Melody Zapata
North Kansas City
Summary
Experienced food service professional with over 30 years in diverse roles, including Server, Cook, Manager, and Owner. Currently managing a coffee shop/cafe at UMKC's Hospital Hill Campus and overseeing catering services at the Volker campus for over 5 years, demonstrating expertise in operations and team leadership.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Supervisor
UMKC College
08.2016 - Current
- Worked along leadership gathering paperwork for accounts, to prepare functions correctly.
- Facilitated employee retention initiatives and negotiated with vendors for optimal service agreements
- Coordinated with facility employees to ensure timely and accurate setup of rooms for functions
- Ensure all food safety and standards are met
- Managed inventory levels to ensure adequate stock for operations.
- Training and management of student employees
- Developed strong relationships with customers to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborated with other departments to align resources and meet requirements for college and banquet events
- Ability to fill every role under my supervision to include: cook, bartender, server, janitorial, and accounting
Concessions Worker
DTL Incorporated
Kansas City, MO
09.2025 - Current
- Managed daily operations of concessions stand, ensuring efficient service and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented upselling strategies to increase revenue during peak event hours.
- Implemented upselling strategies to increase revenue during peak event hours. Events include Royals Baseball games, Chiefs Football games, World Cup (FIFA) Soccer games, and concerts.
- Consistently provided friendly service to promote better customer engagement.
Manager
O’Brians Restaurant and Catering
06.2001 - 08.2015
- Coordinated staffing and scheduling for optimal operations
- Managed employee performance and development for bar, restaurant, and catering services
- Helped manage our O’hare Airport location.
- In charge of staffing and scheduling
- Assumed various roles to address staffing gaps
- Filled staffing roles during events to ensure smooth operations.
- Insure all food safety and standards are met
- Managed inventory by tracking stock levels and placing orders.
Education
High School Diploma -
Proviso West High School
Hillside, IL01-1980
Skills
- Current food handlers license
- Catering logistics
- POS systems proficiency
- Project management
- Employee management
- Multitasking and goal-setting
- Event coordination
- Task communication
- Strong verbal skills
Certification
- Food Handlers License - since 2016
- Liquor license - since 2022
Timeline
Concessions Worker
DTL Incorporated
09.2025 - Current
Catering Supervisor
UMKC College
08.2016 - Current
Manager
O’Brians Restaurant and Catering
06.2001 - 08.2015
High School Diploma -
Proviso West High School