EVAN ROSENTHAL
Celebration,FL
Summary
Hospitality-first Leader committed to inspiring teams and connecting The Walt Disney Company with the most influential voices in wine and spirits today. Responsible for developing timeless yet timely beverage programs for a variety of concepts including those with Michelin Star distinctions. Recognized for Leadership development, elevating the Guest Experience, and for developing sustainable training programs. Enthusiast of a great chicken nugget and grower Champagne pairing!
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food & Beverage Concept Development- Beverage
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
06.2021 - Current
- Responsible for developing beverage programming and portfolio strategy across Walt Disney World (WDW). This beverage experience impacts 800+ locations within Food and Beverage and Merchandise.
- Modernize beverage education for frontline Leaders through the Beverage Foundations and Empowerment Program. 500+ Leaders will experience this training program in 2024.
- Reimagine beverage storytelling through the lens of Commercial Strategy and Public Relations
- Develop new bar and restaurant concepts,with an emphasis on exciting wine, cocktail and non-alcoholic offerings.
- Partner with Victoria & Albert's (1* Michelin) to expand their renowned wine cellar.
- Establish WDW as an industry leader in investing in diverse-owned wines and spirits, as well as mindful consumption initiatives.
Restaurant Manager
Tavistock Restaurant Collection
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Lead front line operations teams at both Chroma Modern Kitchen + Bar, and Canvas Restaurant & Market through resurgent business trends in Lake Nona, FL.
- Direct responsibility for the oversight and development of Canvas' Market, in it's transition to becoming a craft coffee destination for Central Florida.
Volunteer
ReThink Food NYC
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Served as a liaison between Eleven Madison Park and ReThink Food NYC, developing a partnership to feed the community in need during the COVID19 pandemic
- Worked with a team of Chefs and FOH personnel to execute the production of 3,000 meals daily for delivery throughout New York City
Guest Relations
Eleven Madison Park
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Member of the team nominated for Best American Restaurant Bar (2020) from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.
- Collaborated daily with the Beverage Team to map out beverage plans, cellar tours, and service execution. The restaurant is a proud recipient of Wine Spectator's Grand Award
- Member of Eleven Madison Park's weekly "Happy Hour", which is a committee focused on wine, spirits, and service education.
- Developed and organized content for a revised Guest Relations Training Manual that would be used for the training of new employees.
- Curated custom experiences for guests through the restaurant's Kitchen Tour program. This involves crafting a special moment throughout the meal in which Guests can tour the kitchen and experience a supplemental treat
- Member of the team that retained 3 Stars in the 2020 Michelin Guide. In addition, the restaurant holds a 4 Star review from the New York Times
Guest Experience Manager
Walt Disney Parks And Resorts
06.2007 - 09.2019
- Lead Media Relations initiatives for EPCOT's Festival programs in addition to the opening of Disney's Hollywood Studios' (DHS) Toy Story Land
- Championed DHS Outdoor Vending's migration from bottled/canned beers to draught offerings to capitalize on profitability and Guest trends. This generated ~$56K in additional revenue in FY17.
- Part of the DHS F&B Leadership team tasked with rolling out MenuPro throughout the park's QSR locations.
EPCOT Festivals' Content Development Team
Walt Disney World Resort
12.2016 - 03.2017
- Member of the Food and Beverage Content Development Team responsible for bringing the inaugural EPCOT International Festival of the Arts to life.
- Oversaw beverage creation/development, sourcing and procurement, par level management, and storage logistics for EPCOT's Festivals.
- Worked closely with the WDPR Business Support team to build recipes, develop pricing strategies, and build new Stores within the MATRA platforms.
- Collaborated with key Food and Beverage Partners to introduce attractive and accessible serviceware into Festival settings, such as disposable coupe glasses and GoVino products.
- Worked alongside EPCOT's Festivals Proprietor to review site planning and electrical requirements for permanent marketplace builds.
- Partnered with Event Operations and EPCOT's Executive Chef to identify valuable sponsorships, and their potential beverage applications.
Education
Business Management
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Wine Education
- Bar and Restaurant Design
- Food and Beverage Concept Development
- Media Relations
- Diverse Supplier Advocacy
- Corporate Alliance Stakeholder
- Cross-Organizational Partnerships
- Training Program Development
Certification
Level I Sommelier
Cicerone Certified Beer Server
Walt Disney Legacy Award Recipient
Timeline
Food & Beverage Concept Development- Beverage
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
06.2021 - Current
Restaurant Manager
Tavistock Restaurant Collection
02.2021 - 06.2021
Volunteer
ReThink Food NYC
05.2020 - 08.2020
Guest Relations
Eleven Madison Park
09.2019 - 03.2020
EPCOT Festivals' Content Development Team
Walt Disney World Resort
12.2016 - 03.2017
Guest Experience Manager
Walt Disney Parks And Resorts
06.2007 - 09.2019
Business Management
Florida State University
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