An 11-Year Journey at Cate Street Seafood Station
Spotlight on Brooke Resendez
By Erin Pereira Perez
At Cate Street Seafood Station, we believe our team is the heart of our restaurant. Today, we are excited to spotlight Brooke Resendez, whose remarkable 11-year journey with us left a lasting impact on our staff, guests, and culture. From working as a hostess to running the floor as a manager, Brooke’s story is filled with memorable moments, lessons learned, and a deep appreciation for the Cate Street family.
From Birthday Beginnings to Leadership Roles
Brooke’s story with Cate Street Seafood Station began on her birthday—September 5, 2010. “I remember the date exactly because it was my birthday!” she recalls. Over the next 11 years, she wore many hats around the restaurant: hostess, food runner, server, bartender, and eventually manager and event coordinator! “I did a little bit of it all,” Brooke says, reflecting on her growth and versatility within Cate Street Seafood Station.
Some of the Cate Street Seafood Station crew at an event.
Drawn by Family Atmosphere
What first attracted Brooke to Cate Street was more than just a job opportunity. “I was in a sorority at Southeastern Louisiana University, and a couple of my sorority sisters worked at Cate Street and loved it. They talked about the family atmosphere,” she explains. The sense of camaraderie—and even the fun of having a sushi roll named after a staff member—made Cate Street stand out as a place she wanted to be.
Favorite Memories: Kickball, Christmas, and Laughter
Brooke’s time at Cate Street is filled with countless unforgettable memories. One favorite memory that stands out is the kickball tournament against The Boston Restaurant, our sister restaurant located in Downtown Amite. “Knowing all the players on both teams and reminding The Boston staff that I was a Cate Street girl if I had to choose was so much fun,” she shares. The tournament and the Christmas party that followed were reminders of how Brooke’s peers became some of her best friends—truly like family. And then there are the stories that bring up laughter even years later, like the infamous sriracha mishap: “Aimee, a server at the time at Cate Street Seafood Station, accidentally squirted sriracha in her eye. We were all laughing hysterically but also stepped in to help with her tables. It showed me how we could have fun but always had each other’s back.”
What Made Cate Street Special
Brooke describes Cate Street’s work culture as “like working with your family.” She had never worked in a restaurant—or even tried sushi—before joining, but quickly learned from her coworkers, leaders, and the owners. “The owners strive to keep the environment one that allows employees to learn and grow as individuals, not just employees,” she says.
Brooke with friends at the annual Cate Street vs. Boston Kickball Tournament.
Lessons Learned and Skills Gained
The most valuable skill Brooke gained? Communication. “Everyone should work in a restaurant at some point in their lives to learn how to communicate,” she jokes. From coordinating with customers and coworkers to handling the kitchen and sushi bar, Brooke became adept at efficient, clear communication with those around her—a skill that’s served her well beyond Cate Street Seafood Station. She also learned to handle conflict with maturity. “Jonathan Wong, one of the owners of Cate Street, told me during a shift to wait until the next day to have a tough conversation. By then, it didn’t seem worth it. My communication skills matured, and I use that daily in my current job.”
Overcoming Challenges with Empathy
Managing a restaurant isn’t just about food and service—it’s about the people. Brooke found herself coaching coworkers and listening to customers who were not always having the best day. “Sometimes the best thing to do was listen and let them know I was there for them,” she says. This empathy and patience became a cornerstone of her leadership style.
Brooke and Jonathan.
How Cate Street Shaped Her Career
Brooke’s Cate Street experience paved the way for her current role as Inpatient Rehabilitation Services Supervisor at North Oaks Health System. “Supervising staff has a lot of crossovers with managing a restaurant. I often use techniques I learned as a Cate Street manager when coaching my staff or handling disciplinary situations,” she explains. The ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds has been invaluable in her healthcare career.
Advice for Current Team Members
Brooke’s advice for current Cate Street employees is simple but powerful: “Take every opportunity you are offered to grow. The more positions you have, the more opportunities for learning. Also, make sure you are voicing your aspirations to your manager and the owner—they will help you grow if you are willing to take their advice.”
Brooke with her husband and daughter.
Life Beyond Cate Street
These days, Brooke finds joy in being a mom and wife, with a two-year-old daughter and another on the way. “I just have to spend time with them to feel joy. I have been really blessed with my family,” she says. Early morning workouts and quiet coffee moments help her recharge for the day ahead.
A Legacy of Dedication
Looking back, Brooke credits her success at Cate Street Seafood Station to giving “110%” in every position and seeing value in every role. She’s grateful to The Wong Family for believing in her and pushing her to be a leader. “I really think I am where I am today because of them,” she says.
Brooke’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, strong relationships, and a supportive work environment. At Cate Street Seafood Station, we’re proud to be a place where team members like Brooke can learn, grow, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Interested in joining our team or reliving your own Cate Street memories? Visit our Careers page or stop by for a bite—we’d love to welcome you to the family!
