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.

Guy Mainwaring - 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 PURTON-SMITH – 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 Elwood with his wife Hannah, newborn Miller and his two sons Jack and Ollie. His boys have followed their father’s footsteps and are often seen toiling away behind the bar.

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.

Kris is our Head Chef and is the creator of our latest award-winning pizza – ‘Best Pizza in Australia 2008’. In March 2009, Kris travelled to Las Vegas to finish in the top eight in the world at “The World Pizza Titles.” He has headed up our kitchen team since 2006. Kris’ relationship started with us in 1997 at our Hugo’s Bondi restaurant in Sydney.

Rob Szabo has been instrumental in turning the night menu into today’s impressive collection of high quality, innovative dishes. He was lured to the Pantry by its professional standards and commitment to quality, coupled with a warm friendly vibe. Accustomed to working in fine dining establishment like the highly reputed Il Bacaro in Little Collins Street, Rob has lifted the standards and expectations of the Pantry kitchen staff to great heights. Among other restaurants listed on his impressive CV is Chapel.

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.

ALEX McVEITY

You can just see Alex over the top of our coffee machine, working very hard as our Bar manager and Head Barista. Having worked around Melbourne in high volume cafes, Alex has travelled and spent time working in cafés in Edinburgh, making great coffee for the Scots!

Tim comes to us with over 10 years experience in hospitality. Learning his trade at M Bar in Toorak, he brings a wealth of knowledge in food, wine and service. Tim has completed a business degree from Latrobe University and continues to play football in Mansfield. As our newest restaurant manager he brings extra life, personality and experience to the team.