Michele Gendreau
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Michele Gendreau Director B.S., Hospitality Management, 1983 |
Michele Gendreau is the director of food and beverage at the Disneyland Resort, which is part of the experience development and integration team. In this position, Gendreau is responsible for strategy, growth and revenue initiatives for the food and beverage operations as well as integrating and maintaining the standards, training and development, auditing and technology in support of the food and beverage operations.
Prior to this role, Gendreau was the general manager of food, beverage and merchandise for Disney California Adventure Park. In this capacity, Gendreau was responsible for the guest and cast experience in all food and beverage locations, ranging from snack to signature dining, as well as all retail operations.
With more than 40 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Gendreau began her Disney career in 2006 as the director of concept and product development for Walt Disney Park & Resorts. She managed the creative development of the novelties, synergy and packaging products for the food and beverage division, and integrated new standards throughout the 450 various restaurants at both the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
Before joining The Walt Disney Company, Gendreau worked for Spartan Shops Inc., at San Jose State University, where she held the position of director of dining services, overseeing residential dining, catering, vending, and 13 retail restaurants servicing more than 29,000 students, faculty and staff on campus. In addition, Gendreau has served as the manager of dining services at University of Southern California.
A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, Gendreau holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with an emphasis in hotel and restaurant management, and is the chair of the board of advisors for the Collins College of Hospitality Management. She is also a board member on the Cal Poly Rose Float Alumni Association and works with the students each year to produce an award-winning float for the Rose Parade.
Gendreau resides in Brea, California.