Whitney Blanton

Analytical business professional with 20 years of experience translating customer behavior, sales trends, operational performance, and market insights into strategic decisions. Expertise includes pricing strategy, forecasting, KPI tracking, process improvement, marketing communications, and cross-functional collaboration.

FOH Manager | Catering Director at Grinds & Wines (2013-01 – Present)

• Analyzed sales trends and operational performance to optimize staffing and customer experience.
• Collaborated on operational and marketing strategies that supported significant revenue growth and restaurant expansion.
• Developed promotional campaigns and customer communications that supported significant revenue growth.
• Developed and managed the catering program from inquiry through execution.
• Led hiring, scheduling, training, and operations for approximately 20 employees.

Owner | Business Operations Lead | Marketing Lead at Cast Iron Classics Southern Cuisine (2023-01 – Present)

Founded and operated a catering business alongside full-time restaurant leadership, overseeing sales, marketing, customer relationships, pricing strategy, and business operations.

• Developed pricing strategies, branding, marketing, customer communications, and business operations while analyzing customer demand to refine offerings.

Manager | Marketing Director at The Parlor Downtown Boutique (2017-01 – 2017-12)

• Managed social media, promotions, and community marketing.
• Tracked daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals and KPIs.
• Analyzed inventory performance and customer purchasing trends to optimize merchandising.
• Developed pricing strategies using cost and margin analysis to improve profitability.
• Contributed to approximately threefold revenue growth during tenure.

Lead Kennel Technician at Royal Animal Refuge (2019-01 – 2020-12)

Led workflow, documentation, staff training, and daily operations in a high-volume animal shelter while maintaining quality-of-care standards.

Bachelor of Arts in English – University of West Georgia (2024-12)