Caroline S

Strategic hospitality and people experience leader with 15+ years of experience spanning culinary operations, culture development, event execution, and guest-centered brand experiences. Known for building people-first environments that balance operational excellence, creativity, communication, and team well-being. Combines a background in culinary arts and hospitality leadership with a passion for community, organizational health, and meaningful guest connection.

Catering Manager & Menu Designer at St. Petersburg Yacht Club (2022-07 – Present)

• Lead cross-department collaboration among catering, culinary, beverage and executive leadership teams to align staff culture, operational flow, and guest experience
• Manage logistics and event execution for club and external events up to 500 guests across 45-60 weekly events
• Partner with department heads to foster a people-first environment centered on communication, creativity, accountability and hospitality excellence
• Create and design menus, culinary concepts, branding, and guest facing experiences across multiple restaurant and catering concepts
• Develop seasonal, holiday, catering, beverage, cocktail, dessert and specialty dietary menus in collaboration with culinary and executive teams
• Ensure cohesive brand messaging and hospitality standards across front of house, beverage, culinary and member-facing departments
• Support onboarding, communication, and training initiatives contributing to team development and workplace culture

Manager at Hawkers (2021-04 – 2021-11)

Left to start masters program

• Oversaw P&L, scheduling, daily operations, and staff development for 60+ Employees
• Fostered strong team communication and workplace culture to support operational efficiency and guest satisfaction
• Partnered with executive leadership to support sales growth, profitability, and service excellence

Assistant General Manager at Snooze A.M. Eatery (2018-01 – 2020-11)

• Created leadership training and mentorship programs for both management and hourly team members
• Reduced labor costs while improving employee retention and guest satisfaction metrics
• Led weekly management meetings and monthly staff development trainings
• Supported sales growth and operational performance following a multi-year decline in business trends
• Managed onboarding and training for MIT's and C-Level executives through an intensive 8 week training program
• Served as a corporate training leader for incoming AGM's and GM's across 30+ North American locations
• Participated in test restaurant initiatives for new menu launches and system-wide operational rollouts
• Helped lead community engagement and sustainability initiatives

General Manager at Galvanize (2016-11 – 2018-01)

• Managed restaurant, bar, catering and operational ordering systems
• Redesigned and implemented a catering program later used as a profitability model across multiple Gather restaurant locations
• Developed training and operational systems that improved employee morale, consistency, and profitability

COO, Executive Chef at Inspired Bites Catering (2013-07 – 2016-08)

• Led onsite catering and event execution for 200+ guest events serving organizations including Google, IBM, and the University of Colorado Boulder
• Directed team culture, training, and cross-department operational coordination
• Awarded "Best Caterer" by Colorado Community Media in 2015

Catering Kitchen Manager at 4 Rivers (2011-11 – 2013-06)

Executive Chef at Island Salads (2009-06 – 2013-05)

Bachelor's in Business Administration & Communication Arts – Marymount Manhattan College

AS in Culinary Arts – California Culinary Academy