In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Lauren Laurent, the powerhouse Director of Catering Sales & Marketing at Levy Restaurants — based at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

With 15+ years in hospitality, Lauren brings a rare blend of operational excellence and heartfelt hospitality to some of the nation’s largest events and conventions. From serving thousands at once to curating elevated experiences that feel personal, she’s mastered the art of listening — not just hearing — to understand client needs and deliver flawlessly every time.

Michael and Lauren discuss:

• How to create memorable experiences that make guests feel valued

• The power of listening as a sales superpower

• Why handwritten notes and human connection still win in a digital age

• How to negotiate large catering contracts (and protect your bottom line)

• The balance between technology, AI, and human touch in hospitality

• How to deliver five-star service at stadium scale

Whether you’re running a local restaurant catering operation or managing large-scale corporate events, this episode will inspire you to elevate every touchpoint — from first call to final thank-you note.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software — the all-in-one platform helping caterers streamline operations, save time, and sell more.