Kathryn is passionate about bringing new projects to life and works with hospitality and food businesses to realize and scale their vision. For the past 15+ years she has worked across hospitality, food and agriculture with the goal of building a more sustainable food future.
Under her consulting banner, Aboveground Spaces, Kathryn and her team work with for-profit, not-for-profit, and civic organizations across the food and hospitality industry bringing new ideas and concepts into the world. Projects include concept and business model development, brand strategy, opening operations, partnership & event strategy, and project management depending on the needs of the organization and concept at hand.
Projects
-
Row 7 Seed Company
Row 7 is a seed & produce company founded by Chef Dan Barber, breeding for flavor and nutrition. Managed Activations & Partnerships for product launch in Whole Foods Market.
-
Fantzye Bagels
Acting Business Manager for Fantzye Bagels, a sourdough bagel concept in Kingston, NY. Prior to opening worked to develop business model, fundraise capital and project manage the opening for their first brick & mortar.
-
Hill Farm Inn & Restaurant (Sagra Property)
Built an agritourism concept in Sunderland, VT including rebrand of a 31-key hotel, the development and opening of a 70-seat restaurant and event space, and the reintroduction of an agricultural program to the property.
-
Shelterwood Collective
Concept development and financial model for retreat center on 900-acre BIPOC owned forest management collective.
-
Le Pain Quotidien
Brand Marketing Manager for international, organic restaurant chain with 95 US locations.
Services
-
Build and refine business models for new or existing small businesses and start-up’s.
Oversee investor and lender relations.
Review company financials to make strategic decisions for the growth and viability of the business.
Act as business advisor for major business decisions.
-
Work with clients to define their concept and create a cohesive narrative, be it for a pitch deck or customer/guest experience.
-
Depending on where the organization is in its journey, work to build new brands, re-articulate existing ones and develop strategies for increasing brand awareness.
-
Manage diverse stakeholders and contractors to ensure projects are completed successfully whether it be bringing a new space into this world or launching a new product.
-
Develop and execute bespoke partnership & event strategy to achieve client goals including increasing sales, brand awareness, or community engagement.
Contact