Lance M.

Bar Lead

Eataly Yorkville
Lance M.

Year Joined the Eataly Team: 2019
Eataly Favorite: Squid Ink Mafaldine 

Born and raised in Oakville, Ontario, Lance went to university for Marketing and Advertising. While working in restaurants and bars to finance his studies, he fell in love with the hospitality industry and decided to make his passion his full-time job. In 2019, Lance joined the Eataly Toronto Grand Opening Team as a Bartender at La Piazza. He has since learned our operations well through working the bar at every restaurant in Eataly Toronto.

Lance is currently a Bar Lead at La Piazza and Il Patio. Enthusiastic and hardworking, Lance takes advantage of every opportunity to expand his beverage knowledge and has been instrumental in growing Eataly Toronto’s beverage program. Using his tremendous creativity, Lance loves creating new cocktails for guests to enjoy.

What do you enjoy about working at Eataly?
“A main reason why I love working at Eataly is that it has allowed me to have a better work-life balance. When working at other bars, I’d have to be there until 3 AM or 4 AM. The next day, I’d end up sleeping into the afternoon. With that lifestyle, you miss out on a lot of things. Now, at Eataly, which closes around 11 PM, I have earlier nights. I go home, spend time with my partner, and do all the things that I want to do. I get up in the morning, go to the gym, and have more energy throughout the day. The schedule here has given me a better life while also allowing me to have the career that I want.”

What advice do you have for a new Eataly team member?
“I hope one thing I’ve been able to teach people that I’ve worked with is to keep on top of all your tasks. Behind the bar, there’s always something to do. You might feel like you’re slow for a minute, but in the next second, you might realize you’re behind. You need to constantly look at your pars, make sure you have enough fruit, and just make sure you’re fully stocked. Always moving and doing something allows you to be on top of your work!”

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Eataly so far?
“During the first re-open after the Covid lockdowns, we were trying to keep the patio going for as long as we could. We ended up staying open until around mid-November. It was snowing! We were all working in parkas. It was freezing! Many of us from the Grand Opening Team were there together. It was fun and a once-in-a-lifetime experience because I don’t think patios will be open through November ever again. It will always be something I’ll remember.”

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