Verna Swerdlow
Philadelphia
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with 20+ years of experience in business development, culinary operations, and customer engagement. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, managing cross-functional teams, and executing high-impact events. Skilled in menu development, client relations, product promotion, and strategic sales. Passionate about food, innovation, and creating memorable customer experiences in fast-paced, quality-focused environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Self-Employed Consultant
Various Locations
01.2016 - Current
- Led menu development for restaurant groups generating over $5M in annual sales, reducing food costs by 18%.
- Designed and executed business development strategies that improved profitability and operational efficiency.
- Managed logistics and planning for large-scale culinary events; raised over $250K for nonprofit causes.
- Oversaw vendor negotiations, budgets, and marketing to drive growth across client operations.
Live Demo Studio Kitchen Lead
Sprouts Market
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Spearheaded the launch of a first-of-its-kind Live Demo Studio Kitchen, delivering 300–1,000 samples daily of seasonal, local whole foods.
- Reduced shrink across perishable grocery items through strategic alignment with demo offerings.
- Increased customer satisfaction feedback by 60% through engaging demos and product education.
- Led community activations with nonprofit partners focused on food education and access.
Assistant Manager
Snap Kitchen
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Oversaw operations of a from-scratch, fast-casual CPG meal production facility, producing up to 10,000 meals daily.
- Managed scheduling and performance for 70+ staff across production, packaging, and logistics.
- Maintained compliance with SOPs and GMP standards to ensure food safety and quality.
- Coordinated with culinary, logistics, and retail teams to meet demand and ensure timely fulfillment.
Owner/Operator
Vernalicious
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Founded and scaled a thriving food business generating $750K in annual revenue with 30% YoY growth.
- Managed a 2,600 sq. ft. kitchen facility, feeding 20 to 7,000 people daily through catering and mobile services.
- Recruited and led a 13-person team, achieving a 4.5-star Yelp rating and 6,000+ social media followers.
- Launched food truck logistics for major venues including The Mann Center, Aramark, and Yards Brewing Co.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Science
Seattle Central Community College
Seattle, WA06-1993
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY06-1991
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership & development
- Client relationships
- Customer relationship management
- Project leadership
Certification
2015 Action Wellness Volunteer of the Year
Subaru Hero Award
ServeSafe Managers License holder 2011-present
Timeline
Live Demo Studio Kitchen Lead
Sprouts Market
01.2024 - 01.2025
Assistant Manager
Snap Kitchen
01.2019 - 01.2020
Self-Employed Consultant
Various Locations
01.2016 - Current
Owner/Operator
Vernalicious
01.2010 - 01.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Science
Seattle Central Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Rochester Institute of Technology
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