SARAH LIGON
Granbury,TX
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Catering
Craft Culinary-Will Rogers Mermorial Center
Ft Worth, TX
04.2024 - Current
- Managed multiple catering events for Horse Shows, NCHA, NRCHA, Christmas in Cowtown Ft Worth Junior League
- Reduced food waste by implementing inventory control systems that accurately tracked stock levels for various catering supplies.
- Supervised catering staff to reinforce adherence to organizational policies and safety regulations.
- Managed budget allocation, negotiating contracts with vendors for cost-effective catering solutions.
- Worked with Sales Manager to prepare budget and negotiated favorable prices with both clients and suppliers.
- Implemented innovative presentation techniques to showcase food offerings in an appealing manner, attracting new clients and increasing revenue.
- Participated in industry networking events and trade shows, establishing valuable connections within the local catering community and expanding business opportunities.
- Optimized venue partnerships by maintaining open communication channels and promptly addressing any issues or concerns.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement and teamwork in delivering exceptional service to clients.
- Regularly reviewed competitor offerings to stay informed about current market trends, ensuring that the company''s services remained competitive and attractive to clients.
- Adhered closely to all relevant health department regulations regarding food handling procedures at on-site kitchens as well as off-premise catering locations.
- Conducted post-event evaluations with clients to gather feedback on services provided, identifying areas for improvement or potential upselling opportunities.
- Collaborated with chefs and culinary teams to design customized menus, ensuring a memorable dining experience for clients'' guests at each event.
- Discussed client's event needs to develop recommendations for room options and possible menus.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
Clubhouse Manager
DeCordova Bend Country Club
Granbury, TX
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Responsible for all Clubhouse Operations, Pool operations, recreational operations
- Supervise Executive Chef, Senior F&B Management, and all hourly F&B Management
- Oversee Dining Areas, member relations, proper accounting, and reconciliation.
- Enforce plans, budgets, and procedures.
- Maintaining a prior position as Events Director and Marketing
Director of Catering, Community Events, and Marketing
DeCordova Bend Country Club
Granbury, TX
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Oversee and Manage all club Activities and Private Events- including Golf tournaments, Holiday parties, and Specialty Member events
- Managed Club Communication and Marketing Materials
- Developed new Catering Program and inventories
- Developed BEO Program, Safety Program, and Training Program
- Work Closely with GM to maintain Day to Day Club Operations- Including Golf Course, Events, Budgets and Member Communications
Catering Sales Manager
Magdalena's Catering
Fort Worth, TX
09.2021 - 02.2023
- Oversee the Sales and Customer Relations for Catering Company
- Negotiate Private Event space/negotiate Food and Beverage
- Solicit new corporate Clients and focus on Business development
- Increased $1.5 Million budget to $3million Budget for Company
- Mentor and Managed Coordinator Sales Team
- Network with Community and Maintain relationships with Event Industry
- Report directly to the Director of Catering/Business Owner
- Gained large and long-lasting accounts for the Company
Catering Director
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX
12.2012 - 09.2020
- Company Overview: Bon Appetit Management Company- Compass Group
- Manage social and wedding markets for the Museum and Café Modern
- Average client wedding budgets of $20k-$200k
- Negotiate private event space/food and beverage from contract to execution
- Maintain $1.7 million budget for the catering department
- Prepare contracts and create custom proposals and BEOS
- Develop catering menus with Executive Chef and schedule client tastings
- Network with local vendors/venues to maintain strong relationships within the Event industry
- Manage setup and executed all events.
- Maintain and track catering revenue and aging report
- Responsible for marketing, social media, and publications for the wedding market
Social & Private Events Manager
Cacharel Restaurant & Grand Ballroom
Arlington, TX
01.2008 - 12.2012
- Negotiated event space contracts and booked event spaces, created and revised room layouts, arranged food and beverage, ordered supplies and audiovisual equipment, made travel arrangements, ordered event signs and ensured appropriate décor
- Managed and maintained monthly sales budget that amounted to $500,000 annually
- Prospected new clients through word of mouth, business groups, networking, and cold calling.
- Ensured compliance with all guidelines provided by the company with regards to menu specifications, pricing, discounting, promotional items, expense management, and any other relevant policies.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the catering program
Front Server/ Banquet Server
Rough Creek Lodge and Resort
Glen Rose, TX
10.2002 - 02.2006
- Held a full-time position as a lead server and trainer, while obtaining my degree
- Coordinated and executed detailed corporate meetings and special events
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications, Public Relations and Journalism
Tarleton State University
01.2005
Skills
- Strong Experience in Social, Non-Profit, and Corporate Events
- Project Management
- High-level events from 20 attendees to 2000 attendees
- Excellent Customer Service skills, local networking, and Marketing
- 17 years of hospitality experience in luxury properties
- 10 years of management and event planning experience
Certification
- TABC Certification
- ServSafe Certification
- CaterEase, TripleSeat Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, CRV and more
- Texas Real Estate License
Affiliations
- NACE DFW Chapter-Board Member-Education Chair-2021-2023; Member 2019-2023
- Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtor-2020-2023
- Professional Wedding Guild of Fort Worth - Board Member 2016-2018; Member 2012-2023
- DCBE Women's Club- President-Elect 2023- Present
Publications
- Brides of North TX
- 360 West Magazine
- 76107 Magazine
Timeline
Director of Catering
Craft Culinary-Will Rogers Mermorial Center
04.2024 - Current
Clubhouse Manager
DeCordova Bend Country Club
09.2023 - 02.2024
Director of Catering, Community Events, and Marketing
DeCordova Bend Country Club
02.2023 - 02.2024
Catering Sales Manager
Magdalena's Catering
09.2021 - 02.2023
Catering Director
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
12.2012 - 09.2020
Social & Private Events Manager
Cacharel Restaurant & Grand Ballroom
01.2008 - 12.2012
Front Server/ Banquet Server
Rough Creek Lodge and Resort
10.2002 - 02.2006
Bachelor of Science - Communications, Public Relations and Journalism
Tarleton State University