Hospitality Executive Search

Where Exceptional Talent Meets Extraordinary Hospitality.

We don't just fill roles. We find the extraordinary talent your business has been looking for. The kind no one else can deliver.

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Hospitality Executive Search

Where Exceptional Talent Meets Extraordinary Hospitality.

We don't just fill roles. We find the extraordinary talent your business has been looking for. The kind no one else can deliver.

Hospitality Executive Search

Where Exceptional Talent Meets Extraordinary Hospitality.

We don't just fill roles. We find the extraordinary talent your business has been looking for. The kind no one else can deliver.

Trusted by the Most Respected Restaurant Groups

The Problem

The Most Expensive Hire You'll Ever Make Is the One You Have to Make Twice.

Your Next Bad Hire Could Cost You Over $50,000.

Replacing a General Manager or Executive Chef averages $50,000 in hidden costs: job boards, training, overtime, lower guest satisfaction, and team morale, not to mention lost revenue while the position is vacant.

When a great talent departs, it presents a huge challenge for the business.

Overtime. A team stretched past its limit. Inconsistent service that your guests notice before you do.

And here's what makes the search even harder.

Only 5 to 15 percent of your targeted talent pool will ever see your ads. The other 85 to 95 percent are excelling in their current roles and not looking at ads. Guess what: those are the people you want.

The Problem

The Most Expensive Hire

You'll Ever Make Is the One

You Have to Make Twice.

Your Next Bad Hire Could Cost You Over $50,000.

Replacing a General Manager or Executive Chef averages $50,000 in hidden costs: job boards, training, overtime, lower guest satisfaction, and team morale, not to mention lost revenue while the position is vacant.

When a great talent departs, it presents a huge challenge for the business.

Overtime. A team stretched past its limit. Inconsistent service that your guests notice before you do.

And here's what makes the search even harder.

Only 5 to 15 percent of your targeted talent pool will ever see your ads. The other 85 to 95 percent are excelling in their current roles and not looking at ads. Guess what: those are the people you want.

"

I have sourced several above-store regional operators from Willow Tree over the past three years, specifically curated based on Ike's operational needs and culture. Their recruiters are high-touch, flexible, and really get a feel for their clients' needs. Five stars for their partnership and results.

Rory Odell

Sr. VP of Operations, Ike's Love and Sandwiches

"

I have sourced several above-store regional operators from Willow Tree over the past three years, specifically curated based on Ike's operational needs and culture. Their recruiters are high-touch, flexible, and really get a feel for their clients' needs. Five stars for their partnership and results.

Rory Odell

Sr. VP of Operations, Ike's Love and Sandwiches

The Problem

The Most Expensive Hire You'll Ever Make Is the One You Have to Make Twice.

Your Next Bad Hire Could Cost You Over $50,000.

Replacing a General Manager or Executive Chef averages $50,000 in hidden costs: job boards, training, overtime, lower guest satisfaction, and team morale, not to mention lost revenue while the position is vacant.

When a great talent departs, it presents a huge challenge for the business.

Overtime. A team stretched past its limit. Inconsistent service that your guests notice before you do.

And here's what makes the search even harder.

Only 5 to 15 percent of your targeted talent pool will ever see your ads. The other 85 to 95 percent are excelling in their current roles and not looking at ads. Guess what: those are the people you want.

"

I have sourced several above-store regional operators from Willow Tree over the past three years, specifically curated based on Ike's operational needs and culture. Their recruiters are high-touch, flexible, and really get a feel for their clients' needs. Five stars for their partnership and results.

Rory Odell

Sr. VP of Operations, Ike's Love and Sandwiches

A Different Kind of Recruiting Firm.Built on a Different Foundation.

A Different Kind of Recruiting Firm.

Built on a Different Foundation.

While most firms submit 20 resumes and hope one lands, Willow Tree is doing something fundamentally different.

While most firms submit 20 resumes and hope one lands, Willow Tree is doing

something fundamentally different.

Strategic Mindset Grounded in Hospitality

Willow Tree's strategic approach is shaped by founder Stephanie Yee's background at Stanford, Wharton, The Boston Consulting Group, and leading $200 to $500M businesses at Gap Inc. With over 50 years of collective hospitality experience, Willow Tree has the passion, experience, and expertise to find the best talent for your business.

We Find the Needle in the Haystack

Willow Tree evaluates the entire market, not just the 5 to 15 percent actively seeking roles. Using a proprietary sourcing process, a database of over 55,000 hospitality professionals, and direct outreach to top leaders, we identify candidates your job postings will never reach.

Quality Over Quantity

Willow Tree delivers, on average, 4 to 6 highly qualified candidates for your role, resulting in an 80% hire rate from the candidates presented. That's not a marketing claim. It's a direct function of the process: deep discovery, targeted sourcing, and multi-faceted vetting that happens before a candidate ever hits your desk.

The Numbers That Matter

HIRE RATE

Clients hire from the first five candidates presented

Faster to Hire

vs. running the search internally

Candidate Database

Hospitality leaders, including passive talent ads can't reach

Replacement Guarantee

If a placed leader leaves within 60 days, we replace them at no cost

The Numbers That Matter

80 %

HIRE RATE

Clients hire from the first five candidates presented

50 %

Faster to Hire

vs. running the search internally

55 k+

Candidate Database

Hospitality leaders, including passive talent ads can't reach

60 -Day

Replacement Guarantee

If a placed leader leaves within 60 days, we replace them at no cost

The Methodology

The Willow Tree Top Talent Framework™

A Process Built for Quality, Not Volume

Standard agencies play a volume game, hoping one sticks. Willow Tree works differently.

Step 01

Deep Dive Discovery

Before sourcing candidates, we immerse ourselves in your business: your culture, growth goals, and the factors that drive leaders to succeed or fail in your environment. Most agencies skip this step; for us, it's essential.

Step 02

Competitive Positioning

We help you make the role irresistible to the best candidates by shaping compelling offer, highlighting what sets your opportunity apart, and identifying candidates who aren't the right fit.

Step 03

Targeted Sourcing

We target top talent already excelling in their roles, leveraging our database of over 55,000 hospitality leaders and industry networks to recruit high performers who aren't actively job hunting but are the right fit for you.

Step 04

Holistic Vetting Process

We thoroughly vet each candidate for leadership ability, cultural fit, and essential traits beyond the resume. Then, we present the top 4 to 6 for you to choose from. You hire the best one.

Who We Serve

Built for the Full Spectrum of Hospitality Leadership.

Willow Tree brings deep expertise supporting every role within your organization, from restaurant leadership to corporate teams, serving clients across all major U.S. markets.

We partner with leaders of restaurant groups with 5+ units, fast-casual concepts in expansion mode, and

corporate hospitality teams scaling beyond founder-led operations.

Search Expertise

QSR and Upscale Casual

Fine Dining and Michelin

Corporate

Roles

GM, Manager, Sommelier, Bar Director

Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager

C-Level, VP, HR, Operations, Finance, Construction, Real Estate, Sales, Marketing

Key Markets

West: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix

Mid: Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Austin

East: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, DC, Miami

The Methodology

The Willow Tree Top Talent Framework™

A Process Built for Quality, Not Volume

Standard agencies play a volume game, hoping one sticks. Willow Tree works differently.

Step 01

Deep Dive Discovery

Before sourcing candidates, we immerse ourselves in your business: your culture, growth goals, and the factors that drive leaders to succeed or fail in your environment. Most agencies skip this step; for us, it's essential.

Step 02

Competitive Positioning

We help you make the role irresistible to the best candidates by shaping compelling offer, highlighting what sets your opportunity apart, and identifying candidates who aren't the right fit.

Step 03

Targeted Sourcing

We target top talent already excelling in their roles, leveraging our database of over 55,000 hospitality leaders and industry networks to recruit high performers who aren't actively job hunting but are the right fit for you.

Step 04

Holistic Vetting Process

We thoroughly vet each candidate for leadership ability, cultural fit, and essential traits beyond the resume. Then, we present the top 4 to 6 for you to choose from. You hire the best one.

Who We Serve

Built for the Full Spectrum of Hospitality Leadership.

Willow Tree brings deep expertise supporting every role within your organization, from restaurant leadership to corporate teams, serving clients across all major U.S. markets.

We partner with leaders of restaurant groups with 5+ units, fast-casual concepts in expansion mode, and corporate hospitality teams scaling beyond founder-led operations.

Search Expertise

QSR and Upscale Casual

Fine Dining and Michelin

Corporate

Roles

GM, Manager, Sommelier, Bar Director

Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager

C-Level, VP, HR, Operations, Finance, Construction, Real Estate, Sales, Marketing

Key Markets

West: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix

Mid: Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Austin

East: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, DC, Miami

How We Work Together

Flexible Engagements.

An Extension of Your Business.

Willow Tree is agile and adaptable, using a tailored approach to meet each client's needs.

No Upfront Cost

Contingency

Best for casual dining, fast casual, and QSR roles. No upfront cost. You pay only when we make the placement.

Dedicated Partnership

Retained and Exclusive

Best for fine dining, senior leadership, and Director-level and above. We serve as your dedicated search partner from day one, with full commitment on both sides.

Consulting Level

Advisory and Strategy

For operators who need market intelligence, compensation benchmarking, or a strategic talent roadmap without a full search engagement. Consulting-level partnership on your timeline.

Not sure which model fits your situation? Book a call, and we'll find the best solution for your needs.

→ BOOK A CALL

A Different Kind of Recruiting Firm.

Built on a Different Foundation.

While most firms submit 20 resumes and hope one lands, Willow Tree is doing

something fundamentally different.

Strategic Mindset Grounded in Hospitality

Willow Tree's strategic approach is shaped by founder Stephanie Yee's background at Stanford, Wharton, The Boston Consulting Group, and leading $200 to $500M businesses at Gap Inc. With over 50 years of collective hospitality experience, Willow Tree has the passion, experience, and expertise to find the best talent for your business.

We Find the Needle in the Haystack

Willow Tree evaluates the entire market, not just the 5 to 15 percent actively seeking roles. Using a proprietary sourcing process, a database of over 55,000 hospitality professionals, and direct outreach to top leaders, we identify candidates your job postings will never reach.

Quality Over Quantity

Willow Tree delivers, on average, 4 to 6 highly qualified candidates for your role, resulting in an 80% hire rate from the candidates presented. That's not a marketing claim. It's a direct function of the process: deep discovery, targeted sourcing, and multi-faceted vetting that happens before a candidate ever hits your desk.

The Numbers That Matter

HIRE RATE

Clients hire from the first five candidates presented

Faster to Hire

vs. running the search internally

Candidate Database

Hospitality leaders, including passive talent ads can't reach

Replacement Guarantee

If a placed leader leaves within 60 days, we replace them at no cost

The Methodology

The Willow Tree Top Talent Framework™

A Process Built for Quality, Not Volume

Standard agencies play a volume game, hoping one sticks. Willow Tree works differently.

Step 01

Deep Dive Discovery

Before sourcing candidates, we immerse ourselves in your business: your culture, growth goals, and the factors that drive leaders to succeed or fail in your environment. Most agencies skip this step; for us, it's essential.

Step 02

Competitive Positioning

We help you make the role irresistible to the best candidates by shaping compelling offer, highlighting what sets your opportunity apart, and identifying candidates who aren't the right fit.

Step 03

Targeted Sourcing

We target top talent already excelling in their roles, leveraging our database of over 55,000 hospitality leaders and industry networks to recruit high performers who aren't actively job hunting but are the right fit for you.

Step 04

Holistic Vetting Process

We thoroughly vet each candidate for leadership ability, cultural fit, and essential traits beyond the resume. Then, we present the top 4 to 6 for you to choose from. You hire the best one.

Who We Serve

Built for the Full Spectrum of Hospitality Leadership.

Willow Tree brings deep expertise supporting every role within your organization, from restaurant leadership to corporate teams, serving clients across all major U.S. markets.

We partner with leaders of restaurant groups with 5+ units, fast-casual concepts in expansion mode, and corporate hospitality teams scaling beyond founder-led operations.

Search Expertise

QSR and Upscale Casual

Fine Dining and Michelin

Corporate

Roles

GM, Manager, Sommelier, Bar Director

Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager

C-Level, VP, HR, Operations, Finance, Construction, Real Estate, Sales, Marketing

Key Markets

West: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix

Mid: Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Austin

East: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, DC, Miami

How We Work Together

Flexible Engagements.

An Extension of Your Business.

Willow Tree is agile and adaptable, using a tailored approach to meet each client's needs.

No Upfront Cost

Contingency

Best for casual dining, fast casual, and QSR roles. No upfront cost. You pay only when we make the placement.

Dedicated Partnership

Retained and Exclusive

Best for fine dining, senior leadership, and Director-level and above. We serve as your dedicated search partner from day one, with full commitment on both sides.

Consulting Level

Advisory and Strategy

For operators who need market intelligence, compensation benchmarking, or a strategic talent roadmap without a full search engagement. Consulting-level partnership on your timeline.

Not sure which model fits your situation? Book a call, and we'll find the best solution for your needs.

Client Testimonials

What Our Partners Say.

"

Compared to other agencies we have worked with, Willow Tree's process was refreshingly thorough and personal. They presented only highly qualified candidates, saving us time and energy. Our new team members hit the ground running and have already contributed to stronger operations, better guest experiences, and improved team morale. They are more than recruiters. They are strategic partners who care about your success and know how to deliver results.

Bob Partrite

Chief Operating Officer, Simco Restaurants

Client Testimonials

What Our Partners Say.

"

Compared to other agencies we have worked with, Willow Tree's process was refreshingly thorough and personal. They presented only highly qualified candidates, saving us time and energy. Our new team members hit the ground running and have already contributed to stronger operations, better guest experiences, and improved team morale. They are more than recruiters. They are strategic partners who care about your success and know how to deliver results.

Bob Partrite

Chief Operating Officer, Simco Restaurants

Stephanie Yee — Founder

The Strategic Depth to Elevate It.

Stephanie Yee brings something rare to hospitality recruiting: a genuine passion for food and restaurants, combined with the business education and experience to deliver deep industry insight with the strategic rigor of someone who has run, scaled, and transformed businesses at the highest level.

That foundation gives Willow Tree a perspective that goes beyond placing candidates. It's the ability to understand what a restaurant group truly needs at a strategic level and find the leadership talent to help them get there.

After nearly five years in hospitality recruiting, Stephanie founded Willow Tree in 2022 with a simple belief: every part of your restaurant environment: the employee, the team, the culture, the guest experience. It all performs better when the right leader is in the room.

Willow Tree was built around that standard: deep discovery before any sourcing, honest communication at every step, quality over quantity, and an uncompromising commitment to finding the perfect match.

Stephanie Yee — Founder

The Strategic Depth to Elevate It.

Stephanie Yee brings something rare to hospitality recruiting: a genuine passion for food and restaurants, combined with the business education and experience to deliver deep industry insight with the strategic rigor of someone who has run, scaled, and transformed businesses at the highest level.

That foundation gives Willow Tree a perspective that goes beyond placing candidates. It's the ability to understand what a restaurant group truly needs at a strategic level and find the leadership talent to help them get there.

After nearly five years in hospitality recruiting, Stephanie founded Willow Tree in 2022 with a simple belief: every part of your restaurant environment: the employee, the team, the culture, the guest experience. It all performs better when the right leader is in the room.

Willow Tree was built around that standard: deep discovery before any sourcing, honest communication at every step, quality over quantity, and an uncompromising commitment to finding the perfect match.

Stephanie Yee — Founder

The Strategic Depth to Elevate It.

Stephanie Yee brings something rare to hospitality recruiting: a genuine passion for food and restaurants, combined with the business education and experience to deliver deep industry insight with the strategic rigor of someone who has run, scaled, and transformed businesses at the highest level.

That foundation gives Willow Tree a perspective that goes beyond placing candidates. It's the ability to understand what a restaurant group truly needs at a strategic level and find the leadership talent to help them get there.

After nearly five years in hospitality recruiting, Stephanie founded Willow Tree in 2022 with a simple belief: every part of your restaurant environment: the employee, the team, the culture, the guest experience. It all performs better when the right leader is in the room.

Willow Tree was built around that standard: deep discovery before any sourcing, honest communication at every step, quality over quantity, and an uncompromising commitment to finding the perfect match.

Before You Go

Confessions of a Hospitality Headhunter

If you've ever lost critical talent and felt the whole operation wobble for months afterward, this is for you. After 200-plus placements across fast casual, fine dining, and corporate groups, we've learned what drives turnover, what stops it, and what most operators never hear. We put five of those lessons into one honest, no-fluff guide.

Before You Go

Confessions of a Hospitality Headhunter

If you've ever lost critical talent and felt the whole operation wobble for months afterward, this is for you. After 200-plus placements across fast casual, fine dining, and corporate groups, we've learned what drives turnover, what stops it, and what most operators never hear. We put five of those lessons into one honest, no-fluff guide.