Jonathon Ray
Atlanta
Summary
Professional hospitality worker, ready to excel in a fast-paced environment that matches his energy. Providing a proven track record in ensuring exceptional customer service and satisfaction with a strong focus on teamwork and adaptability, I bring a professionalism that’s hard to rival. I pride myself in consistently meeting changing needs and difficult tasks head on. Versed in multi-tasking and customer relations, I produce results in a result-driven business.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server Captain
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Atlanta, GA
01.2025 - Current
- Developed and launched a targeted training initiative for servers aimed at improving product knowledge and upselling capabilities.
- Coordinated with kitchen personnel to uphold timely food service and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Fostered and nurtured regular customer connections to enhance business retention.
- Managed resolution of customer complaints to foster a positive dining atmosphere for all patrons.
- Helped an increase of 17% of total revenue in the new fiscal year since stating employment.
- Trained new servers to enhance service quality and operational efficiency in high-demand environments.
FOH Manager
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Pittsburgh, PA
12.2021 - 07.2023
- Supervised front-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and service quality.
- Helped increase our wine sales by 15% after taking over our wine program.
- Trained and mentored staff on hospitality standards and operational procedures.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce wait times.
- Coordinated special events, managing reservations and customer expectations effectively.
- Analyzed operational processes, identifying areas for improvement that increased efficiency across front-of-house activities.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty through proactive service recovery.
- Developed and executed staff scheduling, balancing coverage needs with budgetary constraints effectively.
Fine Dining Caterer
Proof of the Pudding
Atlanta, GA
10.2024 - Current
- Orchestrated setup and curation of high-profile events in Atlanta.
- Executed setup, breakdown, and transportation logistics to ensure seamless operations.
- Delivered exceptional customer service during events, addressing client concerns and ensuring satisfaction.
- Facilitated preparation and execution of catering events, ensuring timely delivery and setup.
- Oversaw cleanliness and organization of catering equipment before, during, and after events.
- Streamlined coordination with kitchen staff to uphold food quality, presentation, and timing standards.
- Facilitated loading and unloading of catering vehicles for timely transportation to event locations.
- Collaborated with event planners to identify and clarify specific event requirements.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations while meticulously handling food items.
Fine Dining Server
Damsel
Atlanta, GA
12.2023 - 11.2024
- Led efforts to open and establish a new cabaret lounge in Atlanta, Georgia. Oversaw the combination of banquet service with fine dining and entertainment offerings. Fostered personal growth and improved communication skills in a dynamic environment.
- Facilitated memorable dining experiences for guests through attentive and personalized service.
- Leveraged in-depth knowledge of menu offerings and culinary methods to enhance guest experience through informed responses and suggestions.
- Presented daily specials with a focus on unique attributes and flavors to enrich customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced guest experience by strategically suggesting premium menu items, achieving a notable upselling rate.
- Oversaw maintenance of a pristine work environment. Directed polishing of silverware and coordinated folding of napkins. Organized table settings to elevate dining ambiance.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate order fulfillment and timely service throughout dining experiences.
- Facilitated efficient service for multiple tables during high-demand periods to uphold order accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- I would like to add that this restaurant CLOSED its doors after less than a year open.
Fine Dining Server/Gaucho
Fogo de Chao
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2020 - 07.2022
- Led efforts to enhance customer satisfaction in a high-end churrascaria environment. Managed communication strategies to bridge language gaps and address customer concerns effectively. Fostered a collaborative team atmosphere to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
- Advanced from serving to managing tasks in both back of house and front of house environments to enhance service efficiency.
- Executed meat carving and serving duties to enhance dining experience and customer satisfaction.
- Attained Lacador Button to enhance training capabilities and support team development.
- Departed from Fogo de Chao to embrace a significant career milestone in national touring as a musician.
- Facilitated memorable and enjoyable experiences for guests through attentive fine dining service.
- Leveraged in-depth knowledge of menu offerings and culinary methods to enhance guest experience through informed responses and suggestions.
- Maintained food safety standards by consistently following proper food handling techniques and sanitation protocols.
- Facilitated efficient service for multiple tables during high-demand periods to uphold order accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- Engaged with sommeliers and beverage specialists to provide tailored wine recommendations that enhance dining experiences.
- Supported event coordination for private functions, focusing on weddings and corporate gatherings, to enhance guest experience and satisfaction.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for new servers to ensure adherence to restaurant policies and enhance customer service skills.
Kitchen Manager/Catering Specialist
Club 86
Geneva, NY
12.2012 - 06.2017
- Progressed from dishwasher to server and partial bartender, culminating in role as kitchen manager, overseeing operations for final two and a half years with organization.
- Developed a wide range of competencies while prioritizing academic goals over social activities to support college funding.
- Embraced foundational roles to build a strong work ethic, showcasing dedication and perseverance in achieving objectives.
- Managed culinary operations to maintain high standards of taste, presentation, and portion control.
- Oversaw kitchen management to ensure efficient operations and team collaboration.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for new kitchen staff to ensure adherence to cooking techniques, safety protocols, and sanitation standards.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to ensure sufficient stock availability while effectively reducing storage costs.
- Coordinated efforts with front-of-house staff to optimize order delivery and enhance dining experience during busy service periods.
- Implemented and maintained adherence to health department regulations, ensuring optimal food handling practices and temperature control.
Learning Support Coordinator
AmeriCorps at Georgia Tech
Atlanta, GA
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Combining both the wealth of knowledge and resources of Georgia Tech with the needs of the community, I served as a learning support coordinator through the educational outreach program Horizons. I performed logistical work, 1-on-1 tutoring and peer mentorship, all while acting as the liaison between the program and the charter schools we partnered with. Also helped organize and functionally run our 6 week summer program located at Georgia Tech. A lovely experience to give back to a community and help create a brighter future for the youth of Atlanta. An AmeriCorps service contract is only for a year but our program was unique and extended for an extra few months. Our program wasn’t renewed at Georgia Tech for the following year.
- Collaborated with lead teacher to develop and implement lesson plans that aligned with curriculum objectives
- Assisted in the supervision and management of classroom activities, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment
- Facilitated small group discussions and activities to enhance student engagement and comprehension
- Collaborated with other co-teachers to share best practices, resources, and ideas for improving instructional methods
- Promoted inclusivity by fostering an environment where all students felt valued regardless of their abilities or backgrounds
- Encouraged active participation from all students by incorporating hands-on learning experiences into lessons
Artist, Content Curator, Media Manager
LiveInColor
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2018 - Current
- Helped found and grow an independent media outlet that distributes entertainment, knowledge, and positivity while doing what we can to give back to the community.
- Have helped produce and distribute music for various artists
- Created a social media presence that became our backbone in terms of marketing
- Have raised over $10,000 fundraising, fighting against such things as childhood hunger, breast cancer, and domestic violence
- Operate as an editor for the website and social media; mainly in regards to quality, content, and language.
- Just completed our second national tour, having performed in over 50 cities.
- Managed media budgets ranging from $XX, XXX to $XX, XXX, allocating funds strategically across various channels for maximum impact
- Conducted market research and analyzed industry trends to identify target audiences, key platforms, and optimal messaging for campaigns
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams including marketing, creative, and analytics to ensure cohesive campaign execution
- Utilized data-driven insights to optimize media plans and improve campaign performance metrics such as reach, impressions, click-through rates (CTRs), and conversions
Tutor/Mentor
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Geneva, NY
09.2012 - 06.2016
- Constructed a tutoring period at my local Boys & Girls Club where I would aid students in need of support with their homework. Aiding students amongst a plethora of topics, I tutored until my senior year. This is one of the foundational programs I have ever been a part of as it taught me so many lessons in terms of communication. To be able to convey something to someone in terms that understandable amongst everyone is very difficult, especially as a child myself, but, this experience helped shape my love for education.
Summer School Teacher's Assistant
Geneva City School District
Geneva, NY
07.2014 - 07.2015
- I was a summer school teacher’s assistant, helping engage with children from K-3. Helped students grow mentally, helping a lot of kids hit their goals in terms of reading levels and math grades. Great learning experience where I truly understood patience and temperament and the ability to adapt.
Education
B.S - English Writing
The University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA12.2020
Skills
- Kitchen Management Experience (4 years)
- Spirits experience
- Communication skills
- Proactiveness
- Phone etiquette (10 years)
- Shift management (3 years)
- Editorial Skills (3 years)
- Customer service (8 years)
- Human resources
- Food preparation
- Teaching (2 years)
- Great Time Management
- Very Sociable and Outgoing
- Craft beer experience (6 years)
- Tutoring
- Branding
- Problem management
- Employment & labor law
- Celtix (2 years)
- Profit & loss
- Creative writing (7 years)
- Research
- Willingness to Learn
- Hotel experience (1 year)
- Math (10 years)
- Guest relations
- Grammar Experience
- Sales (6 years)
- Critical thinker
- Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/After Effects
- Strong Leader
- Microsoft Outlook
- Writing skills (10 years)
- Computer skills
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Cost accounting (3 years)
- Marketing
- Professionalism (8 years)
- Fine dining experience (8 years)
- Restaurant Management (4 years)
- Hard-Working (10 years)
- Tutoring (5 years)
- Banquet Experience (7 years)
- Serving (10 years)
- Graphic design
- Canvas (4 years)
- Customer relationship management
- Early childhood education
- Host/hostess experience
- Digital marketing
- Inclusive hiring practices
- CRM software
- Personable
- Purchasing
- Malleable
- E-commerce
- Cashiering (10 years)
- Performance management (3 years)
- Photography
- CSS (1 year)
- Mexican cuisine
- Perfectionist
- Store management
- Canva
- Bar
- Steakhouse Experience (6 years)
- Videography (2 years)
- Inventory control (4 years)
- Fast casual experience (3 years)
- Nightclub (2 years)
- Resident's rights (6 years)
- Project leadership
- Microsoft Publisher
- Cash register
- Quick-Witted
- Sanitation
- Heavy lifting
- Project management
- Upscale casual experience
- Can Communicate Easily
- Cash handling (10 years)
- Upscale casual Dining (5 years)
- Analytical Thinking (8 years)
- Conflict management (6 years)
- Peer Mentoring (10 years)
- Front desk
- Team development
- 1st grade experience
- Wine knowledge (6 years)
- Supervising experience
- Editor (7 years)
- OpenTable
- Order fulfillment
- Presentation skills
- Journalism (7 years)
- Microsoft Word/Excel (10 years)
- Data entry
- Cocktail experience (5 years)
- Office management (3 years)
- Casual dining experience (2 years)
- Staff training (3 years)
- Organizational skills
- Problem solving
- Cleaning
- Determined
- Upselling
- Detail-Oriented
- Juniper
- Wine-Knowledge
Websites
Certification
- Food Handler Certification
- ServSafe
- April 2033
- May 2023 to May 2028
- Bartender License
- Professional Educator License
- Driver's License
Languages
English - Fluent
Awards
Segal Education Award, August 2024, After completing my service term for AmeriCorps, I received a Segal Education Award used to help pay off some of my student debt I incurred over the course of my undergrad journey., Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship, July 2016, After four years of tutoring and mentoring younger students and youth within my city, I was awarded the TSTT Scholarship which would cover half the tuition at the University’s and Colleges they were partnered with. Graduated from the program with high regards and tons of experience in both mentoring and teaching., Cathedral Achievement Award, May 2016, A scholarship awarded to me through the University of Pittsburgh for excellence in both the community and academic field, Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, April 2012, After starting a tutoring program at my local Boys & Girls Club and entirely changing my behavior, I was rewarded with the Youth of the Year award. I was invited to the State Senate in Albany and went through a plethora of interviews and exams to prove our moral fabric.
Links
http://www.liveincolormedia.com
Timeline
Server Captain
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
01.2025 - Current
Fine Dining Caterer
Proof of the Pudding
10.2024 - Current
Fine Dining Server
Damsel
12.2023 - 11.2024
Learning Support Coordinator
AmeriCorps at Georgia Tech
08.2023 - 10.2024
FOH Manager
Sullivan's Steakhouse
12.2021 - 07.2023
Fine Dining Server/Gaucho
Fogo de Chao
10.2020 - 07.2022
Artist, Content Curator, Media Manager
LiveInColor
05.2018 - Current
Summer School Teacher's Assistant
Geneva City School District
07.2014 - 07.2015
Kitchen Manager/Catering Specialist
Club 86
12.2012 - 06.2017
Tutor/Mentor
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
09.2012 - 06.2016
B.S - English Writing
The University of Pittsburgh