Melissa Odom
Lafayette
Summary
Dynamic crew member skilled in customer service and multitasking. Known for improving processes and enhancing customer satisfaction in fast-paced environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Crew Member
Sonic Drive in
Lafayette, LA
02.2021 - 04.2023
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced drive-in environment.
- Prepared and served food items following safety and quality standards.
- Operated point-of-sale system efficiently to process customer transactions.
- Trained new crew members on operational procedures and best practices.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced wait times for customers.
- Worked front counter, drive-thru and other areas.
- Took orders, prepared meals, and collected payments.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, handling multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or efficiency.
- Worked well with teammates and accepted coaching from management team.
- Collaborated with team members to complete orders.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing friendly and efficient service at the register.
- Cleaned and maintained all areas of restaurant to promote a clean image.
- Kept food preparation area, equipment, and utensils clean and sanitary.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Assisted other team members to achieve goals.
Cook
the Lunch Box
Lafayette, LA
05.2022 - 01.2023
- Prepared diverse menu items following established recipes and food safety standards.
- Streamlined food preparation processes to enhance efficiency during peak hours.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring freshness and quality of ingredients.
- Trained new staff on kitchen operations and safety protocols.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through effective portion control and waste reduction strategies.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to the food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
Cold Side Chef
Carrabas
Lafayette, LA
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Developed and executed seasonal menus, incorporating fresh ingredients and regional flavors.
- Trained and mentored junior chefs to enhance culinary skills and teamwork.
- Ensured food safety compliance by maintaining high standards in kitchen hygiene and sanitation.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to optimize customer service experiences during peak hours.
Crew Trainer
Mcdonalds
Lafayette, LA
07.2010 - 09.2019
- Trained new employees on food safety protocols and customer service standards.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Mentored staff to improve performance and foster teamwork in fast-paced a a fast-paced environment.
- Implemented efficient workflow strategies to optimize order accuracy and speed.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities while handling multiple orders simultaneously under high-pressure situations.
- Ensured food quality and safety through strict adherence to company guidelines and sanitation protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks quickly during peak hours, minimizing wait times for customers.
- Supported smooth store operations by taking on additional responsibilities such as opening or closing procedures when needed.
- Maintained a clean dining area for guests, ensuring a positive experience with every visit.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service in a fast-paced environment.
- Served as an essential liaison between management staff and crew members, relaying crucial updates regarding scheduling changes or policy adjustments proactively.
- Promoted teamwork among crew members by facilitating effective communication channels between front-of-house and kitchen staff teams.
- Reduced waste and costs by efficiently managing inventory levels and monitoring food expiration dates.
- Boosted sales by upselling menu items, suggesting popular choices, and promoting limited-time offers.
- Contributed to the development of new employees through comprehensive onboarding processes, including hands-on training and mentoring.
- Recognized for outstanding customer service skills, consistently receiving positive feedback from customers and management alike.
- Displayed strong attention to detail while preparing menu items according to specific recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
- Provided excellent problem-solving skills to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions or other operational issues promptly.
- Streamlined drive-thru service times through development and enforcement of new workflow processes.
- Increased upselling success, carefully explaining menu specials and promotions to customers.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Improved order accuracy and customer satisfaction with detailed quality control checks.
- Ensured compliance with all company policies and procedures, conducting periodic audits.
- Fostered a positive work a positive a positive work environment, leading to a a decrease in staff turnover.
- Reduced waste and optimized inventory use by implementing effective stock rotation practices.
- Supervised food presentation and plating to enhance visual appeal.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and recommendations.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer balance throughout shifts.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance customer service experience.
- Trained new cashiers on operational procedures and best practices.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer balances through diligent counting and reconciliation.
- Trained and mentored new cashiers on operational procedures and best practices.
Crew Trainer
McDonalds
Chalmette, LA
01.1999 - 09.2001
- Trained new crew members on operational procedures and customer service standards.
- Monitored crew performance and provided constructive feedback to enhance service efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards during shifts.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, maintaining high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.
- Trained other employees in customer service, food safety, and performance requirements.
- Taught new team members correct procedures for all areas of operations.
- Studied crew members during work shift to provide feedback and guidance in improving performance.
- Set positive a positive example for team members by providing high-quality, efficient service.
- Greeted customers with a a smile and provided friendly service to professionally handle every need.
- Maintained current knowledge of all team position requirements.
- Conducted hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises to reinforce learning concepts.
- Mentored new Crew Trainers, sharing best practices for effective instruction and coaching techniques.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
- Guided new trainers in developing effective training strategies, contributing to overall improvement of the training program.
- Encouraged customer-first mindset among crew members, leading to notable improvements in service delivery.
- Streamlined onboarding process for new hires, reducing time to full productivity.
- Fostered positive a positive work environment, leading to an increase in crew morale and productivity.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by implementing effective communication techniques within crew.
- Conducted hands-on demonstrations to teach new recruits proper use of equipment, enhancing safety and efficiency.
- Trained new hires in food handling and safety protocols to boost knowledge and performance.
- Monitored food inventory and supplies to prevent waste.
- Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
- Directed food preparation and cooking activities to meet health and safety standards.
- Served consistent portions following recipes and control standards.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Hospitality
Bryant And Statton
Online03-2025
Skills
- Customer service
- Hospitality service expertise
- Cash handling
- Cooking
- Multitasking and organization
- Effective communication
- Cash management
- Food safety compliance
- Attention to detail
- Kitchen hygiene standards
- Adaptability to change
- Crew leadership
- Customer trust building
- Team coordination
- Resilience and persistence
- Clear communication
- Written communication
- Customer engagement
- Advanced problem-solving
- Menu item development
- Process optimization
- Phone communication
- Culinary techniques
- Cultural competence
- Customer engagement tactics
Timeline
Cook
the Lunch Box
05.2022 - 01.2023
Crew Member
Sonic Drive in
02.2021 - 04.2023
Cold Side Chef
Carrabas
09.2020 - 01.2021
Crew Trainer
Mcdonalds
07.2010 - 09.2019
Crew Trainer
McDonalds
01.1999 - 09.2001
Associate of Applied Science - Hospitality
Bryant And Statton