Matteo Pizzo

Background

About Matteo Pizzo

Matteo Pizzo Hospitality Management Professional | Culinary Leader | Emerging Project Manager I am a seasoned hospitality professional with 20 years of experience in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Vancouver Island University and am now entering my fourth year as the Food and Beverage Organizer (Manager) at the VIU Students’ Union Pub. In this role, I oversee all aspects of operations, including food service, beverage programs, private events, staffing, budgeting, and marketing. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, my culinary journey began with a Culinary Management Diploma from Algonquin College in 2007. I later completed a Journeyman Red Seal Certification through Skilled Trades Ontario, a credential that reflects my professional dedication to the culinary craft. I’ve since added a 1-Year Event Management Certificate and a Management for Supervisors Certificate from VIU to complement my managerial skills. In April 2025, I earned the Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) from CoStar Group, equipping me with advanced analytical tools to evaluate hospitality performance metrics and support data-driven decision-making. Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse environments, including Michelin Star restaurants in New York City and independent establishments across Italy. These experiences have enriched my culinary perspective and allowed me to master a wide range of cuisines, including French, Italian, North American, West Coast, and East Coast. My approach emphasizes bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and creative presentation. At VIU, I manage a team of up to 20 staff and lead responsibilities such as budgeting, labor and food cost control, procurement, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, health and safety compliance, event planning, social media marketing, vendor relations, and inventory management. I also coordinate private event bookings and regularly collaborate with university departments and student organizations. In addition to my institutional work, I operated a successful Private Chef business in Nanaimo, B.C, offering bespoke culinary experiences. Looking ahead, I am actively seeking leadership roles in food and beverage management, operations, or project management. I am also pursuing my MBA part-time at Carleton University, preparing to take on broader organizational and strategic responsibilities. I am eager to bring my creativity, operational expertise, and passion for hospitality to a forward-thinking team.