Isabel Catacutan
Isabel Catacutan is a seasoned operations and franchise strategy professional specializing in the food and beverage industry. With over a decade of experience across every level of restaurant operations, she has developed expertise in driving sales, optimizing labor costs, and enhancing customer experiences. Currently, she serves as an Operations Analyst at Kung Fu Tea, where she works closely with corporate teams and store management to implement data-driven strategies that align operational practices with business goals. Isabel’s passion for creating value through insights and collaboration has consistently fueled her professional growth.
Throughout her tenure at Kung Fu Tea, Isabel has progressed from Franchise Coordinator to Senior Franchise Consultant, ultimately assuming her current role as Operations Analyst. She has led initiatives that have contributed to a 30% revenue increase for the company’s flagship restaurant concept by implementing strategic sales, labor optimization, and marketing programs. Her work includes coordinating cross-functional teams, analyzing customer purchasing trends, and ensuring operational efficiency across multiple corporate locations in New York, Boston, and the DMV area.
Isabel’s journey in the food and beverage sector was inspired by her early experiences traveling with her family and exploring diverse cuisines. While she initially pursued a culinary path, she pivoted to the business side of the industry to better understand the operational mechanics that drive successful restaurants. Today, she leverages her comprehensive background—from frontline service to executive consulting—to deliver measurable results while fostering strong relationships with her teams and partners. Her approach combines organization, data-driven decision-making, and a deep commitment to customer experience.
• De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde - B.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a really great positive mindset and the people I meet, including my family and friends. I'm a sponge, so I like to really take it all in and learn from them, whether it's good or bad. For things that I know haven't done well for me in the past, I try to be aware of pivoting from that or shying away from that, and then do better. It's about learning from every experience and every person I encounter, taking the good lessons forward and being willing to change course when something isn't working.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you really have to be okay with pivoting. One of my mentors told me this, and it's been so important because in the industry that I'm in, it's always kind of up in the air. You drive the success, but you also have to be okay and learn to just move forward in different ways and pivot if it doesn't go the way that you had planned things out. Being flexible and willing to change direction when needed has been crucial to my success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I were giving advice to young women entering this industry, I would say that it’s important to be both strategic and authentic. The path isn’t always easy, and opportunities can be hard to come by, so building the right relationships is crucial. At the same time, it’s essential to stay true to yourself—maintaining integrity and being genuine in every interaction. Focus on doing your best work while fostering positive, professional relationships, without getting caught up in office politics. Ultimately, it’s about representing not only your company but also paving the way for other women who face similar challenges in this industry.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I see in the restaurant industry today are advancing as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field and navigating the operational pressures of labor and rising costs. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to leverage data-driven strategies, digital platforms, and sustainability-focused marketing to build loyal customer bases and drive growth. Embracing these tools allows us to not only optimize operations but also create meaningful connections with guests in a way that supports long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are positivity, authenticity, and cultivating strong relationships. I also prioritize adaptability and always keeping the customer experience at the forefront. These principles help me navigate challenges, connect meaningfully with others, and deliver my best in every situation.
Locations
Kung Fu Tea Franchising, LLC
New York, NY 10018