At CaterZen, we’re all about helping restaurateurs grow thriving catering operations that bring in more sales — with less stress. Our Restaurant Catering Smarts podcast is your backstage pass to the strategies, systems, and stories that drive success in the catering world.
Hosted by me, Michael Attias, founder of CaterZen Catering Software, each episode dives deep into what works in the real world — from sales and marketing to systems and leadership — all designed to help you grow your catering business smarter.
We’re thrilled to release Episode 22 of Restaurant Catering Smarts, featuring Lauren Laurent, Director of Catering Sales & Marketing at Levy Restaurants — one of the nation’s top hospitality groups serving everything from stadiums to convention centers.
Lauren oversees catering at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, where she and her team pull off events that serve thousands — yet still feel personal, intentional, and memorable.
Episode 22: Listening, Leadership & Luxury Events with Lauren Laurent
In this episode, Lauren and I talk about what it really takes to deliver five-star service at scale — and why great catering starts with one simple skill most people overlook: listening.
Lauren shares her journey from juggling young kids and door-to-door sales jobs to leading large-scale catering operations for Levy. She opens up about:
🍽️ The Power of Listening — Why it’s the most valuable sales skill you can develop, and how it transforms customer relationships.
🤝 Building Trust Before You Sell — How meaningful communication drives repeat business.
💌 Old-School Hospitality Still Wins — The magic of handwritten thank-you notes, phone calls, and personal touches that never go out of style.
💡 Blending AI & Authenticity — How technology can help sales teams listen better and serve smarter.
💼 Leadership Through Service — Lauren’s take on training, mentoring, and empowering teams to deliver consistent excellence.
Whether you’re running a single-unit restaurant or managing corporate catering for thousands, you’ll find practical insights you can apply immediately.
How to Tune In
You can watch or listen to this episode right here on our Restaurant Catering Smarts podcast page.
Why Restaurant Catering Smarts?
This podcast goes beyond surface-level tips — it’s your behind-the-scenes look at what makes real catering businesses grow and thrive.
Every episode features candid conversations with industry leaders who share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) — so you can skip the trial and error.
Whether you’re trying to scale your catering sales, tighten up operations, or build a stronger team, Restaurant Catering Smarts gives you the playbook and inspiration to make it happen.
Let’s Hear From You!
Got a catering challenge or topic you’d love us to cover in a future episode?
Drop us a message — we’d love to hear from you and might even feature your question on the show!
Stay Connected with Us on Social Media!
Don’t miss out on updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive tips for growing your catering business. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:
- LinkedIn: CaterZen LinkedIn
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- Join our private Facebook group: Restaurant Catering Professionals
Join the conversation and let us know how Restaurant Catering Smarts is helping you level up your catering game. We love hearing your wins!
Ready to Elevate Your Catering Game?
Lauren’s story proves that catering success isn’t just about flawless execution or big budgets — it’s about listening, leading with heart, and creating experiences that people feel.
Whether you’re serving ten guests or ten thousand, the same rule applies: slow down, pay attention, and make every client feel heard. That’s how you turn one-time customers into loyal fans who keep coming back.
So grab your earbuds (and maybe a strong cup of coffee), and tune in. Because in catering — just like in life — the biggest wins come from the smallest details. Listen better. Lead smarter. Serve with heart.
Your next breakthrough might just start with a simple conversation.
