Kaden Cherry - Guest Services | Hospitality - Goin Coastal Seafood, and The Vidalia Southern Restaurant & Bar.

Summary

Reliable and customer-focused professional with experience managing high-volume environments, handling transactions, and supporting daily operations. Known for strong communication, adaptability, and a positive work ethic while balancing school commitments.

Overview

3

years of professional experience

Work History

Restaurant Host /Food and Beverage Hostess

Goin Coastal Seafood, and The Vidalia Southern Restaurant & Bar.

04.2023 - Current

Oversaw reservation systems and live waitlists using OpenTable, accurately updating guest information, special requests, and scheduling changes in real time.
Maintained detailed records of allergens, dietary needs, celebrations, and special accommodations, ensuring guest safety and satisfaction.
Managed guest flow for 40–120 guests on weekdays and 140–260 guests on weekends, maintaining efficient service during both low- and high-volume periods.
Coordinated real-time staff rotation and workload balancing, ensuring fair distribution of customers across servers and bar staff to support operational efficiency.
Handled point-of-sale operations using Toast, including order entry, customer data collection, and processing cash, card, and gift card payments.
Acted as a support lead during service, stepping in to assist coworkers during high-stress or guest-facing situations.
Trained new host staff through a multi-day onboarding process, working one-on-one to teach daily operations, guest interaction standards, and reservation systems.
De-escalated highly upset guest situations, including verbal hostility toward staff, by actively listening, problem-solving, and delivering tailored resolutions.
Successfully resolved complaints involving seating preferences, wait times, and service expectations, restoring guest satisfaction and maintaining restaurant reputation.

Greeted all guests upon arrival warmly while providing information regarding seating availability or estimated waiting times.
Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including Kitchen Expeditor, Food Runner and to-go stations.
Contributed to increased sales by upselling menu items and promoting daily specials effectively.
Actively participated in team meetings offering suggestions aimed at improving overall restaurant performance day to day.
Ensured a welcoming atmosphere by maintaining a clean, well-organized, and inviting reception area.
Adapted quickly to changing priorities, customer needs, and workflow demands.

Education

No Degree -

Abeka Academy

Pensacola, FL

05.2001 -

Skills

Attention to detail
Team-based operations
Customer service & guest relations
Customer information handling (confidentiality-aware)
Service recovery & conflict resolution
Task prioritization & daily workflow support
Time management & multitasking

Digital systems & software navigation (scheduling tools)
Data entry & record accuracy
Adaptability & fast learning
Working efficiently in fast-paced environments
Following health, safety, and privacy protocols
Professional communication (in-person & phone)