Courtney Ross
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Dynamic hospitality leader with 20+ years of experience scaling food & beverage operations, leading high-performing teams, and driving profitability across venues ranging from independent concepts to large-scale events and multi-site operations. Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, build culture, and deliver operational excellence from frontline execution to executive strategy in my 50 person restaurant to 9,000+ person venues.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner / Operator
Orbit Room, San Francisco
San Francisco
2015 - Current
- Own and operate a hospitality concept overseeing P&L; staffing, vendor relations, and marketing.
- Led business through COVID by launching 'Lunar Lot' outdoor venue with live entertainment.
- Build and train teams, create programs, and maintain operational excellence in a high-volume environment.
- Oversee inventory management, optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Keep all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
Operations & Venue Manager
Best Beverage Catering / Frost Amphitheater
01.2018 - 2022
- Managed bar operations across festivals and large venues. Directed logistics, improved profitability through anti-theft strategies, and built strong vendor/client relationships while leading high-performing teams.
- Managed venue operations, ensuring seamless event execution and exceptional guest experiences.
- Coordinated logistics for catering services, optimizing workflow and resource allocation.
Site Manager
Construction
- Managed projects, coordinated materials, ensured timelines and safety compliance, and solved complex on-site challenges.
General Manager / Trainer
Nordstrom Restaurant Division
San Francisco Bay Area
- Led operations and trained managers across multiple locations in financial and operational systems.
Pastry Chef
Stanford Alumni Camp
- Led pastry production in a high-volume hospitality setting.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of all pastry orders during peak seasons.
- Created and decorated a variety of pastries, enhancing menu offerings and customer satisfaction.
Education
Associate Degree - Hotel & Restaurant Management
California Culinary Academy
Skills
- Multi-Unit Operations Leadership
- P&L; Ownership
- Team Development
- Client Relations
- Event Operations
- Culinary & Beverage Strategy
- Loss Prevention
- Crisis Leadership
- Safety & Compliance
- Coaching and Mentoring
Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certified
- Bartending Certifications
Timeline
Operations & Venue Manager
Best Beverage Catering / Frost Amphitheater
01.2018 - 2022
General Manager / Trainer
Nordstrom Restaurant Division
Owner / Operator
Orbit Room, San Francisco
2015 - Current
Site Manager
Construction
Pastry Chef
Stanford Alumni Camp
Associate Degree - Hotel & Restaurant Management
California Culinary Academy