ORLANDO, FL – Samantha Sorkin Muller didn’t set out for a career in hospitality. Originally aiming for nursing, she took a hosting job at Rock & Brews in 2015, seeing it as “just a job to get me through college.” But that job became a turning point, inspiring her to enroll at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. By 2019, she graduated with a bachelor of science in hospitality management and a clear sense of purpose. Today, Sorkin Muller is the director of marketing and project manager for the Rock & Brews TradeCor franchise group, a role that perfectly combines her passion for people, hospitality, and creativity.

Taking the Stage: Discovering a New Path at Rosen College

Sorkin Muller’s journey into hospitality began at Rock & Brews, a rock ‘n’ roll-themed restaurant co-founded by rock icons Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with entrepreneurs Dave and Dell Furano and Michael Zislis. Rock & Brews creates a family-friendly environment infused with the spirit of rock and roll.

“When I started, I was introduced to the core values of the brand, known as the ‘Lyrics,’ which opened with ‘Rock & Brews’ success is the result of putting people first,’” she said. Watching management and her teammates embody these values daily, Sorkin Muller felt inspired to pursue hospitality as a career. The decision to apply to Rosen College soon followed, and she changed her major to focus entirely on learning the craft of hospitality.

Her role at Rock & Brews quickly expanded as she moved from host to trainer and then into office administration, taking on greater responsibility with each position. By 2016, just a year into her Rosen journey, Sorkin Muller helped open Rock & Brews’ second location in Orlando, an experience that solidified her commitment to the industry. Since then, she has been part of five additional Rock & Brews openings across Florida and Texas, including locations in Kissimmee, Wesley Chapel, Plantation, San Antonio, and Grapevine.

Encore Performance: Leading Marketing and Making a Difference

Now, as director of marketing and project manager for Rock & Brews’ TradeCor franchise, Sorkin Muller thrives in the variety her role brings. “I am responsible for various marketing, training, operations, and project management tasks—all of which can vary from day to day,” she said. She finds this constant change exciting, giving her ample opportunity to grow professionally. Reflecting her own UCF roots, the Rock & Brews TradeCor operations team includes eight members, five of whom are proud UCF alumni.

Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Sorkin Muller is deeply committed to making a positive impact in each community Rock & Brews serves. “I take pride in being a part of a restaurant group that positively impacts our local neighborhood by giving back and improving the lives of our neighbors by being involved in local charities, schools, and organizations,” she said. The team’s initiatives include everything from offering free meals to first responders and linemen after hurricanes to fundraising for local little leagues and even hosting pet adoptions. Sorkin Muller said that opening a new location is another rewarding part of her job, as it gives her the chance to teach hospitality fundamentals to a fresh group of employees, creating a foundation for quality service and community engagement.

Rock Solid Foundation: The Rosen College Experience

Reflecting on her time at Rosen College, Sorkin Muller appreciates how the program equipped her with essential skills in management, accounting, and event planning. “Rosen College helped prepare me for my career by giving me the practical tools and skills to be successful in this industry,” she said.

One of her favorite memories is Senior Instructor Katherine Wilson’s Techniques of Food Preparation course, where she developed an original restaurant concept, working through every detail of menu creation, concept design, and overall vision. Serving as treasurer for the Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Honor Society also enriched her Rosen College experience, helping her forge valuable connections with peers and faculty and expand her professional network.

For Those About to Rock: Advice for Future Rosen Students

Looking back, Sorkin Muller encourages future Rosen students to take full advantage of every opportunity. “The connections you make with professors, peers, and industry leaders are invaluable,” she said, urging students to immerse themselves both on campus and off.

From her start as a Rock & Brews host to her current leadership role, Sorkin Muller’s journey shows the power of discovering a passion and making the most of it. Today, she’s building a career that lets her give back, inspire others, and make a real difference in her community—one Rock & Brews opening at a time.

Stay tuned for more rockstar stories in our “Life After Rosen” series, where our alumni show how a Rosen College education and a passion for hospitality can lead to extraordinary careers.