Laura Anne Stanton
Clermont,Fl.
Summary
Professional catering leader with strong expertise in event planning, menu development, and client relations.
Proven leadership of driving team collaboration and delivering high-quality results.
Known for adaptability and reliability, consistently meeting dynamic needs of clients and events.
Skilled in managing budgets, coordinating logistics, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.
Focused on coaching staff and solving problems, involving kitchen efficiency, inventory, and customer satisfaction.
Brand/Product Quality Maintenance.
Committed and hardworking, with over 27 years of UO experience and services.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
01.2023 - Current
- Leader of a team of catering professionals, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality services.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to promote catering services and expand clientele.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective pricing for decor rentals.
- Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering outstanding customer service experiences at every event.
- Maximized revenue potential by upselling additional catering services to clients, such as custom menu design or specialty beverage packages.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Coordinated staff training - ensuring training compliance.
Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
06.2020 - 01.2023
- Leader of diverse catering operations for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and guest satisfaction.
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
- Maintained appropriate levels of staffing/labor percentages
- Developed and implemented innovative menu options, enhancing dining experiences across multiple venues.
- Collaborated with event planners to customize catering solutions that align with client needs and preferences.
- Grand Opening Events
Senior Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
03.2016 - 12.2020
- Office and Event operations - guide and assist Coordinators and Managers.
- Analyzed client feedback to refine menu offerings, aligning with guest preferences and enhancing overall experience.
- Trained and mentored team on catering standards, improving team performance, and service quality.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure quality supplies and negotiate favorable.
- VIP & Executive events for UO, NBC, Comcast contracts for catering services.
Assistant Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
01.2005 - 03.2016
- VIP & Executive events for UO, GE, NBC, Comcast
- Operator of 250 or more events per year, ranging from 10 to 15,000 guests
- Managed inventory – equipment, products, linens
- Managed appropriate levels of staffing/labor percentages
- Leader and guidance of over 200 team members
- Notable Grand Opening Events: Springfield: Home of the Simpson’s, WWoHP Hogsmeade, WWoHP Diagon Alley
Catering Captain
Universal Orlando
02.1999 - 01.2005
- Supervised event setup and breakdown to ensure smooth operations.
- Established a strong rapport with fellow Team Members with Internal Partners – fostering a collaborative work environment that promoted teamwork and supported collective goals.
- Resolved any issues that arose during events promptly and professionally, ensuring minimal disruption to guests experience.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by efficiently managing food and beverage service in various event settings.
Catering, Seasonal Team Member
Universal Orlando
09.1998 - 01.1999
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of work area, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
- Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.
Education
Bachelor of Catered Events - Catering And Events
Universal Studios/Escape/Orlando/Resorts Catering
2022
Digital Communications And Media
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA06.1990
High School Diploma -
Franklin Area High School
Franklin, PA06.1989
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Experienced in managing UO software applications such as UKG and SalesForce
- Proficient in managing events
- Visual food styling
- Menu creation expertise
- Effective vendor negotiation
- Menu pricing optimization
- Team leadership
Accomplishments
· International Sommelier Guild – Level One Training
· UO - Excellence in Leadership Award - 4th Quarter 2008
· UO - Adventurer of the Month – September 2001
Timeline
Senior Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
01.2023 - Current
Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
06.2020 - 01.2023
Senior Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
03.2016 - 12.2020
Assistant Catering Manager
Universal Orlando
01.2005 - 03.2016
Catering Captain
Universal Orlando
02.1999 - 01.2005
Catering, Seasonal Team Member
Universal Orlando
09.1998 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Catered Events - Catering And Events
Universal Studios/Escape/Orlando/Resorts Catering
Digital Communications And Media
Pennsylvania State University
High School Diploma -
Franklin Area High School
Expertise
- Catering Service and Supervision
- Business Operations Management
- Staff Coordination / Scheduling
- Creative Menu Development
- Market Trends Optimization
- Inventory / Supplier Control
- Strategic Resource Utilization
- Brand/Product Quality Maintenance