Chrisbert Kinley Lawrence
Food & Beverage Professional
Gracefarm,St.Johns
Summary
Professional catering expert with significant experience in managing all aspects of food service operations. Skilled in menu planning, vendor negotiations, and ensuring top-tier client satisfaction. Strong focus on team collaboration and consistently achieving results. Reliable and adaptable, excelling in dynamic environments. Proven expertise in overseeing events from start to finish, enhancing guest experiences, and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
Professional catering expert with knack for elevating dining experiences and delivering exceptional hospitality. Deep understanding of menu planning, vendor management, and event coordination, ensuring seamless service from start to finish. Proven ability to foster collaboration and adapt to dynamic event needs, consistently achieving remarkable results. Well-versed in food safety standards and customer relationship management.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Manager/Chef
Tastebuds SLU
10.2022 - 08.2024
- Streamlined inventory processes to minimize waste and ensure cost-effective operations.
- Developed strong team dynamics for seamless operations during peak service periods.
- Curated unique menus to enhance guest experiences for diverse occasions.
- Resolved conflicts amicably with proactive problem-solving strategies.
- Crafted detailed event proposals to secure contracts and exceed client expectations.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
- Developed comprehensive event proposals that clearly outlined deliverables, timelines, budget requirements based on client input.
- Achieved increased client retention rates by providing exceptional customer service throughout the event planning process.
- Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.
- Assisted in developing marketing materials to showcase the company''s catering services to potential clients effectively.
- Promoted catering packages with most profitable outcomes without sacrificing client desires.
- Proactively addressed any issues or concerns from clients or staff members promptly and professionally resolved them.
- Participated in industry conferences and networking events to stay current on trends within the catering sector continually.
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
- Coordinated logistics for multiple events simultaneously, maintaining seamless operations and timely execution.
- Collaborated with clients to create customized menus tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing proper food handling procedures and adhering to health department regulations.
- Handled payment collection and payroll of Number employees.
- Conducted post-event evaluations with clients, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
- Negotiated competitive pricing with suppliers, resulting in reduced operational costs for the company.
- Developed strong vendor relationships, securing cost-effective contracts and improving overall service quality.
- Orchestrated large-scale events without compromising on quality, thanks to effective team coordination.
- Adapted to changing market trends, keeping service offerings fresh and competitive.
- Maintained stringent budget controls, maximizing profitability without sacrificing quality.
- Secured high-profile contracts, expanding company's market presence and reputation.
- Implemented strict food safety protocols, significantly reducing instances of non-compliance.
- Cultivated relationships with venue managers, broadening network and opportunities for business growth.
- Provided detailed event reports to clients, demonstrating transparency and fostering trust.
- Streamlined kitchen operations, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of high-quality dishes.
- Negotiated with vendors for cost-effective procurement of supplies, improving profit margins.
- Reduced waste and optimized resource use by introducing efficient inventory management practices.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Developed and executed various dish concepts.
Food & Beverage Supervisor
BodyHoliday Resort & Spa
11.2021 - 09.2022
- Ensured accuracy of customer records by regularly updating account details.
- Enhanced customer interest through informative responses about various products.
- Handled customer issues expediently to achieve timely solutions.
- Ensured accuracy of customer records by regularly updating account details.
- Resolved product or service issues by clarifying customer complaints; determining the source/cause of the problem; selecting and explaining the best possible solution to the issue at hand
- Promptly adjusted customer accounts and ensured thorough follow-up for resolution.
- Managed team schedules for optimal performance.
- Ensured Food and Beverage Health & Safety Standards compliance
- Mentored employees to ensure adherence to superior customer service practices.
- Controlled inventory to meet operational requirements.
Customer Care Representative
KM2 Solutions
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Updated account information to maintain customer records.
- Reserved and suggested ideal vacation rental properties.
- Executed credit card payments through use of company's payment systems.
- Addressed customer queries while promoting additional offerings.
- Directed customer issues to relevant departments for solutions.
- Handled refund processing and issued necessary credits.
- Resolved issues promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction
- Directed resolution processes through systematic investigation of complaints, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Quickened adjustments in customer accounts with diligent follow-up until resolved.
Floor Supervisor
Matthews Restaurant
12.2018 - 03.2020
- Managed and recorded a significant number of inbound communications.
- Managed logistics for corporate meals.
- Managed coordination of dinner reservation bookings seamlessly.
- Planned and executed company events
- Developed and executed targeted plans to enhance customer acquisition.
- Provided service in bartending alongside waiting roles.
- Listened and found optimal solutions to customer issues and complaints
- Coordinated signing procedures to confirm successful reception of shipments.
- Managed and assisted with day to day operations of restaurant on a management level
- Maintained alignment of operations with prescribed health and safety guidelines set by the Ministry of Health.
Restaurant/Bar Supervisor
The Banana Tree Bar & Grill
07.2016 - 01.2018
- Cater to customers’ needs in a timely manner
- Properly routed agreements, contracts and invoices through the signature process
- Received and screened a high volume of internal and external communications including email and mail
- Ensured swift preparation of quality meals
- Implemented weekly events and promotions to boost company’s popularity and sales
- Maintained Health and Safety Standards
Education
Bachelor Of Hospitality And Tourism Management - Tourism And Hospitality Management
University Of The West Indies
Cave HillAssociates Degree - Tourism And Hospitality Management
Dominica State College
Roseau06.2018
DIPLOMA -
SAINT MARY'S ACADEMY
Roseau06.2016
Skills
- Menu development
- Catering coordination
- Scheduling staff
- Food presentation
- Beverage making
- Ordering supplies
- Bar management
- Quality assurance
- Staff supervision
- Inventory management
- Staff leadership
- Food safety compliance
- Vendor negotiations
- Records maintenance
- Customer service
- Food and beverage service
- Greeting and seating guests
- Critical thinking
- Service quality standards evaluation
- Work station assignments
- Cooking
- Process monitoring and improvement
- Payment acceptance
- Inventory control
- Staff management
- Service training
- Supply ordering
- Food plating and presentation
- Kitchen staff supervision
- Disciplinary Write-ups
- Special menu planning
Awards
- Employee of the month for three consecutive months, BANANA TREE BAR N GRILL, 01/01/16 - 12/31/17
- Winner of the DOMINICA SMALL EVENT DÉCOR COMPETITION, 01/01/16
Eventsandactivities
- Orchestrated a variety of high profile events for the Government of The Commonwealth of Dominica not limited to The President’s State Charities Dinners and Ground Breaking Ceremonies of various landmarks and Infrastructural Developments
- Developed, planned and executed events, meetings, tradeshows and incentive programs
- Negotiated and Booked venues, transportation, Hotel Rooms, Entertainment, Artists and Food & Beverage for Large-Scale events such as The World Creole Music Festival with over 20,000 attendees annually
- Successfully solicited companies with the use of cold calls for event sponsorship
- Coordinated multiple domestic events. Worked closely with hotels and other vendors to ensure client’s requirements are fulfilled
Timeline
Catering Manager/Chef
Tastebuds SLU
10.2022 - 08.2024
Food & Beverage Supervisor
BodyHoliday Resort & Spa
11.2021 - 09.2022
Customer Care Representative
KM2 Solutions
05.2021 - 10.2021
Floor Supervisor
Matthews Restaurant
12.2018 - 03.2020
Restaurant/Bar Supervisor
The Banana Tree Bar & Grill
07.2016 - 01.2018
DIPLOMA -
SAINT MARY'S ACADEMY
Bachelor Of Hospitality And Tourism Management - Tourism And Hospitality Management
University Of The West Indies
Associates Degree - Tourism And Hospitality Management
Dominica State College
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