Experience That Informs Every Decision.
A career defined by hospitality, leadership, and a passion for creating exceptional experiences.
Built on the operator’s perspective.
With more than two decades of experience in New York’s hospitality industry, Dana Lawrie brings a perspective shaped by operational leadership, business ownership, and a genuine passion for the people who make hospitality extraordinary.
Her career spans high-volume restaurants, dynamic hospitality environments, and refined fine dining, including serving as General Manager and overseeing the beverage program at abc cocina by Jean-Georges.
Throughout her career, Dana has remained committed to a fundamental belief: exceptional guest experiences begin with exceptional teams. A natural mentor and hands-on leader, she finds her greatest professional satisfaction in developing talent, building confidence, and creating environments where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired to excel.
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and the belief that enthusiasm is contagious. When teams understand the purpose behind their work and take pride in what they do, that energy translates into more meaningful, personalized experiences for guests.
When teams thrive,
hospitality thrives.
Exceptional guest experiences are built by people who feel inspired, empowered, and genuinely connected to what they do.
Understanding the business from the inside out.
Beyond her leadership roles within established hospitality organizations, Dana co-owned and operated an independent farm-to-table restaurant and brewery, gaining firsthand experience in the responsibilities and complexities of business ownership.
She led hiring and team development, authored standard operating procedures, managed labor and beverage costs, and designed seasonal wine and cocktail programs that complemented the restaurant’s culinary identity.
Her commitment to thoughtful hospitality extended beyond the dining room. By prioritizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and building relationships with regional farmers, producers, and independent purveyors, she helped create an experience rooted in authenticity, quality, and community.
Combined with her working knowledge of P&L management and profitability, this background informs a practical understanding of how team engagement, financial discipline, service standards, and operational performance work together.
Creating experiences that stay with people.
For Dana, hospitality has never been simply about delivering a service. It is about creating thoughtful, intuitive, personalized experiences that leave a lasting impression.
This philosophy shapes the way she approaches leadership, training, and operational development. The focus is not only on establishing standards, but also on helping teams understand and embrace the principles behind them.
Where Experience Creates Impact.
Lawrie Consulting brings together decades of practical operating experience with a people-first approach to hospitality advisory. Each engagement begins by understanding the business, its leadership, its challenges, and the experiences it seeks to create.
Whether supporting a new concept, strengthening an established operation, mentoring management teams, or refining the guest experience, the goal is meaningful improvement that lasts.
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