Ülkü Demirtiken Şahar
Food & Beverage
Şehremini Mah. İskenderağa Cami Sk. No. 21/4 Fatih - İstanbul
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Restaurant Manager with a proven track record of leading high-end dining establishments to operational excellence. Skilled in team leadership, guest experience, and financial performance. Known for maintaining Michelin-level standards and creating service-driven cultures that consistently exceed expectations. Adept at managing day-to-day operations while fostering team development and long-term success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Nicole
12.2023 - Current
- Successfully led the restaurant to retain its Michelin Star, upholding the highest standards of food quality and service.
- Awarded the Michelin Service Award 2025 in recognition of outstanding hospitality and front-of-house excellence.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from guests and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Improved overall guest satisfaction by implementing new service standards and staff training programs.
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Turk Fatih Tutak
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
- Oversaw inventory control practices, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss performance and address any issues.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Managed team of up to 12 restaurant staff, maintaining exceptional customer service and quality standards.
- Successfully managed all aspects of restaurant operations in the absence of a Restaurant Manager.
Supervisor
Turk Fatih Tutak
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Supervised staff to confirm that all food and beverage orders were promptly and accurately prepared.
- Handled guest complaints professionally, resolving issues to enhance overall satisfaction levels.
- Monitored staff performance, enforcing adherence to policies, procedures, regulations, health codes, license requirements and top service standards.
- Coordinated team members with focus on productivity, efficiency and enhancing customer experience.
Waitress
Bodrum Loft Elia Restaurant
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
Waitress
Turk Fatih Tutak
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling guests to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied guests.
- Arranged tables for customers, following established preparation procedures to provide guests with excellent experiences and foster repeat business.
- Maintained pleasant interaction with guests to provide high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Followed directions from lead waiter to deliver exceptional guest service.
Waitress
Paps Italian
10.2015 - 10.2019
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and staff ready to meet guest needs.
- Greeted new guests, discussed specials, took drink orders and built immediate positive connections with guests.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
Waitress Supervisor
Delicatessen
04.2010 - 07.2015
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Supported needs of 12 person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for the restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
- Assigned work tasks and coordinated activities of dining room personnel to provide prompt and effective service to patrons.
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, took drink orders and built immediate positive connections with guests.
- Collected credit card, cash and gift certificate payments and dispensed change for cash transactions.
Waitress
Mangerie Bebek
02.2008 - 04.2010
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently.
- Stayed up-to-date on menu changes to offer current and accurate information and help guests select optimal meal choices based on individual preferences.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to correctly update guests on unavailable dishes and wait times.
- Maintained guest satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
Kitchen Trainee
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
06.2006 - 08.2006
- Work experience program supported by Bogazici University - Tourism Administration Department
- Supported kitchen staff with mise en place and preparation of main ingredients.
- Experienced three different kitchen sections; garde manger, pastry, banquet
Waitress Trainee
Dedeman Resort Cappadocia
06.2005 - 08.2005
- Work experience program supported by Bogazici University - Tourism Administration Department
- Mainly supported the reception team of the banquet hall of the hotel
- Prepared tables for high volume of guests before dining hours and helped with the service during.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Tourism Administration
Bogazici University
Istanbul 09.2002 - 06.2008
High School Diploma -
Yesilkoy Anatolian High School
Istanbul 09.1995 - 06.2002
Certification
WSET 1
Timeline
Turkish Sign Language
03-2025
Restaurant Manager
Nicole
12.2023 - Current
WSET 1
01-2023
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Turk Fatih Tutak
01.2022 - 05.2023
Supervisor
Turk Fatih Tutak
09.2021 - 01.2022
Waitress
Bodrum Loft Elia Restaurant
04.2021 - 08.2021
Waitress
Turk Fatih Tutak
11.2019 - 04.2021
Waitress
Paps Italian
10.2015 - 10.2019
Waitress Supervisor
Delicatessen
04.2010 - 07.2015
Waitress
Mangerie Bebek
02.2008 - 04.2010
Kitchen Trainee
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
06.2006 - 08.2006
Waitress Trainee
Dedeman Resort Cappadocia
06.2005 - 08.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Tourism Administration
Bogazici University
09.2002 - 06.2008
High School Diploma -
Yesilkoy Anatolian High School
09.1995 - 06.2002