Daniel is a chef by trade with over 25 years experience. Daniel and business partner Dave Evan’s first business, the Lager Bar in St Kilda, opened in 1989. Following the sale of Lager Bar, Daniel and Dave first swung open the doors to the Pantry in 1993. In 1996, Daniel and Dave commenced their assault north of the border into Sydney with the opening of Hugo’s Bondi. Hugo’s Lounge was next in 2000 followed by Hugo’s Bar Pizza in 2004. The jewel in the crown, Hugo’s Manly, opened in 2008. In 2006, the Pantry Delicatessen was born. Daniel has notched up numerous television appearances to showcase his cooking prowess. With these skills, he created the Pantry Cooking Show series, a theatrical twist on what Daniel viewed as the drab cooking schools that are generally on offer. Daniel spends the majority of his time in Melbourne overseeing Pantry operations and the creation and implementation of special projects. Daniel lives in Brighton with his wife Narelle and their three young daughters Billi, Alice and Dusty.

Hailing from New Zealand, Guy commenced his career in London. Three years in the West End developed his management skills in the sport and recreation industry. He returned to New Zealand in 1995 and became involved in the hospitality and events industry, and running restaurants became his focus. Next it was onto Melbourne. Guy started with the Pantry in 1995 and became an integral part of the team; a partnership opportunity arose early in this relationship. As a partner in the Pantry, Guy’s focus is on marketing and the administrative component of the business. Guy is still active on the floor and oversees all Pantry operations and projects. Guy lives in Brighton with his wife Juliet, daughter Lottie and son Gus.

Tim started his career in 1987 with a boutique wine wholesaler. In 1988, he successfully won a coveted role with the Grand Hyatt Melbourne in a structured training program. After five years with Hyatt, he relocated to Sydney and took over management of the very fashionable Morgans restaurant in Darlinghurst. After seven years as manager, an opportunity arose to become a partner in the business. Morgans was sold three years later. Tim’s decision to return to his native Melbourne saw him join the Botanical in the role of Assistant General Manager. Tim joined the Pantry team in 2005 to launch the rebuilt Pantry. With over twenty two years of hospitality experience, Tim oversees all Pantry operations and projects in the capacity of General Manager. Tim lives in Elsternwick with his wife Hannah, baby daughter Milla and two sons Jack and Ollie.

As executive chef Jeff Young heads the Pantry restaurant on its busiest days – Friday to Sunday. He plays a key role in the production and success of the Pantry Cooking Shows and other high profile events and functions. He has been a constant and vital member of the Pantry team Pantry since 2000, when he arrived in Melbourne after a two-year stint in the USA. Based in Seattle, he worked between three of Seattle’s top 10 restaurants, owned by James Beard Winner Tom Douglas. These restaurants produced their own ingredients (ie cheese and organic produce) in conjunction with local farmers. He played a role in the restuarants’ education of children in healthy eating habits and was involved in setting up the Seattle chapter of Chefs Collaboration. Jeff also worked in a number of high-end London restaurants and started his career in his New Zealand homeland.

Heading up our day time kitchen brigade Stav is a machine. Tirelessly he works to bring breakfast and lunch to your table. For a little guy he has a big mouth that often gets him in trouble, but he’s our Stav and we love him. And yes ladies! He is
available! Pop your head in and say hi next time you’re down.
 

A master of every aspect of the kitchen, Matt has proved himself in each department of our kitchen from breakfast, to cooking shows to dinners. He’s hotter than a ‘cat on a hot tin roof’ when it comes to his ability during dinner service. A passionate chef with an incredible work ethic and great loyalty. He is from a five star hotel background and is a five star bloke.

Liz joined the Pantry team with a wealth of experience. She quickly took on the very important role of staff training and development. She is a favourite with our regulars and has now taken on more responsibility with her new management role. She shares her time, and lots of kilometres, between The Pantry and family on the Mornington Peninsula.

 

Luke - a wickedly dry sense of humour and a generous warm character made Luke the perfect new addition to our management team. Couple this with his extensive experience in hospitality, we are thrilled to have him on board

Our restaurant manager Andrew has been with us since 2003. Andrew has had extensive experience throughout all Pantry departments including the kitchen, catering, the delicatessen and the restaurant. You will find Andrew patrolling the restaurant floor ensuring our customers are receiving fantastic service.


 

Tait started his first 4 year stint at The Pantry in 1997. During his 9 year sabbatical he honed his management skills with culinary luminary Jacques Reymond at Arintji  and with industry gurus the van Haandels at Circa at the Prince. We welcome Tait back into the fold, make sure you say hi next time you're down!