Hospitality Leader • Culture Builder • FOH Hype Woman
Who Is Shanece?
Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, I’m a true southern-charm girl with a loud laugh, a big heart, and a deep love for people. I actually started out studying Vocal Performance (yes girl, I sing opera!), but life had other plans. I shifted my major to Organizational Development — because even back then, I knew I was called to lead, teach, and help people grow.
For years, I worked in the corporate world, but it never felt like home. I knew I was built for connection, culture, creativity — not a cubicle. And as a lifelong foodie, I finally took a leap and applied to work for one of my favorite chefs, Chef Tiffany Derry. Best decision ever.
Now I get to live, breathe, and serve in the world of hospitality every single day — developing people, shaping culture, and creating FOH experiences that feel warm, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
And somewhere in the middle of all that purpose, passion, and “let me just try it and see,” A Dope Leader, LLC was born in 2022 — a company I built to strengthen leadership and customer service, especially within minority-owned businesses. That idea hit me during COVID, when small businesses were booming but the leadership skills and service foundations weren’t booming with them. I wanted to help. I wanted to pour into people who pour into the world.
So… who is Shanece?
A leader. A creative. A servant. And a woman who loves hospitality with her whole heart.
I want the hospitality world to feel FOH-nomenal from the inside out!
Shanece Smith
What I Do
✨ Guest Relations + FOH Leadership (T2D Concepts)
✨ Guest Relations + FOH Leadership (T2D Concepts)
✨ Guest Relations + FOH Leadership (T2D Concepts)
I support and lead front-of-house culture across multiple restaurant concepts under T2D Concepts. From guest experience to service recovery, from training to lineup energy — I’m in the building, on the floor, and in the work daily. I help develop teams, support leaders, build systems, and make sure every guest feels seen, valued, and taken care of.
✨ Speaking + Workshops
✨ Guest Relations + FOH Leadership (T2D Concepts)
✨ Guest Relations + FOH Leadership (T2D Concepts)
I speak nationally on leadership, culture, confidence, communication, and FOH excellence. My talks are high-energy, heart-centered, and rooted in real experience. I help teams level up their service, mindset, and teamwork with tools they can use immediately.
✨ Podcast + Community Building
✨ FOH-Nomenal (Training, Restaurant Openings & Awards)
✨ FOH-Nomenal (Training, Restaurant Openings & Awards)
Through The FOH-Nomenal Room podcast and community events, I highlight the stories, humor, heart, and humanity of the service world. It’s my place to educate, inspire, and remind FOH professionals just how powerful their work truly is.
✨ FOH-Nomenal (Training, Restaurant Openings & Awards)
✨ FOH-Nomenal (Training, Restaurant Openings & Awards)
✨ FOH-Nomenal (Training, Restaurant Openings & Awards)
FOH-Nomenal is my statewide hospitality movement focused on elevating the front-of-house. This includes FOH training, restaurant opening support, culture development, and celebrating FOH excellence through the upcoming FOH-Nomenal Awards. It’s everything I love about people, leadership, and service — all wrapped into one brand.