Marlen Calderon
Chicago
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
Casa Margarita
01.2020 - Current
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and customers.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
Server
Mago Cantina and Grill
01.2019 - 2020
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
Server
May St. Cafe
2017 - 2019
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
Education
High School Diploma -
Nicolas Senn
Chicago, ILSkills
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Work prioritization
- Cross-functional team management
- Time management
- Team leadership
- Staff management
- Customer service
- Policy implementation
- Staff training and development
- Schedule preparation
- Inventory management
- Vendor management
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Manager
Casa Margarita
01.2020 - Current
Server
Mago Cantina and Grill
01.2019 - 2020
Server
May St. Cafe
2017 - 2019
High School Diploma -
Nicolas Senn