Toby Salazar

Results-driven Hospitality and Food & Beverage Executive with a proven track record of leading large-scale operations across convention centers, professional sports venues, hotels, entertainment facilities, and premier hospitality destinations. Recognized for driving operational excellence, revenue growth, profitability, and exceptional guest experiences within complex, high-volume environments. Experienced in leading multimillion-dollar business units, developing high-performing leadership teams, and executing world-class events while maintaining the highest standards of service, safety, and financial accountability.

Expertise includes premium hospitality, catering, concessions, retail operations, labor optimization, financial management, strategic planning, and business development. Known for building strong organizational cultures focused on accountability, team development, innovation, and continuous improvement. Adept at partnering with executive leadership, clients, and stakeholders to deliver outstanding operational results and create memorable guest experiences.

Assistant General Manager - SODEXO LIVE! - Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium

(2025-01 - 2026-05)

Provide executive leadership for food and beverage operations across one of the nation's premier convention centers and NFL stadiums. Annual Revenue Responsibility: $26 Million

• Oversee Concessions, Banquets, Retail, Stewarding, Sales Support, and Human Resources.
• Lead a leadership team of 3 directors, 15 managers, 18 supervisors, and more than 250 hourly employees during major convention and stadium events.
• Reduced labor costs by 5% through strategic workforce planning and scheduling optimization.
• Improved guest satisfaction scores from 3.1 to 4.7 (out of 5).
• Partner with executive leadership to drive operational strategy, financial performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, labor management, inventory controls, and operational efficiency programs.
• Mentor future leaders and support succession planning efforts.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, safety regulations, and service excellence initiatives.

Assistant Director of Operations - COMPASS GROUP / LEVY - GainBridge Fieldhouse

(2024-06 - 2025-01)

Led premium hospitality and concessions operations for NBA games, concerts, and special events. Annual Revenue Responsibility: $32 Million

• Directed a leadership team of 2 directors, 14 managers, 18 supervisors, and approximately 290 hourly employees.
• Reduced labor costs by 5% through workforce optimization, strategic scheduling, and productivity initiatives while maintaining service excellence.
• Improved operational efficiency, productivity, and guest satisfaction through strategic leadership and planning.
• Managed labor planning, payroll administration, staffing logistics, and workforce optimization.
• Collaborated with senior leadership on financial performance and operational growth initiatives.

Assistant Director of Operations - COMPASS GROUP / LEVY - Indianapolis Motor Speedway

(2017-12 - 2024-06)

Oversaw premium hospitality and concessions operations for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Annual Revenue Responsibility: $12 Million

• Played a key leadership role in executing Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard race weekend operations.
• Managed staffing, scheduling, payroll, inventory, and logistics across multiple hospitality venues.
• Directed year-round operations while scaling staffing to support more than 1,400 team members during major events.
• Improved labor utilization, operational efficiencies, and cost controls through strategic workforce planning.
• Built strong relationships with sponsors, executives, VIP guests, and key stakeholders.

Director of Premium Services - COMPASS GROUP / LEVY - Bankers Life Fieldhouse

(2015-09 - 2017-12)

Directed all premium hospitality operations including suites, clubs, VIP experiences, and special events. Annual Revenue Responsibility: $13 Million

• Led 10 managers, 12 supervisors, and approximately 145 team members.
• Increased guest satisfaction through leadership development and service excellence initiatives.
• Developed operational procedures that improved efficiency and elevated premium guest experiences.

Director of Catering - COMPASS GROUP / LEVY - Churchill Downs

(2013-11 - 2015-09)

Directed catering and premium hospitality operations for one of the world's premier sporting venues. Annual Revenue Responsibility: $16 Million

• Managed 11 managers, including 3 General Managers, 19 supervisors, and 150 team members.
• Successfully scaled operations to support more than 450 hourly employees and 25 visiting managers during Kentucky Derby Week.

Director of Catering - COMPASS GROUP / LEVY - Ravinia & Fulton's on the River, Chicago, IL

(2008-01 - 2013-12)

Director of Premium Services - COMPASS GROUP / LEVY - Spiaggia, Chicago, IL

(2003-01 - 2008-12)

Director of Catering - Le Méridien Hotel - Chicago, IL

(2001-01 - 2003-12)

Director of Catering - Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago - Chicago, IL

(1997-01 - 2001-12)

Richard J. Daley College