JACKSON, Wyo. — If you know Kate Fatter, whether personally or professionally, she is a glass-half-full – as vibrant as she is hilarious – firecracker. While small in stature, she doesn’t go unnoticed and is beloved by many.
In a recent sit down with Kate, she shared what brought her to Fine Dining Restaurant Group (FDRG), how she envisions 2022 playing out for FDRG and a swear word she swears by. A little birdie told us it rhymes with duck…She says it gets the point across in almost any situation and we might have to agree.
It all started in the winter of 2016, as she sat at the concierge desk of Hotel Terra and watched Gavin Fine and Justin Henry man the host stand during the winter mayhem at Il Villaggio Osteria. They handled the pressure and business with grace, politeness, and spunk. She always felt the radiation of positive vibes and started to build a strong rapport with Gavin and Justin as the season progressed.
The open-door policy and laid-back, but hands-on feeling pushed Kate to make the leap over to the FDRG in 2018.
What brought you to Fine Dining Restaurant Group?
After developing good working relationships with Gavin and Justin that winter at Hotel Terra, I started to do a little research about FDRG. Everyone I came across somehow knew of FDRG or a person who worked there. They had nothing but good things to say and I consistently heard how involved and hands-on they were as a company, which was intriguing.
If you could describe Fine Dining Restaurant Group as a person, what three words would you use?
Dynamic, warm, inclusive and optimistic. I know that’s four, but there are too many words I want to use.
What type of support have you received in navigating the intricacies of Culture and HR?
Unlimited. I know I can go straight to Gavin with anything, whether that’s a question or a grievance. I have a massive safety net and I am never on an island. As a professional, he has always supported me and my growth. This past April I asked to get my SHRM – CP, which in the HR world is a big certification and a large undertaking. He didn’t think twice about allowing me to further my knowledge and career, both for how it would benefit my professional growth and positively impact our company culture. I passed the test this past May.
What are your priorities and main focuses when it comes to integrating teams within Fine Dining Restaurant Group?
Ensuring we are always on the ground level with employees. It’s important that resources and communication feel transparent and on an even playing field.
How do you see Fine Dining Restaurant Group growing and evolving in the next few years?
Building infrastructure and strengthening team vibes. Our management program has changed because of our growth. We recognize the need to motivate and incentivize our leaders, which is why we have brought on bonus programs and hired key figures with leading hospitality expertise to be resources and guides for our teams across establishments.
What is a favorite memory you have from your time with Fine Dining Restaurant Group?
So many of our cultural outings for all employees, both back-of-house and front-of-house. It’s a great bonding experience, especially for our J1 students. I distinctly recall snowshoeing at Taggart Lake and the pickup soccer games we play in the summer. It is such a treat to connect outside of the office and there is always so much laughter. You get to see everyone in a different light.
Another one that stands out among the rest was when the pandemic hit. Gavin immediately sprang into action to protect and take care of our staff during the height of COVID. He created meal programs, subsidized or covered rent costs, and always called to check in on those who became sick. To me, that is a testament to “who” this company is and the integrity within these walls.
Jackson, as a whole, faces many societal and economic challenges, how has Fine Dining Restaurant Group been tackling retention and recruiting?
We recognize the challenges a majority of the local workforce within Jackson face, so we increased wages across the board to alleviate some of those difficulties. We have poured a ton of resources into further management and leadership programs to help our teams not only grow through hands-on experience but from continued educational programs like wine training, guest speakers and educational leadership summits.
What brings you joy?
Being in a mountain town where I have access to all the activities I love, like hiking or camping. I can quite literally disconnect and disappear into the woods for two days and come back feeling so refreshed by Mother Nature and the peace of it all. Also, being with my family, friends and those I love. It’s cliché, but true. And I can never turn down good food or good wine because it makes me happy.
In 2022 I hope that….
I become a great mom. I am expecting my first child and there are a lot of emotions and excitement, as well as nerves, that come with that.
Professionally, I look forward to seeing FDRG continue the current forward momentum and grow at a pace that continues to maintain our high standards for quality. I also look forward to continuing to build upon the strong company culture we have established. I know I speak for many of my colleagues, but there truly isn’t a more caring company.
And to end it all, a favorite swear word?
F@*K!. That word seems to encapsulate so much of the past two years and all the pandemic surprises. It was quite frankly a *bleeping* HR rollercoaster of challenges, and I am proud of how we have handled it all.
For more on Fine Dining Restaurant Group, click here. Interested in joining the team? Email Kate Fatter at kate@jhfinedining.com.
