Christie Watson

Hospitality and operations leader with more than 15 years of experience building exceptional guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence within premium dining environments. Proven success leading restaurant openings, turnarounds, and organizational transitions while creating service cultures that strengthen client loyalty, develop future leaders, and improve business performance. Committed to representing premium brands through exceptional professional presentation, professionalism, and attention to detail while creating environments where both guests and employees feel genuinely valued.

Assistant General Manager | Guest Experience & Operations at True Wild Distilling (2025-03 – 2026-01)

Head hunted by True Wild and recruited from Victoria to join the leadership team in Calgary.

• Directed front-of-house operations while maintaining a strong leadership presence on the floor.
• Recruited, hired, trained, coached, and mentored a high-performing front-of-house team.
• Managed labour scheduling, retail inventory, purchasing, merchandising, and operational planning.
• Supported and executed events, including a successful whisky launch that strengthened brand awareness and community engagement.
• Collaborated closely with the culinary team and leadership to maintain high standards across service, quality, and operations.
• Contributed to recognition as Calgary's Best New Restaurant 2025.

Private Contractor (Self-Employed) – E-Commerce & Social Media Management at Victoria, BC (2021-06 – 2025-02)

• Managed e-commerce, websites, social media, and digital marketing for multiple brands.
• Managed inbound and outbound calls, sales, and marketing initiatives to drive business growth.
• Assisted with onboarding/offboarding, scheduling, and day-to-day business operations.
• Protected brand reputation through strategic social media management and customer engagement.

Opening General Manager at Allora Everyday Italian (Vintage Group) (2017-09 – 2019-08)

• Led the successful opening of a new restaurant from pre-opening to launch.
• Conducted mass interviewing, hiring, and training of front-of-house staff.
• Managed onboarding/offboarding, scheduling, inventories, and daily operations.
• Built a strong service culture focused on exceptional guest experiences.

Closing General Manager at Redwater Rustic Grille (Vintage Group) (2015-09 – 2017-09)

• Managed closure operations for a high-end steakhouse.
• Hired, trained, and developed bar, hostess, and serving teams.
• Collaborated with corporate chefs to maintain food quality and service protocols.
• Delivered cost control and operational improvements that increased profitability and maintained profitability until closure.

Assistant General Manager at Cleaver (2013-01 – 2015-12)

• Assisted with onboarding while leading daily front-of-house operations.
• Maintained exceptional service standards while developing and mentoring team members.

Certificate in Public Relations Management – University of Calgary (2015-01 – 2017-12)

High School Diploma – George Pringle Secondary School (2002-01 – 2002-12)