Webinar: Food & Beverage COVID 19- Lessons Learned

Tracy began her career at the San Diego Zoo in 1977.  In 1981 graduated from SDSU with a BA in Environmental Design, and a minor in Political Science.  Tracy joined the Food Service Management team at the Zoo in 1982 where she work in several management positions over the next 20 years.  In 2002 she moved 30 miles north of the San Diego Zoo to the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park, as the interim Associate Food Service Director.  In 2003 she became the permanent Director of Food Service at the Safari Park.  In 2011 the corporate decision was made to merge the Food and Merchandise Departments, Tracy then became the Director of Retail Operations.

Tracy has been involved with several Food and Beverage organizations and committees over the years including; Food and Beverage Management Association, Amusement and Theme Park Food Service Conference, National Association of Catering Executives and several years on the IAAPA Food and Beverage Committee.   In 2013-2015 Tracy served as a Brass Ring Judge for IAAPA’s innovations and New Products in Food Service.

Jeff has 20 years of experience within the amusement parks and attractions industry. As Vice President of his family’s business, he is responsible for several divisions of Whiting's Foods ranging from managing the majority of the food and beverage locations on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as well being the exclusive food and beverage provider at the Santa Cruz Warriors arena (Golden State Warriors development team).

Jeff graduated from San Diego State University. Received a B.S. degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis on Restaurant Operations. Honored by the California and National Restaurant Association for excellence in the study of Hospitality. Scholarships were granted and esteemed industry mentors were appointed. His network of advisers continues to share their experiences and best practices. Lastly, he is a recent graduate of Dale Carnegie’s human relations management course.

Tina is currently the Director of Food and Beverage for Trader’s Village in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Throughout much of her career, Tina has focused primarily on Sports and Entertainment F&B projects. She was involved in opening multiple premier venues including Staples Center in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY. Additionally, Tina was involved in menu and project development for multiple Atlantic League baseball stadiums, The Los Angeles Coliseum, and various Live Nation concert venues.

Nearly 20 years ago, Tina began work as a part time associate at Dodger Stadium in the Food and Beverage department. She quickly moved from “selling hot dogs” (which she still tells everyone she does even to this day), to many new positions with increased responsibilities. Quickly realizing the passion for these positions, she discovered her career path- quite by accident.

Transitioning from the #1 Professional Sports team franchise (Go Cowboys!) to the attractions industry was a reward unto itself. Tina found the home she had searched for in multiple sports and entertainment complexes. Now with a passion for the industry and bringing varied experiences she is enjoying her new roles.

Tina lives in Arlington, TX with her husband T.R. and their 6 children.