Vida Castaneda
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dedicated Catering Manager and Wedding Specialist with a strong operations background and extensive experience in event planning and coordination.
14+ Years of Experience in the hospitality industry and passionate for providing excellent customer service while managing multiple events simultaneously.
Proven ability to successfully plan, budget, collect deposits, assist with room reservations and coordinate a wide variety of small and large weddings, corporate meetings and other social events.
While establishing and maintaining positive relationships with clients, vendors and team members.
Effectively utilize hotel's event management software and tools to properly plan, track, creation of diagrams and manage events with the highest level of detail, attention and care that lead to everlasting memories.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Service Manager ~ Wedding Specialist
Bahia Resort Hotel
09.2022 - Current
- Successfully planned 96 events ranging from 10 guests to 300 Guests
- 51 Weddings with F&B Minimum averaging $35K-$50K
- Specialization in Destination Weddings
- Worked closely with clients to develop personalized wedding plan that fit within budget and provided customized enhancements when appropriate
- Managed accommodations for event and wedding attendees.
- Streamlined BEO creation process by creating templates, efficient organizational tools, enhancing overall productivity.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event management from inception to completion.
- Balanced multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail in every aspect.
- Maintained strong network of industry professionals to provide top-notch vendor recommendations for clients.
Store Manager
Starbucks
09.2018 - 09.2022
- Manage with integrity, honesty, and knowledge to promote Starbucks culture, mission, and values
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to plan and prioritize workload to be in line with business needs
- Create and implement action plan to increase customer satisfaction levels by 30%
- Attain ideal staffing levels through talent acquisition, training, and partner development
- Lead and support partners navigate through different operating models during pandemic
- Daily review of inventory, cost of goods and labor costs and adjust to realign with goals and enhance sales.
Food and Beverage Manager
HEI Hotels & Resorts
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Responsible for restaurant, banquets, room service, Starbucks and kitchen operations
- Establish and execute plan for smooth transition for F&B departments during hotel management transition
Food and Beverage Manager
Marriott International
08.2017 - 01.2018
- Manage labor, productivity, beverage and food costs, payroll, invoices and building guest and associate relationships
- Implementation of par system for better control and reduce cost of liquor
- Achieved compliance of Marriott Gold Standard for wine and beer list
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Marriott International
02.2016 - 08.2017
- F&B operations: Hook & Spear, The Lounge, Starbucks, Gift Shop, In Room Dining, The Cove Pool and Spa
- Development and implementation of new restaurant concept Hook & Spear and lounge
- Coordination and execution of F&B events for restaurant including Newport Beach Jazz Festival
Task Force
Marriott International
07.2014 - 08.2014
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Marriott International
06.2015 - 02.2016
- Managed Starbucks, Rockwood Grill, Blue Star Lounge, Lobby Bar, Oasis Poolside Bar and Spa Bistro.
- JW Wine Ambassador
Food & Beverage Operations Voyager
Marriott International
01.2014 - 06.2015
- Successful completion of Management Training within all F&B Outlets Starbucks, Rockwood Grill, Blue Star Lounge, Lobby Bar, Oasis Poolside Bar and Spa Bistro.
Server
Marriott Marquis and Marina
10.2012 - 12.2013
Summer Internship- Server
Marriott Marquis and Marina
05.2012 - 10.2012
Disneyland College Program ~ Busser/ Steward
Disneyland Resort
01.2010 - 08.2010
- Assisted in creating magical moments for park visitors through engaging interactions and personalized attention while working at Redd Rockett's Pizza Port
- Cultivated positive work environment by consistently demonstrating enthusiasm, initiative, and strong work ethic throughout the internship experience
Education
Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences - Hospitality and Tourism Management
San Diego State University
San Diego, California12.2013
Skills
- Proficient Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Wedding design
- Event Budgeting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Social Media
- Networking skills
- Strong attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills
- Excellent Time Management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem Resolution
- Cultural Awareness
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Catering Service Manager ~ Wedding Specialist
Bahia Resort Hotel
09.2022 - Current
Store Manager
Starbucks
09.2018 - 09.2022
Food and Beverage Manager
HEI Hotels & Resorts
01.2018 - 08.2018
Food and Beverage Manager
Marriott International
08.2017 - 01.2018
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Marriott International
02.2016 - 08.2017
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Marriott International
06.2015 - 02.2016
Task Force
Marriott International
07.2014 - 08.2014
Food & Beverage Operations Voyager
Marriott International
01.2014 - 06.2015
Server
Marriott Marquis and Marina
10.2012 - 12.2013
Summer Internship- Server
Marriott Marquis and Marina
05.2012 - 10.2012
Disneyland College Program ~ Busser/ Steward
Disneyland Resort
01.2010 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences - Hospitality and Tourism Management
San Diego State University
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