Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Keys.
Hi Cindy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always say the restaurant industry found me – I didn’t find it. Growing up, I envisioned a career as a lawyer, and by the time I entered college, I started in accounting before switching to communications with dreams of becoming a sports broadcaster. Buy my journey had already begun at 15, when I took a job as a hostess for a multi-concept restaurant organization in Michigan, the co-founder became my mentor, teaching me every operational aspect of the business and eventually promoting me as the youngest manager in the company’s history. When I had my first child, I realized I wanted to continue building a meaningful career while also being the present, involved and influential mom I wanted to be, something the nights, weekends and holidays of restaurant operations made challenging. That decision led my pivot into procurement, where I discovered a passion that allowed me to bring together everything operations had taught me – people, relationships, problem-solving and business strategy – and ultimately shaped the career I have today as Vice President of Procurement for Snooze.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to anything you want is rarely smooth, it takes grit, effort, dedication, and consistency to achieve what you determine as success. My path has certainly had its share of sharp turns. As a single mother, balancing the demands of leadership with raising two daughters meant constantly holding myself accountable to high standards – both for my own career goals and for the teams relying on my guidance. Beyond that, in the corporate landscape, I often found myself as the only women in the room presenting its own unique set of challenges. Learning to assert my perspective and ensure my voice was heard in a room full of stakeholders – this help build my confidence and resilience and forged the grounded, adaptable leader I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Snooze, we believe breakfast is more than a meal. We built a brand around culinary creativity, connection, full-service hospitality, responsibly sourced ingredients, an energetic social atmosphere and an experience guest actively crave. Throughout the 11+ years I’ve been with Snooze navigating global market shifts, a pandemic, building sustainable sourcing models, and leading crisis management strategies, my focus always remained on driving purpose alongside performance. Driven by a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, I expanded my scope to collaborate in menu innovation, co-lead “She Cakes” – Snooze’s female leadership initiative and cross-functional boards that shape culture as much as business outcomes. I’m also active with the Nest Domestic Supply Chain Group.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
At the heart of it all, I believe in bringing positive energy, authenticity, vulnerability and optimism to both my personal life and career. You’ll usually find me staying active — hitting the trails, practicing yoga sculpt, traveling or chasing ocean views whenever I get the chance. Life is all about balance, staying active and connected to nature keeps me grounded, inspired and fuels my drive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snoozeeatery.com
- Instagram: eatsnooze
