Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic
Katie Norton

Katie Norton

Phoenix,AZ

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven hospitality professional with 18 years of comprehensive experience in restaurant operations across diverse U.S. markets. markets. markets. markets. markets. markets. markets. Markets, including Arizona, Texas, Florida, and New York. Proven track record of success in both front-line management and corporate-level roles, with a deep understanding of operational excellence, team leadership, and customer satisfaction. Adept at streamlining processes, driving profitability, and cultivating strong team cultures. Known for thriving under pressure in fast-paced environments, while consistently maintaining a positive attitude and solution-oriented mindset.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Catering and Events Manager

Local Favorite Restaurants
Dallas, Texas
04.2024 - Current
  • Managed and executed catering and private events across 40+ restaurant locations throughout the DFW area, generating over $3 million in annual sales.
  • Brought 18 years of hospitality and restaurant industry expertise, with a strong foundation in both front-of-house operations and event logistics.
  • Specialized in coordinating social events in downtown Dallas, including rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties, and other milestone celebrations.
  • Oversaw the full event lifecycle – from inquiry to execution – ensuring high client satisfaction and seamless service across multiple venues.
  • Conducted detailed event reconciliation and post-event accounting, maintaining accuracy in billing, deposits, and vendor coordination.
  • Spearheaded local store marketing efforts, including networking with surrounding businesses and building strategic partnerships to drive event sales.
  • Utilized and was highly proficient in Tripleseat and other booking and event management platforms to streamline event communication, scheduling, and follow-ups.
  • Collaborated closely with culinary teams and GMs to ensure menus, staffing, and execution met brand standards across diverse restaurant concepts.
  • Recognized for exceptional client relationship management, fostering repeat business and referrals across corporate and social segments.
  • Mentored junior staff on best practices in event sales, service standards, and client communication.

Director of Event Sales

Concept Entertainment Group
Scottsdale, Arizona
12.2020 - 12.2024
  • Founded and developed the Events Department from the ground up, creating scalable systems and procedures to support multi-location operations.
  • Booked, planned, executed, and closed a high volume of corporate and social events across 12 Thirsty Lion locations, maintaining an average of 70 active clients monthly, with a 50% conversion rate, generating $1.8 million in annual event sales.
  • Managed end-to-end event operations, including client communication, proposals, contracts, platform management, payroll, accounting reconciliation, custom event menus, and marketing collateral.
  • Served as Administrative Specialist to the CEO, contributing to strategic planning initiatives to enhance brand presence, drive sales growth, and improve operational efficiency.
  • Created comprehensive training materials for store-level teams and managers to standardize event execution and uphold brand standards across all locations.
  • Represented the brand at community events, Chamber of Commerce functions, and food festivals, significantly increasing brand awareness and event inquiries.
  • Built and sustained relationships with key corporate clients and headquarters, ensuring repeat business, and establishing Thirsty Lion as a preferred venue for events.

Event Manager

Tarbell's
Phoenix, Arizona
01.2024 - 04.2024
  • Executed on-premise and off-premise fine dining events for a discerning clientele, including high-profile individuals, corporate executives, and VIP guests.
  • Maintained and nurtured long-term relationships with elite clientele, ensuring personalized service and exceptional event experiences.
  • Delivered flawless event execution at a fine-dining standard, with meticulous attention to detail in menu design, ambiance, timing, and guest service.
  • Collaborated with third-party vendors (florists, rental companies, entertainment, AV, valet, etc.). To fulfill custom client requests and elevate each event.
  • Partnered closely with the culinary and beverage teams to curate custom menus and pairings aligned with seasonal ingredients and client preferences.
  • Brought extensive restaurant and hospitality industry knowledge, applying operational best practices to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated expertise in event operations, from initial client consultation through post-event wrap-up, including floor plans, staffing, and vendor logistics.
  • Managed a variety of high-end private events, including wine dinners, charity galas, chef’s table experiences, and off-site catering activations.
  • Maintained brand integrity and elevated guest experience through exceptional service standards, timing precision, and polished communication.
  • Excelled under pressure in a fast-paced, fine dining environment, ensuring smooth coordination between front-of-house, back-of-house, and external partners.

Assistant General Manager

Thirsty Lion Gastropub
Tempe, Arizona
10.2018 - 12.2020
  • Oversee daily operations of the bar, ensuring efficient service, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
    Manage inventory, including ordering, receiving, and stocking supplies to prevent shortages, and control costs.
    • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol regulations, achieving high inspection scores.
    • Develop and manage the bar’s budget, tracking expenses and revenues to meet financial targets.
    Implement cost-control measures to reduce waste and optimize profit margins.
    • Analyze sales data and adjust strategies to increase revenue, and customer spending.
    • Recruit, train, and supervise a team of bartenders, bar backs, and support staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
    • Maintain a visible presence on the floor, interacting with guests to ensure a high level of satisfaction.

General Manager

Livingoods Restaurant and Brewary
Plattsburgh, New York
06.2013 - 11.2017
  • Responsible for hiring, training, and scheduling all front-of-house staff.
    • Created innovative food and beverage menus highlighting local farm partnerships, as well as working with successful advertising companies to showcase the cutting-edge menu and cocktails.
    • Managed budgets, payroll, marketing, promotions, inventory, POS systems, weekly events, as well as private events.
    • Implemented leadership programs, training materials, and exercises, with effective systems to generate camaraderie, consistency, and effective communication between staff.
    • Worked closely with local farms to source local hops, produce, meats, and cheeses to deliver the authentic farm-to-table culinary experience.
    Aided the Brew Master in the process of brewing beer, as well as distilling spirits.

Education

Associate of Science - Molecular Biology

The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
05-2010

Skills

  • Sales strategy development
  • Event management
  • Catering operations
  • Event budgeting
  • Vendor coordination
  • Team leadership
  • Communication skills
  • Problem solving

Certification


• Cicerone Craft Beer Certification
• Arizona & Texas Food & Liquor Handler Certifications
• Proficient in Point of Sales systems, including Micros, Aloha, Cake, and
Toast
• Skilled with Microsoft 365, including Excel, Word, Power Point, Teams
• Experience with Open Table, Hot Schedules, Crunch Time, Restaurant
365, and Triple-set booking platform

References

  • Natalie Wolfe| Director of Events and Catering
    Local Favorite Restaurans | 360-600-1403
  • Chase MacDougal | Chief Financial Officer
    Concept Entertainment Group | 602-580-1806
  • Tim Carlos | District Manager
    Concept Entertainment Group | 602-565-1460

Timeline

Catering and Events Manager

Local Favorite Restaurants
04.2024 - Current

Event Manager

Tarbell's
01.2024 - 04.2024

Director of Event Sales

Concept Entertainment Group
12.2020 - 12.2024

Assistant General Manager

Thirsty Lion Gastropub
10.2018 - 12.2020

General Manager

Livingoods Restaurant and Brewary
06.2013 - 11.2017

Associate of Science - Molecular Biology

The University of West Florida

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