Savannah Gaster
New Hill,NC
Summary
Dynamic Catering Manager with a proven track record at Panera Bread, specializing in elevating events from weddings to corporate functions. Excelled in client retention through impeccable customer service and innovative menu customization, demonstrating mastery in event planning and staff leadership. Achieved significant repeat business by blending culinary excellence with strategic marketing initiatives.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Manager
Panera Bread
08.2016 - Current
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
- Developed comprehensive event proposals that clearly outlined deliverables, timelines, budget requirements based on client input.
- Achieved increased client retention rates by providing exceptional customer service throughout the event planning process.
- Assisted in developing marketing materials to showcase the company''s catering services to potential clients effectively.
- Proactively addressed any issues or concerns from clients or staff members promptly and professionally resolved them.
- Collaborated with clients to create customized menus tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing proper food handling procedures and adhering to health department regulations.
- Conducted post-event evaluations with clients, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
- Increased repeat business through exceptional customer service and attention to detail in event execution.
- Customized catering packages to meet specific client needs, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Provided detailed event reports to clients, demonstrating transparency and fostering trust.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
Education
Holly Springs High School
Holly Springs 01.2017
Skills
- Event planning proficiency
- Staff Leadership
- Food Safety
- Budgeting understanding
- Food presentation
- Portion Control
- Marketing knowledge
- Table Setting
- Marketing initiatives
- Schedule control
- Catering sales orders
- Kitchen staff leadership
- Catering management
- Event Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Food plating and presentation
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
- Training and Onboarding
- Customer Service
- Delegating Assignments and Tasks
- Team Leadership
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Reliable and Responsible
- Safe Food Handling
- Managing Deliveries
- Sales Promotion
- Relationship Building
- Sales and Marketing
- Monitoring Food Preparation
- Calm and Pleasant Demeanor
- Workflow Planning
- Coaching and Mentoring
Timeline
Catering Manager
Panera Bread
08.2016 - Current
Holly Springs High School
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