Strategic Planning Studio
“Our Passion is making a difference in the lives of our
clients and the customers they serve”
~Susan Wilkie, VP of Strategic Planning
871 Bowsprit Road, Chula Vista, California 91914
C 714-721-8932 | P 800-723-3307
Susanw@dmawebb.com | www.chefdon.com
LeadershipProfiles
Susan Wilkie R.D.
Vice President, Strategic Planning Studio
Over the past 30 years, Susan has had
the opportunity to develop cutting edge
hospitality operations in college and
university, corporate dining, healthcare,
and theme park industries. Susan’s work
history includes: Consultant for Hyatt
Medial Management, Director of Dining for
University of Southern California and San
Diego State University, Director of Food
Operations for the Walt Disney Company
at Disneyland Park and Disney California
Adventure, as well as an entrepreneur /
consultant since 2002.
These varied
opportunities have facilitated professional
growth resulting in a highly creative, trend
setting, and a results-oriented individual.
Thriving in environments of change is a
key to success in every industry. Susan’s
leadership qualities have been recognized
to include diplomacy, developing high
performing teams, and inspiring passion
for excellence with a “make it happen”
attitude.
“We are drowning in information. Good stories cut through the noise.”
~Steve Jobs, The Power of Storytelling
Marion Edwards
Creative Principal FOODTHINgK
Marion is a concept and product
development, menu engineering and
visual merchandising specialist with story
being her foundation. Her work history
includes destination boutique market
entrepreneur, Director of Food & Beverage
at a 4 star hotel, Director of Food and
Beverage Concept Development, Catering
and Special Event Development, Global
Visual Presentation for iconic brands like
Disneyland Resort, Starbucks headquarters,
Hilton, as well as disruptor growth brands
like Great Wolf Resorts. Her work for clients
has been recognized nationally.
Along with food story development, Marion
brings imaginative product, business and
market leadership with unprecedented
success in developing, launching, and
managing signature products for her
clients. Her expertise is clarifying brand
vision and translating into tactical plans
that move projects forward, surpass
expectations and consistently deliver a
strong return on investment.
Susan and Marion have worked together over 18 years on
various consulting projects. Their synergy brings new ideas and
great results to the on-site Dining Services teams they work with.
Project Experience
Colleges & Universities
Albright College, PA
Cal Poly Pomona, CA
CSU Channel Islands, CA
CSU Bakersfield, CA
CSU Chico, CA
CSU Fullerton, CA
CSU Long Beach, CA
CSU Northridge, CA
CSU San Bernardino, CA
Iowa State University, IA
Rice University, TX
Sacramento State University, CA
San Diego State University, CA
Santa Clara University, CA
UC Santa Barbara, CA
UC Santa Cruz, CA
UC San Diego, CA
University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI
University of Nebraska, NB
University of Nevada, NV
William Jessup University, CA
Long Beach City College, CA
Mt. San Antonio College, CA
Chaffey College, CA
Pierce College, CA
Purdue University, IN
University of St. Thomas, MN
Southwestern Community College, CA
Rice University, TX
Chapman University, CA
University of South Dakota, SD
Disney World Wide Theme Parks
Project leader for wellness initiatives
for kids and adult meals for Disneyland
Hong Kong, Walt Disney World, and
Disneyland Resort.
Fessel International
Hospitality Consulting Company, Senior
Project Consultant.
Resorts & Parks
Australia & United States
Travel Industry
Worked with Managing Director, On
Board Design and strategy for United
Airlines to ideate new breakfast,
appetizer and meal platforms for
international travel business.
Specialty and Natural Retail
Grocery
Caribou Coffee: visual merchandising,
packaging and product platforms.
Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery: product and
manufacturing development. The Perfect
Bite Company: product development
for club stores and on-line catalog food
sales like William Sonoma, Neiman
Marcus and others. Jamba Juice:
platform and product development for
future strategies. C9 Organics: startup strategic brand advisor for disruptor
organic beverage platform
Entertainment Industry
Strategic brand consultant for a celebrity
client, and AMC Entertainment retail &
concessions division.
Great Wolf Resorts
Developed and launched branded food
programs for restaurant and convention
center with ‘“market style” presentation
standards and menu.
Concept
development for three new 200MM
resorts food and beverage concepts.
Starbucks Coffee Company
Global F&B visual merchandising
responsible for Starbucks Coffee
Company,
R&D,
licensing
and
international business.
The Walt Disney Company
Spearheaded food and beverage special
events,
restaurant
merchandising
strategies and F&B concept development
for the Walt Disney Company working
in collaboration with “Imagineers”
for new build concepts at Disneyland
Park, Disney California Adventure Park,
Downtown Disney, and Disneyland
Hotels.
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Storytelling
Operations Audit
Institutional Market Research
Studio Services
Trend and Generation Research
Stakeholder Market Research and WebBased Campus Survey
Operations and Facilities Assessment
Meal Plan Assessment and Recommendations
Menu Engineering
Concept and Menu Development
Facility Program Planning
Feasibility Study
Financial Assessment
Outsource vs. Self-Operation Valuation for
Dining Services
Strategic Plan for Dining Services
RFP Development, Management, and
Evaluation
“Menu Engineering resulted in cash sales increase of 10%, lowered our
cost of goods 2.7%, and reduced payroll 3.2%”
~ Corinne Knapp, Retail Manager, CSU Chico
871 Bowsprit Road, Chula Vista, California 91914
C 714-721-8932 | P 800-723-3307
Susanw@dmawebb.com | www.chefdon.com