Samantha Yang

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Linguistics and Asian American Studies

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

About

A recent graduate of the College of Letters and Science at UW-Madison, I originally pursued a degree in music performance. A fascination with argument formation and the power of pragmatics/language manipulation led me to linguistics. Around the same time, I started a career in food service. I am passionate about the products and influences of human inspiration (whether it is music, language, or food), interdisciplinary collaboration, and ultimately improving the quality and access of that which makes life worth living.

Experience

  • Bartender, Floor Manager at Butterbird Chicken and Bar
    Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Bar: ability to follow instructions and internalize them well enough to provide alternative accommodations on short notice (problem solving with deep understanding of our products), experienced at high-pressure multitasking and balancing multiple positions and duties in order to simultaneously run a full service bar and work the restaurant floor while ensuring positive visitor experiences, establish good lines of communication with the team regarding changes in methodology, storage, ingredients, and cleanliness. Floor Managing: provide assistance and support for my team as we prepare for and execute service, act as coordinator and interpreter of the restaurant by determining cut times, assigning breaks, and handling difficult interactions while prioritizing the well-being of my team and the customer experience.

  • Bartender at Mom's Bar
    May 2022 - Mar 2024 · 1 yr 11 mos

    Duties: single-handedly open the bar and supervise closing duties, coach new hires, innovate daily specials, decorate for national holidays, help run comedy nights and themed nights, receive liquor order and invoices and keep track of inventory, handle difficult customer interactions for the safety of the bar and well-being of customers and staff, worked with local police and fire department to keep us safe and legal. Achievements: was part of the team that broke the sales record three times in a row, created a cocktail menu of 10 original recipes, helped establish good business relationships with local bars and restaurants.

  • Server at Ramen Kid
    Mar 2022 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Seat and tend to customers, clean and organize tables, communicate with kitchen staff, serve finished dishes, operate cash register, pack delivery orders.

  • Chocolatier at DB Infusion Chocolates
    May 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Make standard and seasonal truffles and bars according to the house recipe book, restock supplies, answer customer questions regarding chocolate production and ingredients, assist the front of house staff in duties such as unmolding, restocking, and packing.

  • Kitchen Staff at Roll Play Board Game Cafe
    Feb 2020 - Jan 2022 · 2 yrs

    Keep the cafe clean and organized, greet customers and explain cafe purpose, help customers navigate the cafe and answer any questions, assemble and serve meals and drinks, ring up customers at register, bus tables, take care of all delivery platforms, help with prep work, and assist the main kitchen with any additional tasks while keeping them up to date with orders. During the COVID-19 pandemic: sanitize workspace regularly, prepare and package orders safely, handle delivery interactions with customers and drivers while maintaining precautions.