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I am a dynamic and results-oriented professional with over 12 years of experience in restaurant management and customer service excellence. I am passionate about leveraging my skills in hospitality, team leadership, and operational efficiency to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and customer satisfaction. Having recently transitioned from Valor Restaurant Group, I'm eager to embark on new growth opportunities. My background also includes expertise in digital art and music production, social media content management, and AI and VR content creation. I enjoy creating engaging multimedia content and developing marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness while fostering strong community engagement.…I am a dynamic and results-oriented professional with over 12 years of experience in restaurant management and customer service excellence. I am passionate about leveraging my skills in hospitality, team leadership, and operational efficiency to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and customer satisfaction. Having recently transitioned from Valor Restaurant Group, I'm eager to embark on new growth opportunities. My background also includes expertise in digital art and music production, social media content management, and AI and VR content creation. I enjoy creating engaging multimedia content and developing marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness while fostering strong community engagement.

James Zurek

Music Producer, Audio Engineer, Social Media Manager, +2

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I am a dynamic and results-oriented professional with over 12 years of experience in restaurant management and customer service excellence. I am passionate about leveraging my skills in hospitality, team leadership, and operational efficiency to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and customer satisfaction. Having recently transitioned from Valor Restaurant Group, I'm eager to embark on new growth opportunities. My background also includes expertise in digital art and music production, social media content management, and AI and VR content creation. I enjoy creating engaging multimedia content and developing marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness while fostering strong community engagement.…I am a dynamic and results-oriented professional with over 12 years of experience in restaurant management and customer service excellence. I am passionate about leveraging my skills in hospitality, team leadership, and operational efficiency to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and customer satisfaction. Having recently transitioned from Valor Restaurant Group, I'm eager to embark on new growth opportunities. My background also includes expertise in digital art and music production, social media content management, and AI and VR content creation. I enjoy creating engaging multimedia content and developing marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness while fostering strong community engagement.

Available to hire

I am a dynamic and results-oriented professional with over 12 years of experience in restaurant management and customer service excellence. I am passionate about leveraging my skills in hospitality, team leadership, and operational efficiency to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and customer satisfaction. Having recently transitioned from Valor Restaurant Group, I’m eager to embark on new growth opportunities.

My background also includes expertise in digital art and music production, social media content management, and AI and VR content creation. I enjoy creating engaging multimedia content and developing marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness while fostering strong community engagement.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Work Experience

Front of House Manager at Valor Restaurant Group (Merlo’s Italian Restaurant), Glencoe, IL

March 1, 2012 - Present

Achieved promotion to Front of House Manager due to consistently delivering exceptional customer service and building strong relationships with patrons, resulting in a 30% increase in repeat clientele. Spearheaded initiatives to enhance the dining experience, including staff training programs focused on customer engagement and upselling techniques, which led to a 15% boost in overall sales. Coordinated comprehensive maintenance and cleaning protocols, ensuring a pristine environment that met health and safety regulations while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Managed POS systems with precision, overseeing inventory control and reducing waste by implementing efficient stock management strategies that improved profitability by 10%. Cultivated a positive team culture through effective communication and leadership, mentoring staff to achieve personal and professional growth, resulting in a 25% reduction in employee turnover.

Private Dining Waiter at Gibson’s Steakhouse (Montgomery Club), Chicago, IL

December 31, 2016 - July 22, 2025

Delivered exceptional and personalized service to high-profile clientele, including celebrities and professional athletes, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Orchestrated all aspects of private events, from meticulous planning and set-up to flawless execution, consistently receiving positive feedback and referrals from clients. Maintained exemplary standards of personal presentation and hygiene, contributing to the restaurant's prestigious reputation for excellence in service.

Youth Outreach Worker at Youth Outreach Services, Proviso West District

December 31, 2001 - July 22, 2025

Engaged effectively with at-risk youth in community centers, building trust and rapport to foster a supportive environment for personal development and growth. Managed a diverse caseload of 25 clients, conducting thorough assessments and providing tailored support for mental health and learning disabilities, leading to significant improvements in clients’ well-being. Developed and implemented community programs aimed at empowering youth, enhancing their skills and confidence while promoting positive social interactions.

Aide to Charles Alvarado, Retired Special Education Teacher

December 31, 2005 - July 22, 2025

Assisted in the classroom by supporting students with diverse learning needs, fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment. Collaborated with the teacher to develop tailored lesson plans and instructional materials to meet the unique needs of each student. Provided one-on-one support to students, helping them achieve academic goals and improve social skills.

Head Server at The Great Escape Restaurant, Schiller Park, IL

December 31, 2011 - July 22, 2025

Led a team of servers in delivering exceptional dining experiences, consistently exceeding customer expectations through attentive service and an intimate knowledge of the menu. Developed and implemented training programs for new staff, focusing on service standards, menu knowledge, and effective communication, which improved overall team performance and customer satisfaction ratings. Enhanced the guest experience by managing reservations and coordinating with the kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat business. Handled high-volume situations with grace and efficiency, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor while ensuring every guest felt valued and attended to. Actively sought and responded to customer feedback, using insights to refine service protocols and menu offerings, contributing to the restaurant's reputation as a premier dining destination in the area.