Kristina Katona
Miami Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic leader in Hospitality and Food & Beverage Operations with a robust background in managing high-volume luxury environments, including Soho House and Cecconi’s. Expertise includes operational leadership, team development, and enhancing guest experiences, along with successful payroll implementation and execution of service standards. Proven ability to oversee multi-million-dollar operations while significantly improving guest satisfaction scores and driving operational excellence. Committed to cultivating high-performing teams across diverse settings, such as restaurants, beaches, and pool operations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Beach & Pool Operations Manager
Soho House Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL, USA
09.2025 - Current
- Manage operations for a team of 70 employees across direct staff and third-party contractors, including oversight of 5 managers.
- Oversee daily operations of 600 beach loungers and 2 luxury pool environments in a high-volume hospitality setting.
- Develop and implement elevated service standards focused on luxury guest experiences and operational consistency.
- Improved mystery shopper report scores from 78% in 2025 to 93.9% in 2026, with the last two reports achieving perfect 100% scores.
- Served as Art Basel Tent Operations Manager, overseeing execution of one of Miami’s largest hospitality and cultural events.
- Partnered with project managers and vendors to bring Art Basel programming and activations to life.
- Oversaw construction and operational readiness of a large-scale beach tent featuring 5 bars and multiple event spaces.
- Managed 10 days of programming including art talks, installations, concerts, luxury brand partnerships, and private dinners.
- Supported operations generating approximately $2M in revenue during the Art Basel activation period.
- Lead team development initiatives, training programs, scheduling, operational execution, and guest recovery processes.
General Manager – Cecconi’s
Soho House Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL, USA
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Led a $14M annual restaurant operation, overseeing all aspects of service, financial performance, staffing, and guest experience.
- Implemented a new payroll system to improve operational efficiency and payroll accuracy.
- Improved and maintained OpenTable ratings from 4.4 to 4.7 stars through service improvements and operational refinements.
- Achieved a 93% yearly average in mystery shopper reports, ranking 5th company-wide.
- Directed a $2M restaurant renovation project, including installation of a new bar and upgraded operational equipment.
- Collaborated closely with culinary leadership on new menu additions, beverage programming, and elevated dining experiences.
- Developed and implemented new service standards and operational procedures to improve consistency and guest satisfaction.
Assistant General Manager – Cecconi’s
Soho House Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL, USA
09.2022 - 10.2023
- Supported General Manager in overseeing daily restaurant operations and achieving financial and operational goals.
- Managed and developed 2 floor managers while supporting broader front-of-house leadership teams.
- Led training and development initiatives focused on service excellence, consistency, and operational execution.
- Enforced company service standards, policies, and guest experience expectations.
- Assisted with scheduling, labor management, inventory oversight, and operational reporting.
Food & Beverage Manager / Floor Manager
Soho House Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL, USA
04.2021 - 09.2022
- Managed daily floor operations in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.
- Oversaw employee schedules, Paycom payroll functions, opening and closing procedures, and daily operational readiness.
- Led front-of-house teams to maintain exceptional guest service standards and operational efficiency.
- Handled guest recovery situations and supported team coaching and performance management.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with culinary, bar, and operations teams to ensure seamless service execution.
Server / Manager Assistant
Vineyard Scoops
Martha’s Vineyard, MA, USA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported daily restaurant operations and guest service in a seasonal high-volume environment.
- Maintained cleanliness, inventory organization, and customer service standards.
Front Supervisor
Espresso Love
Martha’s Vineyard, MA, USA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Managed daily front-of-house operations, staffing, scheduling, and guest interactions.
- Coached and trained team members on service standards, customer interactions, and operational procedures.
- Handled POS transactions, cash management, and operational reporting.
Education
Engineering Management - Some College Coursework
Mihajlo Pupin
SerbiaHigh School Diploma - undefined
Economy High School Nikola Tesla
SerbiaSkills
- Luxury Hospitality Operations
- Food & Beverage Management
- Team Leadership & Development
- Service Standards Implementation
- Payroll & Labor Management
- Guest Experience & Recovery
- Operational Strategy
- Training & Coaching
- Scheduling & Staffing
- POS & Paycom Systems
- Renovation & Project Management
- Mystery Shopper Programs
- Financial & Operational Reporting
Timeline
Beach & Pool Operations Manager
Soho House Miami Beach
09.2025 - Current
General Manager – Cecconi’s
Soho House Miami Beach
10.2023 - 09.2025
Assistant General Manager – Cecconi’s
Soho House Miami Beach
09.2022 - 10.2023
Food & Beverage Manager / Floor Manager
Soho House Miami Beach
04.2021 - 09.2022
Server / Manager Assistant
Vineyard Scoops
01.2018 - 01.2019
Front Supervisor
Espresso Love
01.2017 - 01.2019
High School Diploma - undefined
Economy High School Nikola Tesla
Engineering Management - Some College Coursework
Mihajlo Pupin