Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Work Availability
Timeline
Tara Crawford

Tara Crawford

Casselberry,FL
"The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. It’s the Golden Rule – the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.”
- Isadore Sharpe

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Director of Catering and Events with 13+ years of experience in the hospitality industry. Expertise in delivering exceptional guest experiences and orchestrating successful events. Seeking a leadership position at Conrad Orlando, a Hilton property, to leverage event coordination, team management and development, and operational excellence. An adaptable leader with unparalleled interpersonal and communication skills ready to drive resort success and exceed guest expectations

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Manager of Clubs and Catering

Levy Restaurants
08.2022 - Current
  • Led and directed all premium clubs and catering teams for large-scale sports and entertainment venues.
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies and procedures, resulting 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
  • Collaborated closely with culinary to create innovative menus, unique chef tables, tastings, and pairings elevating dining experience.
  • Conducted weekly BEO meetings with sales, culinary, and catering supervisors, ensuring flawless execution and timely delivery of high-quality food and beverage offerings.
  • Provided leadership, direction, and developmental goals to club and catering managers, fostering positive and trusting work environment.
  • Improved employee engagement and retention by creating Standard Operational Procedure manuals for staff training.
  • Built and maintained strong client and partner relationships, exceeding their needs and expectations.
  • Ensured compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures to optimize financial performance and drive profitability through creative food and beverage offerings.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and implemented improvements to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Coordinated and managed staffing schedules for catering events to ensure adequate coverage and efficient operations.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to problems.

Assistant General Manager and Program Director

Irish 31
01.2020 - 08.2022
  • Played crucial role opening Oviedo location, building loyal customer base, and increasing revenue by 25% within first year.
  • Led team of 25+ employees, improving staff productivity by implementing streamlined training programs and performance management systems.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures, resulting in 10% reduction in operational expenses.
  • Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns, resulting in 30% increase in private event bookings.
  • Achieved customer satisfaction rating of 95% through personalized service and attention to detail.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships and partnerships with vendors, key stakeholders, and community leaders to drive business growth and fostering strong presence for Irish 31 in Oviedo and surrounding areas.
  • Oversaw planning and execution of all programs and events at Irish 31, ensuring alignment with company's vision and goals; meeting expectations of customers and stakeholders.
  • Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.

Catering Captain and Mentor

Arthur's Catering
01.2018 - 08.2022
  • Provided exceptional service in high-volume events, banquets, conventions, and tournaments.
  • Demonstrated flexibility, dependability, and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
  • Created attractive displays and beverage menu offerings to coincide with event themes and colors.
  • Lead training sessions for new catering staff to ensure consistent delivery of exceptional service.
  • Managed and oversaw events' setup, presentation, and breakdowns to ensure seamless and professional experience for clients.
  • Provided guidance and mentorship to junior catering staff to improve their service skills and professionalism, consistently delivering exceptional service to clients.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations with catering staff to identify areas of improvement and provide targeted training and mentorship programs to enhance their skills and professionalism, leading to highly skilled and motivated team.

Event Venue Sales and Operations Manager

True Serenity
02.2014 - 07.2018
  • Managed diverse calendar of events, increasing customer base by 45% within first nine months.
  • Offered various event packages to meet client needs staying within budget.
  • Assisted clients with menu coordination and pairings based on previous food and beverage experience.
  • Identified new event trends and market opportunities to offer clients unique event experiences.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase online presence and visibility through social media platforms to attract new clients and drive sales for event venue rentals and services.
  • Streamlined event setup and breakdown processes, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
  • Evaluated and optimized event space layout to maximize capacity and enhance customer experience.
  • Developed strong partnerships with local event planning organizations and industry influencers to increase brand awareness and generate referral business.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to clients, ensuring their satisfaction throughout event planning and execution.

Key Manager and Lead Bartender

Peacock Room
10.2011 - 01.2013
  • Crafted unique cocktails for patrons in busy bar environment.
  • Collaborated with distributors to drive sales and revenue growth.
  • Ensured guest and employee safety and well-being.
  • Managed bar supplies and beverages inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels and minimizing waste.

Education

ASSOCIATE - ARTS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Broward Community College, Coconut Creek, FL

BACHELOR - ARTS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Skills

  • Staff Training
  • Cross-Functional Team Management
  • Profit and Loss
  • Employee Scheduling
  • Staff Development
  • Team Leadership
  • Exceptional Interpersonal Communication
  • Customer Experience
  • Event Management
  • Hospitality and Service
  • Client Relations
  • Event Management
  • Hospitality and Service
  • Client Relations
  • Banquets and Catering

Certification


  • Florida Certified Food Manager, ServSafe
  • Alcohol Compliance Responsible Vendor, RCS
  • TABC Certified

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

General Manager of Clubs and Catering - Levy Restaurants
08.2022 - Current
Assistant General Manager and Program Director - Irish 31
01.2020 - 08.2022
Catering Captain and Mentor - Arthur's Catering
01.2018 - 08.2022
Event Venue Sales and Operations Manager - True Serenity
02.2014 - 07.2018
Key Manager and Lead Bartender - Peacock Room
10.2011 - 01.2013
Broward Community College - ASSOCIATE, ARTS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
University of South Florida - BACHELOR, ARTS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY


  • Florida Certified Food Manager, ServSafe
  • Alcohol Compliance Responsible Vendor, RCS
  • TABC Certified
Tara Crawford