Kylee Mangum
Kylee Mangum is a seasoned food and beverage professional based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with more than a decade of experience in hospitality and bar operations. Currently serving as Beverage Director at Maple Hall, a boutique entertainment venue that blends bowling, dining, and a craft cocktail experience, she oversees the full bar program while also contributing to front-of-house leadership. Known for her creativity and passion for mixology, Kylee is dedicated to elevating the cocktail experience and contributing to the growth of Knoxville’s evolving culinary and beverage scene. Throughout her career, Kylee has held progressive roles across a variety of hospitality environments, including bar management, restaurant supervision, and social media strategy. Her expertise spans inventory management, vendor relations, staff leadership, and sales tracking, all supported by a strong operational mindset. ServSafe certified and highly detail-oriented, she brings both strategic and hands-on experience to her role, ensuring seamless service and high-quality guest experiences. Her background in communications further enhances her ability to connect with guests, build brand presence, and create engaging hospitality environments. Kylee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and previously attended Florida State University. Beyond her professional work, she is passionate about live music and actively participates in major festivals, i.e., Bonnaroo. With a commitment to innovation and community, Kylee continues to play an active role in shaping Knoxville’s growing reputation as a destination for exceptional food, beverage, and entertainment experiences.
• ServSafe Manager
• Associate Member
• Florida State University
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• United States Bartenders Guild Nashville chapter
• Phi Mu Fraternity
• Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to myself, really. It's just my hard work and work ethic that has gotten me where I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to help the people who help you. It seems pretty basic, but it's something that has really stuck with me and guided how I approach my work and relationships in this industry.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident in your abilities. You don't have to rely on a man or somebody else that's been doing it previously. You can maintain your abilities to yourself. You have what it takes on your own, and you don't need to depend on others who have been in the field longer to prove your worth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in our field right now is really just the economy. It's playing a big impact on all restaurants and bars in general. People aren't spending as much money as frivolously as they once were. They're being a little bit more cautious about where they spend their money and on what. So I'd say that's probably the biggest challenge we're facing right now.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency and honesty are the most important values to me, both in my work and personal life. I think those two values are probably the most important ones that guide everything I do.