Orlando Nace Member Since 2012

Vivian Bissada

I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York. My family moved around a lot when I was younger, but settled in the Tampa Bay area of Florida where I attended high school. Upon graduation I received three scholarships, one for academics, one for civic leadership and one for music. I attended the University of South Florida majoring in biology and minoring in music. I transferred to Valencia Community College where I received my Associate’s Degree before moving on to UCF to study math and computer science.

I began working for Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que in 2000. I began as a cashier and was promoted to Front of the House Supervisor a year later, Front of the House Manager a year after that. In 2004, I was offered the position of catering manager.  Since that time, I’ve helped to build and grow Bubbalou’s catering. I’ve developed what was once a simple buffet or drop-off service into a very client and event friendly service that offers so many more options for setup, service, décor and food while keeping to our roots of great food and great customer service. In 2009, I saw the emergence of social media and the potential it had for the business. So I created social media accounts for Bubbalou’s. 

While I still help with day to day management of the Bubbalou’s Alafaya/UCF location, I am currently the Director of Catering. I manage and oversee sales, production, execution and follow-up for all catering and special events. I’m also the Director of Social Media & Marketing. I manage, maintain, and interact in the different social media formats used by Bubbalou’s.

Although I’ve only been a NACE member for 1 ½ years, I am actively involved. I am on the F&B committee as the Managing Editor for the F&B page on the Orlando NACE website. I also serve as a Student Advisor for UCF NACE students during the Gala.

Up Close & Personal

Childhood Ambition:  I wanted to be Jacques Cousteau. I’ve always had a fascination with the ocean. I was going to join the Navy, then become a marine biologist with a focus on conservation and preservation.

How I would describe myself: Creative, free-thinker. I’ve always been one to view things from multiple perspectives. I’m able to adapt, adjust and create given almost any circumstances, which I’d say are perfect traits for the catering and events business.  

What I like best about my profession: All of the interesting people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had. I’ve been a part of weddings, birthdays, theme park and athletic events, charities, fund raisers, graduations. I’ve been on television. I’ve met my very best friends. I’ve seen couples graduate from college, get married and have children. I’ve been a teacher and a mentor to some amazing students and interns.

Favorite indulgence: Travel. From road trips to flights across the country, I’m always off on some adventure or going to visit family & friends. So far this year, I’ve been to North Carolina, Denver, and Savannah with trips planned later in the year to Key West, Chicago, Nashville and hopefully San Diego and New York. I basically live out of a suitcase (a big one though, because a carry-on doesn’t hold enough shoes).

My life is...: a learning experience.  Every day is a blessing that offers me the opportunity of accomplishments & failures which influence the person I will be tomorrow.

Contact Info:

Vivian Bissada

12100 Challenger Pkwy

Orlando, FL 32826

vivian@bubbalous.com

www.bubbalous.com