Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Basile.
Hi Katherine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been in the restaurant hospitality industry since I was 14 years old. I grew up in upstate NY, in a small touristy town, Cooperstown, NY. I started off as a cleaner for “Suite Style” rooms, above a small Italian restaurant. Shortly afterwards, I became involved directly with restaurants in my hometown and have worked in every department from hostess, busser/food runner, dishwasher, server, and bartender. When I moved to the DMV area in 2009, I started off as a bartender at the Cheesecake Factory (Chevy Chase). I became wanting to expand my initial knowledge, and moved into the DC club scene, taking a bartending position at the iconic “Park at Fourteenth”. Here I learned ethics, integrity, and morale of the high-volume nightlife scene working for the big boss, Marc Barnes. As I continued in this realm of the industry, I was craving even more to gain. This is where I had found my true passion in management and leadership. I moved to the Arlington, VA area and started off at “A-Town Bar and Grill” as a bartender. I then was promoted to “Bar Manager” and led a legendary squad of Bartenders from all over the DMV. Once more, I was still eager to learn and understand the industry on a deeper level. I started opening restaurants about 6 years after and now I am one of the Owner/Operators of a local 80’s/90’s themed Dive bar called “Big Tony’s”. We have been open almost 3 years in September 2026. Riding the wave of Big Tony’s success, I gratefully became the Beverage Director of Carbonara in Ballston, VA. Here is where I have exceeded my own expectations, pushed the boundaries, and step into a realm of unfamiliarity. I have crafted a beautifully ran Beverage Program and work next to some very talented individuals. I continue to grow with “CHG”, and some day will open my own Restaurant(s), and other concepts, with hopes towards moving down the East Coast.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This choice of lifestyle and career have not always been smooth. Being a female in a primarily male dominated industry, has absolutely had its challenges. I’ve had to challenge point of views that are not always to my liking or understanding. As a female with authority comes conflict and stereotyping. If you say too much, you’re often considered naggy or “bitchy” as a woman because your voice isn’t as low or your tone isn’t as “authoritative”. Some colleagues don’t take you as seriously so many females feel like they have to prove themselves more to get their point across.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think the biggest thing that I pride myself in within this industry is my leadership and sense of recognition for others hard work. I feel like a lot of employees feel undervalued and unseen. In addition, I think that most staff is “told” what to do and not “asked”. Asking really goes along way. Asking questions and getting a deeper understanding of your team and the individuals is a big part of what I enjoy doing. Being hands on and working with your team, and not just making them move the way that you want them to, is key in leadership.
My knowledge of the industry is extremely important in knowing how the job(s) need(s) to be done. When you teach, people will follow. When you listen, people will follow. There is a key that is missing in most leadership roles, and that is, in itself, leadership. Not just bellowing orders. My passion is this industry and allowing others to embark on the same path. Working together as a team is so much more important than most people think.
Having awesome leaders, and having not so awesome leaders, really makes you learn how you want to treat others that work with you.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me the most is success and family. Your family is who you make it. Taking care of them is necessary.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kat_basile
