SAMANTHA MENDOZA
West Covina
Summary
Dynamic Catering & Operations Manager with established success at Joint Venture Restaurant Group, specializing in client relationship management and talent acquisition. Delivers exceptional client satisfaction through precise event execution and strong team leadership, while maintaining compliance with food safety standards and enhancing operational efficiency.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering & Operations Manager
Joint Venture Restaurant Group
Inglewood
11.2021 - Current
- Oversaw all catering operations for high-profile clients, ensuring seamless event execution and client satisfaction.
- Managed daily operations of on-site café and coffee bar, focusing on inventory management and staff performance.
- Led comprehensive staffing processes from recruitment through onboarding and team development for both FOH and BOH.
- Handled HR functions including onboarding, conflict resolution, and payroll coordination using TOAST and Paychex.
- Maintained payroll processes, labor tracking, and tip distribution for accurate and timely payments.
- Created detailed event proposals, timelines, and BEOs via Tripleseat; managed contracts and payment records.
- Directed beverage ordering, logistics, and liquor licensing compliance for events, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Generated weekly reports (Aging Reports, PCL, Inventory Logs) for internal analysis and accounting compliance.
Service Manager
Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC
Montclair
01.2019 - 09.2021
- Led service team of 150+, overseeing 50 direct reports to enhance guest service and labor management.
- Spearheaded hiring, training, and compliance initiatives across service, bar, and culinary teams while meeting budget goals.
- Achieved service scores above 90% and maintained team retention rates over 65%.
- Trained staff on customer service protocols to elevate service quality.
- Supervised daily restaurant operations, ensuring adherence to service standards.
- Coordinated scheduling to optimize staffing during peak hours.
Corporate Trainer of New Restaurant Openings / Senior Shift Lead
Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC
Montclair
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Played a key role in new restaurant launches, developing and executing training programs for opening teams
- Mentored new managers and team leads, ensuring brand consistency across multiple locations
Education
Diploma -
West Covina High School
West Covina, CA01.2008
Skills
- Catering and event management
- Time management
- Talent acquisition and leadership
- Payroll and HR administration
- Menu planning and vendor coordination
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Hospitality operations
- Client relationship management
- Food safety and compliance
Pronouns
She/Her
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Catering & Operations Manager
Joint Venture Restaurant Group
11.2021 - Current
Service Manager
Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC
01.2019 - 09.2021
Corporate Trainer of New Restaurant Openings / Senior Shift Lead
Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC
01.2016 - 01.2019
Diploma -
West Covina High School