Our Team
Kitty Polk
Corporate Purchaser
With over 30 years of purchasing experience, Kitty Polk is the Corporate Purchaser for the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, overseeing procurement for five restaurants and a bakery. Known for her keen eye for quality and cost efficiency, she manages vendor negotiations, supply chain operations, and inventory optimization to ensure smooth and cost-effective operations across all locations. Her strategic purchasing decisions have led to significant cost savings, improved ingredient sourcing, and enhanced menu consistency. By fostering strong supplier relationships and staying ahead of industry trends, Kitty plays a vital role in maintaining the group's reputation for excellence.
With a background in accounting and food and beverage, Kitty began her career at the Fairmont Hotel, where she advanced from Payroll Clerk to Assistant Auditor before becoming the Food & Beverage Controller. She later joined the Sheraton Hotel in the same role, overseeing a locked storeroom and managing the receiving and distribution of food supplies for this 1,100-room hotel.
Kitty then spent 20 years as the purchaser for Mr. B’s before joining the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group in August 2009. As the company expanded, acquiring Napoleon House and Brennan’s and other operations, Kitty took on the role of corporate purchaser, overseeing procurement across all locations.
A skilled negotiator, Kitty has built strong relationships with local vendors and farmers, securing the best seasonal pricing—such as deals with shrimpers during peak season and rebate programs with key suppliers, maximizing cost savings for the restaurant group and its guests. Kitty’s expertise in financial management, purchasing, and supplier relations makes her an invaluable asset to the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group's success.