Héber M. Soto-Vega
San Juan
Summary
Eager to contribute an extensive experience and expertise in the restaurant, wine, and bar industry to a dynamic workplace. Excellence in surpassing customer expectations and achieving business goals as a collaborative team member. Proven track record in building strong business reputations through knowledgeable and professional service. Performance-driven and committed to consistently expanding the customer base and increasing revenue.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Maître D, Sommelier
Verde Mesa
11.2019 - Current
- Handled guests' sitting and reservation arrangements
- Represented establishment professionally with guests and earned consistent repeat and referral business
- In charge of front of house weekly schedule
- Responsible for bar's weekly inventory, restock orders, cost percentage management and coordinating educative tastings for staff.
- Created wine list and wine pairing program
- Managed cellar and beverage storage maintenance to prevent inventory spoilage
- Increased sales by 25% during first year in position, channeled through operational decisions, costs management and staff training.
- Recruited and scouted new front of house personnel
- In charge of restaurant's money settlements, pay roll distribution and reporting.
Operational Manager
Lupe Reyes, Distrito T-Mobile
12.2022 - 09.2023
- Team member that was hired to restructure staff processes, lower costs percentage, enhance monthly sales and to focus on guests’ experience
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines
- Operated high volume shifts with over 600 covers per day
- Conducted service experience of all guests through FOH and BOH team
- Spokesperson during media press conferences over changes in food and bar menu, as well as promoting restaurant events.
Captain/Lead Server
Marmalade Restaurant
04.2021 - 01.2023
- Lead server handling large groups and VIP parties/guests
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers
- Full knowledge of wine list and wine pairing program
- Handled wine inventory reports
- Expedited 200 cover dinner services for 5 course’s tasting menu experience
- Conducted server basic training for new staff members.
Education
Bachelor's in Public Relations and Advertisement -
Universidad De Puerto Rico Recinto Río Piedras
San Juan, PR05.2017
Skills
- Wine List Management
- Menu development
- Vendor Negotiations
- Wine pairing knowledge
- Wine Service Management
- Cellar Management
- Wine Tasting Events
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Staff Training and Development
- Inventory Management
- Reservations Management
- Guest Relations Management
Certification
- ServSafe, 07/01/22, 07/01/27
- WSET Level 2 Sommelier, Present
Timeline
Operational Manager
Lupe Reyes, Distrito T-Mobile
12.2022 - 09.2023
Captain/Lead Server
Marmalade Restaurant
04.2021 - 01.2023
Maître D, Sommelier
Verde Mesa
11.2019 - Current
Bachelor's in Public Relations and Advertisement -
Universidad De Puerto Rico Recinto Río Piedras
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