Matthew Estep
Biloxi
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience at Denny's, excelling in team building and customer relations. Proven track record in driving operational excellence and maximizing profitability through effective policy development and top talent recruitment. ServSafe certified, with strong negotiation skills and a commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction.
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
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook/Server
Dennys
02.2026 - Current
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
General Manager
Dennys
02.2025 - 02.2026
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Restaurant Manager
Dennys
10.2023 - 02.2025
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Developed, implemented, and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Cook
Dennys
04.2022 - 11.2023
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Trained and supervised cooking staff to expertly meet daily needs.
Manager Trainee
Tower Loan
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Explained services and products to customers in friendly and engaging way.
- Reviewed financial accounts for accuracy and resolved discrepancies.
- Managed and mentored team of 3 employees.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members which facilitated communication, quickly resolving issues, and conflicts.
- Handled day-to-day customer or client questions via telephone or email.
- Gained knowledge of company policies, protocols and processes.
- Acted with integrity, honesty, and knowledge to promote culture of company.
- Used company reports to analyze sales, gross profit and inventory activities.
Host
Dennys Restaurant
03.2020 - 04.2022
- Monitored seating area and checked restrooms regularly to keep spotless.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Provided patrons with estimated waiting times during peak service hours.
- Minimized customer service complaints by expertly managing customer expectations during busy periods.
- Answered phone calls to take orders, give information and document reservations.
- Took initial drink orders and relayed information to wait or bar staff.
- Delivered pick-up and curbside orders to guests.
- Input orders accurately into POS terminal, split bills and accepted payments.
- Maintained balanced cash drawer with correct money values and accurate documentation.
- Rearranged tables and chairs for large parties and retrieved high chairs for children.
- Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
- Helped facilitate cooperation between service and kitchen staff to professionally meet guest needs and resolve problems.
- Backed up servers by checking on tables and retrieving items for guests.
Server
Dennys
03.2020 - 04.2022
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
Service Assistant
Dennys Restaurant
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Kept close eye on customers to quickly spot leaving guests and clear tables for future patrons.
- Wiped down kitchen counters and used sanitizing products to remove grime.
- Operated dishwashers and other kitchen equipment according to safety guidelines.
- Provided attentive service and proactively assessed guest needs.
- Assisted with bussing tables and cleaning up spills.
Education
No Degree - Computer Hardware Engineering
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MSHigh School Diploma -
Harrison Central High School
Gulfport, MS05-2021
Skills
- ServSafe certified
- Sales
- Public relations
- Supervision and training
- Top talent recruiting, hiring, and retention
- Profit and loss accountability
- Policy/program development
- Customer relations
- Performance evaluations
- Recruitment
- Leader
- Team building
- Profit and loss
- Negotiation skills
- Purchasing
- Time management
- Leadership
- Risk management
- Schedule management
- Vendor relationships
- Cost reductions
Timeline
Cook/Server
Dennys
02.2026 - Current
General Manager
Dennys
02.2025 - 02.2026
Restaurant Manager
Dennys
10.2023 - 02.2025
Manager Trainee
Tower Loan
05.2023 - 09.2023
Cook
Dennys
04.2022 - 11.2023
Host
Dennys Restaurant
03.2020 - 04.2022
Server
Dennys
03.2020 - 04.2022
Service Assistant
Dennys Restaurant
12.2019 - 03.2020
No Degree - Computer Hardware Engineering
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
High School Diploma -
Harrison Central High School