiene - certificate in safe food handling - 2025
Languages
English
Swahili
Timeline
Bartender/Server
Hotel Boulevard
01.2025 - Current
Chef
Coco Jambo Gardens
01.2024 - 12.2024
Hotel Waiter
The Curve by The Park
11.2022 - 12.2023
Diploma in Food And Beverage Management.
Kenya Utalii College
Certificate in Mixology Skills
Barmisco Hospitality And Commercial College
Certificate in Mixology And Bar Operations
Diageo Bar Academy
Certificate in Computer Packages
Westilfe Computer College
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Utugi High School