Meet the Team

Cork & Compass Consulting is led by Anna Kowalczyk, a hospitality professional with leadership experience across restaurant, bar, and catering operations.

With a background managing both front-of-house and back-of-house teams, financial performance, beverage programs, and event execution, Anna brings a comprehensive understanding of how hospitality businesses operate from both a strategic and operational perspective. Her experience includes overseeing staffing structures, controlling costs, developing service standards, managing vendor relationships, and supporting business growth initiatives.

As Operating Partner of Nibble This! by This! Elite Hospitality, Anna oversees financial planning, pricing strategy, and operational performance while supporting business development and client relationship management. This hands-on experience allows her to provide consulting guidance that is realistic, implementable, and aligned with real business needs.

Based in Chicago, Anna is an avid foodie with a strong appreciation for the city’s dynamic restaurant scene and evolving hospitality landscape. She has a particular interest in wine and beverage programs, and understands the role thoughtful beverage strategy plays in elevating guest experience and supporting profitability.

Through Cork & Compass Consulting, Anna works directly with hospitality owners and leadership teams to evaluate workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement systems that improve consistency and financial performance. Her consulting approach combines strategic insight with practical execution, helping businesses operate more efficiently while maintaining strong service standards.

Cork & Compass Consulting is focused on creating structured, cost-efficient operational solutions that support long-term success.