MEET OUR TEAM
Amber Pressley
General Manager, Cedars Woodfire Grill
Years at Cooper: Started in July 2017
Hometown: Born in Abilene, Texas, but have lived in the Dallas area most of my life
Previous work experience prior to coming to Cooper: I started as a server when I was 17 at Johnny Carino’s Italian. I worked my way up to General Manager and was with the company for 12 years. I then went to become an Operations Manager at Southwest Airlines Headquarters, running their cafes, two Starbucks, banquets and catering. I recently left BRIO Tuscan Grille to help take care of my grandfather who was in at-home hospice. I have been in the food service industry for 17 years now.
What is your favorite form of physical activity? I love to take my two dogs, Fina and Buckner, on long walks exploring my community. I also love to swim. If I could live in the water, I would!
What’s the biggest compliment you’ve ever received? “You make me forget about the 7 billion other people in the world,” from my boyfriend, Will.
If you weren’t working at Cooper, what would you be doing? It is my dream to work for Black Jaguar White Tiger, a big cat sanctuary in Mexico City.
What product could you not live without? “Gifted” mascara by Tarte. It is all natural and cruelty-free!
My favorite color is…GREEN! I love any shade of green, but especially army green and chartreuse.
If you could have any pet, what would you choose? I love all animals, so I would want any pet that needs a good home. Currently, I have two dogs and three cats I have rescued over the last 10 years.
What book has influenced you and why? Setting the Table by Danny Meyers. It is my hospitality bible! It has helped shape me into the manager and leader I am today. Even if you are not in the restaurant business, it is a great book for anyone who is interested in taking great care of people.
If you could go to one concert, whose would it be? Prince and Michael Jackson. They are two of my favorite artists and I am so sad I never had the opportunity to see them before they passed.
