GROUP SALES & CATERING MANAGER (Pigeon Forge)

Company Description Giordano’s is a Chicago-based restaurant brand known for its world-famous Chicago-style stuffed deep dish pizza, first introduced in 1974 by founders and brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio using their mother’s original recipe. Over the decades, Giordano’s has grown into a well-loved destination for locals and visitors, offering a welcoming, team-oriented environment in its restaurants. The company now operates more than 60 locations, reflecting strong, sustained growth and brand recognition. In addition to its dine-in experience, Giordano’s also ships its signature pizzas nationwide, expanding its reach to guests across the country. Team members join an organization built on quality, hospitality, and pride in a unique Chicago culinary tradition.

JOB OVERVIEW

An energetic, creative, highly organized, sales-minded, and passionate individual about hospitality is required. This person will help grow Giordano’s presence in the local community, bring in new event business, plan memorable guest experiences, and work closely with the restaurant team to make each event successful.

The Group Sales Manager drives event sales, restaurant revenue, brand awareness, and community engagement in the Pigeon Forge, TM market. This role oversees private parties, large group events, catering, restaurant promotions, and retail initiatives while working closely with restaurant leadership and Giordano’s Marketing team.

Because Pigeon Forge is a high-volume seasonal tourism market, this position will focus on capturing vacationing families, tour groups, churches, youth sports teams, corporate gatherings, and other visitors traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains while maintaining strong relationships within the local community.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL

- 3–5 years of experience in restaurant operations, hospitality, event sales, catering marketing, or a related field preferred.

- Experience within a high-volume seasonal tourism market (e.g., Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Branson) is preferred.

- Experience with private events, group sales, catering, or restaurant marketing required.

- Strong sales, communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.

- High outreach to national organizations to increase sales through tour operators, group tourism companies, travel agencies, national event planners, casinos, etc.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

- Creative and comfortable developing new marketing and promotional ideas.

- Strong understanding local marketing to drive sales with schools, churches, hotels, event venues, chambers, associations, etc.

- Experience with event booking, reservation, or email marketing platforms preferred.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suites.

- Ability to remain calm, professional, and organized in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

- Comfortable networking and representing Giordano’s in the local community.

- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event and restaurant needs.

- Ability to stand for extended periods and assist with event setup as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

- Seek and secure private parties, large group events, corporate events, buyouts, catering opportunities, and community partnerships.

- Respond to event and group dining inquiries by phone, email, and other booking platforms.

- Manage the event booking process from initial inquiry through final billing.

- Conduct restaurant tours with prospective clients and assist with customizing menus and event details.

- Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, hotels, attractions, tourism organizations, event planners, and community groups.

- Identify new opportunities to generate event sales and increase restaurant revenue.

- Maintain an organized event calendar and track event sales and activity.

- Effectively communicate all group sales events to management and team members.

Catering & Event Sales Responsibilities

- Lead Generation: Actively seek and secure catering opportunities, private parties, large group events, corporate events, buyouts, and community partnerships.

- Inquiry Management: Promptly respond to all catering and group dining inquiries via phone, email, and booking platforms.

- Client Guidance: Conduct restaurant tours and assist prospective clients with customizing catering menus and event details.

- Menu Development: Partner closely with the General Manager and restaurant management to develop profitable catering and event menus that ensure successful execution.

- Logistics & Communication: Create detailed event orders, manage the process from initial inquiry to final billing, and effectively communicate all catering and group sales requirements to the kitchen and front-of-house teams

EVENT PLANNING & EXECUTION

- Coordinate event details including menus, pricing, floor plans, seating arrangements, decorations, entertainment, vendors, and audio/visual needs.

- Create detailed event orders and communicate event requirements to the restaurant team.

- Partner with the General Manager and restaurant management to develop profitable menus and ensure successful event execution.

- Act as a primary point of contact for event guests before and during their events.

- Work directly with restaurant management to ensure the team is prepared for and executes events according to plan.

- Attend and oversee major events, assisting with setup, greeting guests and hosts, coordinating vendors, and resolving issues as they arise.

- Ensure guest requests, allergies, food timing, and special accommodations are clearly communicated between the guest, kitchen, and front-of-house team.

TOURISM, MARKETING & BRAND DEVELOPMENT

- Build and maintain strategic relationships with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, local hotels, cabin rental companies, and regional visitor centers.

- Develop and manage a local marketing calendar focused on increasing restaurant traffic, event bookings, and community awareness.

- Develop and execute local promotions, seasonal campaigns, holiday activations, and other revenue-driving events.

- Coordinate email marketing, promotional communications, and local outreach.

- Identify opportunities for local sponsorships, partnerships, and community involvement.

- Stay informed about local events, festivals, tourism activity, and other opportunities that could drive traffic to the restaurant.

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Sales Target Execution & Financial Performance

• Drive revenue objectives
• Analyze performance metrics

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITES

- Maintain accurate event and client information, contracts, pricing, and billing.

- Track event activity, sales, retail activity, and results.

- Maintain organized client and community partner information.

- Communicate regularly with restaurant leadership and the Giordano’s Marketing team regarding upcoming events, promotions, retail initiatives, and marketing activities.

Ensure all event, retail, and marketing activities are completed accurately and