Catering Sales Manager
Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex, Houston, TX, United States
The Catering & Events Manager is a sales-driven, field-based role responsible for generating, managing, and closing private events and catering business across multiple restaurant locations. This position owns the full sales lifecycle — from initial inquiry and lead generation through contract execution and event completion — with a strong emphasis on responsiveness, relationship-building, and conversion performance.
This role requires a hospitality-focused sales professional who consistently delivers timely communication, maintains a minimum 30% close rate, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure seamless event execution. Success is measured by revenue growth, inquiry conversion, client satisfaction, and operational accuracy.
Key Responsibilities
Proactively generate catering and private event leads through in-restaurant presence, community involvement, networking, and local store marketing initiatives, including food drops and relationship-building with local organizations. Actively engage with the local community by attending networking events, chamber meetings, sponsorships, and community functions to build brand awareness and drive inbound catering and event inquiries. Develop and maintain relationships with corporate partners, community organizations, schools, nonprofits, and social groups to establish Fat Rosie’s as a preferred event and catering partner. Respond promptly and professionally to all incoming catering and event inquiries, ensuring prospective clients receive timely, accurate, and brand-aligned communication. Qualify leads, develop proposals, negotiate pricing and contract terms, and maintain a minimum close rate of 30% on catering and private event inquiries. Maintain consistent and documented follow-up with prospective clients to maximize conversion and minimize lead attrition. Create event proposals, floor plans, custom menus, and event outlines as needed to support the sales and booking process. Build and maintain strong client relationships to encourage repeat business, referrals, and long-term partnerships. Collaborate closely with Culinary and Operations teams to ensure events are planned and executed seamlessly and in alignment with brand standards. Ensure all banquet event orders (BEOs), contracts, and event details are completed accurately, finalized on time, and distributed to appropriate operations team members. Provide on-site support during events when necessary to ensure smooth execution and high levels of guest satisfaction. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of inquiries, contracts, sales activity, and event details within the CRM system. Partner with Marketing and Operations to support promotional strategies, lead generation initiatives, and brand consistency across all catering and event touch points. Qualifications
Education and Experience 2+ years of experience in catering, events, or hospitality sales within a restaurant. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets, including revenue and demonstrating experience managing inbound catering and event inquiries and converting leads through consistent follow-up and relationship-building. Familiarity with Toast Catering and TripleSeat, including managing inquiries, proposals, contracts, and event details within a CRM system. Skills and Competencies
Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple inquiries and events simultaneously while maintaining responsiveness and accuracy. Results-oriented mindset with comfort being measured on close rate, revenue, and responsiveness. Proficiency in CRM and sales tools, including Toast Catering, TripleSeat, and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Culinary, and Marketing teams. Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by business needs. Food Handler Certification, ServSafe, or similar certification required. Knowledge of the local market and its corporate, social, and event planning communities is a plus. Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving through the restaurant. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Frequent bending, reaching, and handling of materials and equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions. Additional Information
Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on business needs. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between restaurant locations. Ability to travel between locations as needed. Company Values and Culture
Agave & Stone is committed to creating a workplace that values diversity, innovation, and excellence. We are committed to providing a world-class dining experience for our guests while supporting the growth and development of our employees. Equal Opportunity Statement
Agave & Stone is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in its workplace. Agave & Stone hires qualified candidates and makes all employment-related decisions based exclusively on job-related qualifications, without regard to characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital identity, or any other status protected by law.
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Proactively generate catering and private event leads through in-restaurant presence, community involvement, networking, and local store marketing initiatives, including food drops and relationship-building with local organizations. Actively engage with the local community by attending networking events, chamber meetings, sponsorships, and community functions to build brand awareness and drive inbound catering and event inquiries. Develop and maintain relationships with corporate partners, community organizations, schools, nonprofits, and social groups to establish Fat Rosie’s as a preferred event and catering partner. Respond promptly and professionally to all incoming catering and event inquiries, ensuring prospective clients receive timely, accurate, and brand-aligned communication. Qualify leads, develop proposals, negotiate pricing and contract terms, and maintain a minimum close rate of 30% on catering and private event inquiries. Maintain consistent and documented follow-up with prospective clients to maximize conversion and minimize lead attrition. Create event proposals, floor plans, custom menus, and event outlines as needed to support the sales and booking process. Build and maintain strong client relationships to encourage repeat business, referrals, and long-term partnerships. Collaborate closely with Culinary and Operations teams to ensure events are planned and executed seamlessly and in alignment with brand standards. Ensure all banquet event orders (BEOs), contracts, and event details are completed accurately, finalized on time, and distributed to appropriate operations team members. Provide on-site support during events when necessary to ensure smooth execution and high levels of guest satisfaction. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of inquiries, contracts, sales activity, and event details within the CRM system. Partner with Marketing and Operations to support promotional strategies, lead generation initiatives, and brand consistency across all catering and event touch points. Qualifications
Education and Experience 2+ years of experience in catering, events, or hospitality sales within a restaurant. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets, including revenue and demonstrating experience managing inbound catering and event inquiries and converting leads through consistent follow-up and relationship-building. Familiarity with Toast Catering and TripleSeat, including managing inquiries, proposals, contracts, and event details within a CRM system. Skills and Competencies
Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple inquiries and events simultaneously while maintaining responsiveness and accuracy. Results-oriented mindset with comfort being measured on close rate, revenue, and responsiveness. Proficiency in CRM and sales tools, including Toast Catering, TripleSeat, and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Culinary, and Marketing teams. Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by business needs. Food Handler Certification, ServSafe, or similar certification required. Knowledge of the local market and its corporate, social, and event planning communities is a plus. Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving through the restaurant. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Frequent bending, reaching, and handling of materials and equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions. Additional Information
Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on business needs. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between restaurant locations. Ability to travel between locations as needed. Company Values and Culture
Agave & Stone is committed to creating a workplace that values diversity, innovation, and excellence. We are committed to providing a world-class dining experience for our guests while supporting the growth and development of our employees. Equal Opportunity Statement
Agave & Stone is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in its workplace. Agave & Stone hires qualified candidates and makes all employment-related decisions based exclusively on job-related qualifications, without regard to characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital identity, or any other status protected by law.
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