Who We Are

Toque & Bottle Advisory is a Chicago-based consulting company that provides unique food and beverage strategies to large-audience events, conventions, and hospitality businesses throughout the United States. Our team of experts plans and executes experiences to captivate audiences on behalf of our clients.

Angela Matis, Events
angela@toqueandbottle.com

Angela Matis brings 14 years of experience in event management, internal and external sales and client relationships to the TBA team. Angela interacts directly with over 100 local restaurants, coordinating participation, event logistics, and service execution for a multitude of tasting events.

Annamarie Beretta, Social Media annamarie@chicagoconcierge.com

Annamarie attended college locally right here in the city at DePaul University. Annamarie worked previously as the Communications Specialist for the Chicago Auto Show assisting in Public Relations, Marketing, and Social Media tactics. Follow along as she sparks up a conversation with inbound and in town convention audiences!

Anni McNulty, Director of Sales anni@chicagoconcierge.com

Anni McNulty brings over 20 years of experience from a multitude of aspects in the hospitality industry. An accomplished, dedicated & results-driven professional, Anni has spent her career in the Chicagoland marketplace focusing on internal & external sales, marketing, brand management, event management, restaurant operations, training & client relationships. Experienced in driving brand recognition & increasing sales while providing excellent customer service & support, Anni’s passion lies in learning new industry developments & using all resources & skills to drive business while maintaining loyal, strong client relationships. Anni joined the TBA team in 2018 excited not only about expanding the amazing client base but strengthening these relationships to form lasting partnerships with Chicago’s finest hospitality team!

Shannon Sawyer, Bistro Tickets
shannon@toqueandbottle.com

Shannon brings 19 years of hospitality management and wine education to the TBA team. Most recently the General Manager at Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar, Shannon previously managed restaurants for the Francesca’s Restaurant Group and at Zed 451. Shannon’s focus for Bistro Tickets is centered upon providing excellent customer service and a pleasant experience online and onsite.

Michael Stancati, Event Manager/Project Consultant

mike@toqueandbottle.com

Michael Stancati brings ten years of hospitality experience to Toque and Bottle Advisory. Throughout the last decade he has held roles in all aspects of restaurant operations. Michael started as a cook at the Elysian hotel, working in both the two Michelin starred RIA and the well regarded, Balsan restaurant. From there, Michael joined the one Michelin starred team at Sepia under great leadership from James Beard nominated Chef, Andrew Zimmerman. In 2013, Michael started a five year stint with Hogsalt Hospitality, working in all aspects of the organization from chef to general manager. Michael’s number one goal is to continually improve operations and offer genuine hospitality in order to enhance the guest experience. When not working Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and kids experiencing the city.

Benjamin Smock, Founder & President ben@toqueandbottle.com

Benjamin Smock, a graduate of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University, has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Smock has managed fine dining restaurants, sports bars, upscale concessions, and thousands of catering events at a variety of venues, including McCormick Place. Ben founded Toque & Bottle Advisory in 2006 to provide customized food, beverage, and service expertise to Conventions, Restaurants, and Event planners.