Michelle Hanson

Fine Dining Server with over 8 years of experience. Trusted with leadership, coverage, and high-touch guest experiences in a high-volume, award-winning environment. Known for reliability, strong service leadership, and consistent support of teams during complex service and special events.

Fine Dining Service Captain at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi (2018-01 – 2026-01)

Premier fine-dining destination; 22,000-square-foot restaurant generating $22M+ in annual revenue, averaging 300–500 covers nightly.

• Led service within assigned sections of 30 to 50 guests while maintaining exceptional hospitality, accuracy, pacing, and attention to detail during high volume service.
• Served as a trusted leader during nightly operations, providing coverage for key positions and supporting seamless execution during peak business and special events.
• Built relationships with VIPs, repeat clientele, and celebration guests through personalized, high touch hospitality.
• Maintain comprehensive menu knowledge, including sourcing, ingredients, and dietary restrictions, while adapting to quarterly menu changes, and multiple special event and supplemental menus
• Maintained expert knowledge of premium wines, spirits, cocktails, and beverage pairings to confidently guide guest recommendations and enhance the dining experience.
• Trained and mentored new servers, hosts, and support staff on service standards, guest engagement, restaurant procedures, and fine dining expectations.
• Authored the Host Training Guide, creating standardized onboarding materials that improved consistency across front desk operations.
• Collaborated with leadership to develop digital learning content by contributing operational knowledge, service procedures, and training scripts used in AI powered employee education.
• Volunteered for off hour setups along with special operational needs to support leadership and team success

Volunteer & Hospitality Lead at Community Event & Hospitality Leadership (2020-01 – 2026-01)

• Support planning, setup, execution, and teardown of large-scale community and ministry events
• Assist with event design, décor, and photo installations for holiday and themed events
• Curate and execute VIP hospitality experiences for senior and visiting leaders
• Provide hospitality and meal service for staff and visitors, including menu planning, purchasing, preparation, and cleanup for 40+ people during extended programs
• Support off-site events through logistics, organization, communication, and real-time problem solving
• Assist with planning and execution of children's ministry events and celebrations