Daniel M.

Daniel’s journey from Pizza Maker in Yorkville to Bread Production Lead at Eaton Centre is a strong example of growth, ownership, and dedication. He works independently and is a trusted partner to senior leadership, supporting key areas like labor management, margins, production planning, and overall operations. Daniel is committed to improvement and his efforts make a huge impact – from enhancing station organization, to optimizing purchasing and production processes, to reducing waste.

A hands-on and approachable leader, Daniel is always present for his team and actively supports production to thrive during the busiest moments. Highly respected by his peers and leadership, Daniel plays an essential role in driving both operational excellence and team success.

What is your background?
“I grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, I studied Production Engineering. When I moved to Canada, I studied Software Engineering and began to work in restaurants and pizza places because of the flexible schedule while studying. I have ultimately stayed in the hospitality industry.”

What has your Eataly journey been like?
“I was referred to Eataly by a friend and started at Yorkville as a Pizzaiolo. A year later, I moved to Sherway Gardens as a Lead and then moved on to be part of a second Eataly Grand Opening at Eaton Centre. In my role as a Lead, I’m responsible for ensuring production meets Eataly’s standards and that our pizza and bread displays are always full and visually appealing. I focus on creating a positive work environment while also stepping in to solve the many challenges that come up throughout the day.

I manage purchasing, scheduling, training, and inventory, making sure all procedures are followed while supporting the team across the entire production. I love it when everything runs smoothly: bread is properly displayed, farcitas are ready in the morning, the pizza counter opens on time with all products available, and both the prep and Pronto fridges are fully stocked. When we get through lunch service without any issues, that’s when I feel I’ve truly done a great job.”

What advice do you have for a fellow Eatalian?
“Keep doing an amazing job. Stay positive, self-motivated, and patient with the process. Don’t rush your growth; focus on learning as much as you can. There are plenty of opportunities at Eataly, and they may come sooner than you expect.”

What are some fun facts about you?
“I like to ride my motorcycle and to play pool.”