Restaurant Resume Samples

What Do Hiring Managers Look for in a Restaurant Resume?

• Proven experience in customer service and managing restaurant operations.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with customers and staff.
• Proficiency in inventory management, cost control, and food safety standards.
• Leadership skills for managing teams and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems and other restaurant management tools.

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How to Write a Restaurant Resume?

To craft a professional Restaurant resume, follow these steps:

• Select a clean and modern resume template tailored for restaurant roles.
• Write a concise summary emphasizing your customer service experience, operational skills, and leadership qualities.
• Highlight your work experience, focusing on measurable achievements like increased sales or improved customer satisfaction.
• Include certifications such as ServSafe, food handling permits, or hospitality management training.
• List key skills such as team management, multitasking, and conflict resolution.
• Proofread for clarity, accuracy, and professional presentation.

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How to Write Your Restaurant Resume Header?

Write an effective Restaurant resume header by:

• Displaying your full name prominently at the top.
• Adding a professional title such as "Restaurant Manager," "Chef," or "Server."
• Providing contact information: phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
• Optionally, including your city or region if relevant for the role.

Bad Restaurant Resume Example - Header Section

John Doe, Food Worker, johndoe123@gmail.com

Good Restaurant Resume Example - Header Section

John Doe, New York, NY, Phone: (555) 555-5555, Email: john.doe@gmail.com, LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe

How to Write a Professional Restaurant Resume Summary?

Use this template to craft your summary: "[Job Title] with [number] years of experience in [specific areas, e.g., restaurant operations, customer service]. Skilled in [key skills, e.g., team management, menu planning]. Proven success in [key achievements, e.g., increasing sales, improving customer satisfaction]."

Examples:

• "Experienced Restaurant Manager with 8+ years of expertise in optimizing operations and enhancing guest experiences. Skilled in cost control, staff training, and inventory management, achieving a 20% reduction in operational costs."
• "Dedicated Server with 5 years of experience in high-volume restaurants. Proficient in POS systems and upselling strategies, consistently increasing average ticket size by 15%."

Restaurant Resume Example

Restaurant Manager

• Oversaw daily operations of a 150-seat restaurant, achieving a 25% increase in sales over two years.
• Managed a team of 25 staff members, providing training and ensuring high performance.
• Implemented cost-saving measures, reducing waste by 20% while maintaining quality.
• Designed seasonal menus in collaboration with chefs, boosting customer satisfaction ratings.
• Handled customer complaints effectively, maintaining a 4.8-star online review average.

Restaurant Resume Example

Server

• Delivered exceptional service in a fast-paced environment, maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction score.
• Upsold menu items and beverages, contributing to a 10% increase in daily sales.
• Managed multiple tables simultaneously, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in order delivery.
• Assisted with event setups and private dining services, exceeding client expectations.
• Adhered to food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure compliance with health regulations.

Restaurant Resume Example

Chef

• Designed and prepared menus for a fine-dining restaurant, resulting in a 30% increase in repeat customers.
• Supervised a kitchen team of 10, ensuring consistency in food quality and presentation.
• Managed food inventory, reducing waste by 15% through efficient stock rotation.
• Trained junior chefs on culinary techniques and safety protocols.
• Received "Chef of the Year" award for innovative menu designs.

Restaurant Resume Example

Bartender

• Mixed and served cocktails in a high-volume bar, generating $5,000 in nightly revenue.
• Trained staff on proper drink preparation techniques, improving service efficiency.
• Managed bar inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels and minimizing shortages.
• Created seasonal drink menus, increasing bar revenue by 20%.
• Built rapport with customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Restaurant Resume Example

Host/Hostess

• Greeted and seated an average of 200 guests daily, ensuring optimal table turnover.
• Managed reservation systems, reducing wait times during peak hours.
• Handled customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism, maintaining positive experiences.
• Assisted with event coordination for private functions and large parties.
• Maintained a clean and welcoming front-of-house environment.

Restaurant Resume Example

Line Cook

• Prepared and plated dishes in a high-volume kitchen, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Collaborated with the head chef to introduce new menu items, increasing customer interest.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, adhering to food safety standards.
• Monitored inventory levels and communicated restocking needs to management.
• Trained new kitchen staff, improving team productivity by 15%.

Restaurant Resume Example

Assistant Manager

• Supported the restaurant manager in overseeing daily operations and staff performance.
• Conducted staff scheduling, reducing overtime costs by 10%.
• Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to save $15,000 annually.
• Handled customer feedback and implemented service improvements, increasing repeat visits.
• Monitored health and safety compliance, passing all inspections with excellent ratings.

Restaurant Resume Example

Dishwasher

• Maintained cleanliness of dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Assisted kitchen staff with basic food preparation during busy shifts.
• Ensured compliance with health and safety standards through proper sanitation practices.
• Restocked supplies to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Supported team efforts during peak hours to maintain a seamless dining experience.

Restaurant Resume Example

Catering Coordinator

• Planned and executed catering events for up to 500 guests, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Coordinated with kitchen staff and vendors to ensure timely delivery of food and supplies.
• Developed detailed event timelines, ensuring seamless execution of services.
• Managed budgets and reduced event costs by 15% through effective negotiation.
• Fostered strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business.

Restaurant Resume Example

Delivery Driver

• Delivered orders promptly and accurately, maintaining high customer satisfaction rates.
• Managed multiple deliveries during peak hours, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
• Handled cash and card payments securely, maintaining accurate transaction records.
• Collaborated with restaurant staff to ensure order accuracy before dispatch.
• Provided exceptional service, contributing to a 4.9-star customer review average.

Additional Sections for a Restaurant Resume

• Certifications (e.g., ServSafe, Food Handler Certification, Alcohol Awareness Training)
• Languages (e.g., Spanish, French, Mandarin)
• Awards and Recognitions (e.g., Employee of the Month, Best Restaurant Award)
• Volunteer Experience (e.g., community events, charity catering)
• Technical Skills (e.g., POS systems, inventory management software)

Top Restaurant Resume Skills for 2025

• Customer Service and Communication
• Team Leadership and Collaboration
• Menu Planning and Food Presentation
• Inventory Management and Cost Control
• Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
• Food Safety and Sanitation Standards
• Multitasking and Time Management
• Point-of-Sale (POS) System Proficiency
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Marketing and Promotion

How Long Should My Restaurant Resume Be?

Restaurant resumes should typically be 1-2 pages long. Focus on relevant experience, measurable achievements, and certifications to create a strong and impactful document.

For assistance, explore resume templates or browse Restaurant resume examples for inspiration.

Specific Metrics/KPIs to Include in a Restaurant Resume

Highlight your impact on restaurant operations by incorporating key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics specific to the food service industry. Some important KPIs to feature on your resume include:

• Sales growth or revenue increase (monthly, quarterly, yearly)
• Customer satisfaction ratings (CSAT or NPS scores)
• Food cost percentage and labor cost control measures
• Upselling performance (dollars per cover or items per order)
• Table turnover rate (meals served per table per hour)
• Profitability of special events, promotions, or new menu items

Certifications for a Restaurant Resume

Enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to the restaurant industry by listing relevant certifications on your resume:

• ServSafe Manager Certification (National Restaurant Association)
• HACCP certification (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
• Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) levels I, II, or III
• Culinary Arts Diploma or Associate's Degree from a culinary school
• Food Allergy Training Certificate (FAAN, FARE, etc.)

Tools and Platforms for a Restaurant Resume

Showcase your technical skills and proficiency with industry-specific software and platforms:

• Point of Sale (POS) systems: Toast, Square, Upserve, Aloha, Oracle MICROS
• Restaurant Management Systems: SevenRooms, OpenTable for Restaurants, Reservio
• Kitchen Display Systems: Brink POS, QSR Automations, Kitchen Manager Pro
• Inventory Management Solutions: Par Level Plus, Spoonalytics, Kountify
• Online Ordering Platforms: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates

Methodologies and Frameworks for a Restaurant Resume

Differentiate yourself from other candidates by highlighting your understanding of restaurant management methodologies and frameworks:

• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Theory of Constraints (TOC)
• Agile Methodology
• Kaizen Continuous Improvement Philosophy
• Restaurant Performance Network (RPN) metrics & benchmarks

Choose the Right Resume Format for Your Restaurant Career

Select a resume format that showcases your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements in a way that is tailored to the restaurant industry:

• Functional Resume - Emphasize transferable skills and specific accomplishments, ideal for switching careers or entry-level positions
• Chronological Resume - List work history in reverse chronological order, perfect for experienced candidates with a strong track record of success
• Combination Resume - A blend of the functional and chronological formats, ideal for individuals with significant experience and transferable skills
• Hybrid Resume (or Infographic Resume) - A visually appealing alternative to traditional resumes that showcases accomplishments in an easy-to-digest format, useful for creative roles or positions requiring strong design skills.