Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Work Availability
Timeline
15
Candance K. Stephens

Candance K. Stephens

Johns Island

Summary

Experienced Food and Beverage Director adept at developing thriving food service operations, leading teams, and driving profitability. Demonstrated expertise in menu design, supply procurement, and problem-solving within the food service industry. Possess a comprehensive knowledge of hospitality standards and a talent for fostering customer relationships that consistently yield positive results.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Food and Beverage Director

The Limited Hotel by Marriott
02.2022 - Current
  • Managed successful special events, including weddings and corporate functions, ensuring seamless execution from planning to completion.
  • Ensured consistent delivery of safe, high-quality food items by enforcing proper handling practices among kitchen staff members.
  • Implemented marketing strategies that increased foot traffic during traditionally slow periods such as weekday lunches or off-season months.
  • .Facilitated regular interdepartmental communication to streamline processes, improve collaboration, and ensure a cohesive guest experience across all touchpoints.
  • Optimized labor costs by monitoring staffing levels based on business needs and adjusting schedules accordingly for maximum efficiency.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering a positive work environment that promoted professional growth and employee retention.
  • Analyzed financial reports to identify areas of opportunity for increasing profitability while managing expenses effectively within budget constraints.

Food and Beverage Manager

Commerce Club
08.2021 - 06.2022
  • Key Achievement: Increased member satisfaction scores by20% through service improvements
  • Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
  • Resolved customer complaints involving food or beverage quality and service.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
  • Assisted in financial management tasks such as budget planning, forecasting revenue projections, and monitoring expenses closely.

General Manager

Tropical Grille Corporate LLC
02.2019 - 04.2021
  • Managed 30-plus diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets while maintaining customer satisfaction consistently.
  • Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.

General Manager

Duke Sandwich Company
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Key Achievement: Improved customer satisfaction ratings by15% through enhanced service protocols
  • Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
  • Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
  • Effectively managed labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.

Server

Husk Restaurant
01.2017 - 12.2018
  • Specialized in guest service in high-volume upscale restaurant
  • Participated in extensive wine training
  • Acquired excellent product knowledge of local farms, wine, and cocktails
  • Adapted to daily menu changes
  • Key Achievement: Recognized for exceptional service and product knowledge
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.

Shift Lead/Server

Soby's Southern Cuisine
01.2015 - 12.2017
  • Specialized in guest services at upscale restaurants, 300-500 covers a night
  • Participated in extensive wine training
  • Maintained lead server position and volunteered on committees
  • Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities

Server

Husk Restaurant
01.2010 - 12.2014
  • Specialized in guest service in high-volume upscale restaurant
  • Acquired excellent product knowledge
  • Adapted to daily menu changes
  • Served high-profile guests, including celebrities and industry experts
  • Worked under James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock


Skills

  • Food and beverage operations
  • Labor management
  • Sanitation standards
  • Hospitality management
  • Banquet operations
  • Menu development
  • Cost control
  • Food safety compliance
  • Inventory management
  • Budget development

Certification

  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - National Restaurant Association.
  • Allergen Awareness Training Certificate – State-specific programs or ANSI-accredited providers.
  • TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) Alcohol Certification – Health Communications, Inc.
  • ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
  • SC Driver's License

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Food and Beverage Director

The Limited Hotel by Marriott
02.2022 - Current

Food and Beverage Manager

Commerce Club
08.2021 - 06.2022

General Manager

Tropical Grille Corporate LLC
02.2019 - 04.2021

General Manager

Duke Sandwich Company
01.2018 - 12.2019

Server

Husk Restaurant
01.2017 - 12.2018

Shift Lead/Server

Soby's Southern Cuisine
01.2015 - 12.2017

Server

Husk Restaurant
01.2010 - 12.2014
Candance K. Stephens