FOOD & BEVERAGE
Raquel Netto Sperling
Class of 2012
Instructional Designer, Learning & Development,
El Pollo Loco
Raquel's Journey
I have been in the hospitality industry for 15 years and going strong! My initial goal was to be part of the hotel resorts and casino gaming industry but I eventually decided to choose the path of food service and restaurants.
During college, my first job was as a Front Desk Agent for Best Western Hotels and Resorts. After graduating from CPP, I worked as a Production Cook and Floor Lead for Sodexo Magic at Disneyland's California Adventure. It was a great start to the foodservice world and I was intrigued at how things worked on the backend rather than guest-facing.
After 3 years at Sodexo Disney, I moved on to Management in corporate dining and joined Aramark as a Location Supervisor for Edwards Lifesciences. After the client's change of heart for a new food service company, I stayed at Edwards and assisted with the acquisition of Bon Appetit Management Company. I opened and supervised 2 new cafes and satellite locations. After 5 years, it was time to venture into education dining. While staying with Bon Appetit Management Company, I joined Biola University as an Operations Manager and was an interim Cafe Manager for Yahoo! / Verizon Media.
Then... Covid hit and unfortunately, I was laid off. It was a sad moment, but I took that opportunity to leave operations and go into the back end of hospitality and dive into Learning & Development. I joined Xperience Restaurant Group as a Training Manager. I managed 12 restaurant concepts (like El Torito, Sol, Solita, and CalMex Cantina to name a few) and assisted in 11 New Restaurant Openings (NRO) across the country. It was then that I found a passion for Learning & Development and for sharing my experiences with those who were new to the industry.
I currently work for El Pollo Loco as an Instructional Designer for the Operations and Training Team. I create a variety of training material for all employees such as training videos, communication packets, and other material for their Learning Management System using modern learning tools that make learning fun and engaging. The material I create is also based on learning style and the best way to teach because everyone learns differently! It's also very heart-warming to see others implement what they've learned and to see them have fun while learning it.
It's been a great 15 years so far on the hospitality road and I'm only looking forward to many more years of experience! Go Broncos!
In the Spotlight
How did a Collins College Degree help you in your career?
With my Collins degree, I have a great mix of experience and industry knowledge that I use every day. I have provided services and gained experience in various Hospitality settings (restaurants, food service, entertainment, amusement parks, corporate dining, education dining, and quick food service.) It also helped me build a strong network of professionals and friends in hospitality and has given me a solid understanding of how to provide great guest experiences which has been key in my career in Learning & Development.
What do you love about working in Hospitality?
What I love most about working in Hospitality is the opportunity to make a real difference in our guests' experience and be able to help those who are new to the industry. Whether it’s through creating memorable experiences for guests or supporting employees in their development, hospitality is all about connecting and providing warmth and care for our guests! I enjoy the dynamic nature of the industry, where no two days are the same, and I get to problem-solve, be creative, and constantly learn! Being part of Learning & Development for hospitality is very rewarding because I see the positive impact of the knowledge from all my experiences in those who are new to the industry or who just want to learn more.
How would you convince someone that the field of hospitality management is for them?
If you are passionate about service and thrive in fast-paced environments and if you love working with people, enjoy problem-solving, and want a dynamic career, then this is the field for you! You can create memorable experiences, build strong connections, and make a real impact on guests and teams. It also offers very diverse opportunities. The hospitality industry is a huge umbrella that consists of areas like managing a hotel, planning events, or leading a team, and there’s always room to grow and evolve!
Share a fun fact about yourself.
YouTube is my kryptonite! I can get lost in it by watching anything from dog grooming to food excursions!
I am the youngest of 4 daughters. I am not a picky eater! :)
Address
3801 West Temple Ave, Bldg. 79B
Pomona, CA 91768