Cathy-Sue Hope
Kingston,Surrey
Summary
Experienced and self driven professional with a wealth of expertise within hospitality, including 16 years as the owner and operator of a successful deli business built from the ground up. Proven track record in managing all aspects of business operations, including food production, buying, managing supplier relationships, staff recruitment and training, financial management, customer service and social media marketing. Committed to leveraging skills in customer engagement and product expertise to drive business success. Deep passion for product knowledge with an exceptional ability to work quickly and efficiently in multitasking environments whilst ensuring attention to detail and aesthetics.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work history
Cafe/Deli Owner and entrepreneur
self employed
Richmond, Richmond upon Thames
11.2008 - 05.2025
- Founded the Alberts Deli in Richmond in 2008 building it to become a much loved and an award-winning business.
- Grew sales from £120k per annum to £400k.
- Discovered and sourced products, buying and managing supplier relationships.
- Operated all aspects of the business including serving and cooking, bookkeeping, payroll, rotas, creating menus, costings, marketing, recruiting and managing staff, customer service.
- Created the deli website including all food photography and content writing, ongoing management of website.
- 2012-2013 - Deli of the year - London - Olives et Al's
- 2018 Best Cafe in Richmond - voted by the customers
Restaurant general manager
Devco and Youngs
Wimbledon, Merton
08.2004 - 12.2007
- The Firestables Wimbledon village 60 cover fine dining and 90 cover gastro pub.
- GM role- weekly stock counts, GP reports, recruitment, training, menus, events and marketing, monthly P&L's.
- Winner of the 2003 Summer Rose competition, within Devco, the gastropub group.
- Successful food/wine pairing dinners, working with my head chef and then training my foh team to deliver.
Restaurant general manager
Devco
Guildford, Surrey
05.2001 - 08.2007
- The Weyside Guildford, 90 cover pub/bar, 60 fine dining room, 120 cover outside area.
- Headhunted by Ex Cafe Rouge Operation's director Jo Cummings to open this Gastro Pub in Guildford.
- Very seasonal business, £50k a week in the summer and £12k winter, it was a learning curve. We opened and exceeded all financial targets.
- Fostered a positive working environment with a young enthusiastic foh team of 25-30, resulting in lower staff turnover rates and returning staff during peak seasons.
- Finalist for Best Venue 2003
Restaurant general manager
Whitbread PLC
Various, Surrey
01.1998 - 07.2001
- Cafe Rouge sold to Whitbread plc, opened and ran various branches.
- Launched the re-branding of the Weybridge branch, whilst at the same time hitting all sales targets
- Involved in menu development as Whitbread sourced pre-prepared dishes for less skilled kitchen team.
Restaurant general manager
Pelican Group - Cafe Rouge
Various, Various
03.1991 - 07.1997
- 1991 Cafe Rouge Richmond, progressing quickly from waitress to GM within 4 years.
- Manager of the Year 1998.
- Trainer for fast track managers joining the company as they expanded fast.
Skills
- Proven track record in hospitality business operations
- Skilled in customer connection and engagement
- Skilled in buying and merchandising with hands-on experience sourcing high quality products and building strong supplier relationships
- Highly effective in working in fast paced and multi task environments
- Financial management including bookkeeping and payroll
- Expert in developing and leading high performing and customer focussed teams
- Expert in front of house and managerial roles
Affiliations
- Cooking, wine, travel, films, getting to know new people.
Timeline
Cafe/Deli Owner and entrepreneur
self employed
11.2008 - 05.2025
Restaurant general manager
Devco and Youngs
08.2004 - 12.2007
Restaurant general manager
Devco
05.2001 - 08.2007
Restaurant general manager
Whitbread PLC
01.1998 - 07.2001
Restaurant general manager
Pelican Group - Cafe Rouge
03.1991 - 07.1997
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