Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Awards - Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
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Aaron Matsuzaki

Aaron Matsuzaki

Vancouver

Summary

  • Dynamic and results-driven hospitality leader with 15+ years of experience managing front-of-house operations in Vancouver and Victoria's most acclaimed restaurants. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and optimize operational efficiency. Adept at strategic planning, staff development, and driving revenue through outstanding service execution.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Restaurant Director

Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
04.2022 - Current
  • Recruited, hired, trained, and developed a high-performing team across all front of house departments.
  • Implement operational systems, policies, and procedures, including opening checklists, staff handbooks, and training manuals.
  • Build, mentor, and inspire a positive workplace culture that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and hospitality.
  • Manage day-to-day restaurant operations, ensuring smooth service, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
  • Work closely on strategic planning, promotions, and long-term business goals.
  • Lead pre-opening marketing, soft openings, and launch events to establish strong community presence

General Manager

Nancy Go Yaya
06.2021 - 03.2022
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions prior to restaurant grand opening.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.

General Manager

Miku, Aburi Restaurant Group
10.2018 - 06.2021
  • Collaborates with Executive Chefs to continuously improve cuisine offerings and ensures staff were educated on new menu offerings and cooking techniques
  • Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.

Restaurant Manager

Miku, Aburi Restaurant Group
01.2017 - 10.2018
  • Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
  • Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
  • Set clear expectations and created positive working environment for employees.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained talented staff to fill vacancies.
  • Set employee schedules, delegated work, and monitored food quality and service performance.

Lounge Manager

Earls Test Kitchen
02.2015 - 01.2017
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
  • Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
  • Implemented drink prep procedures, significantly reducing wasted stock.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.

Dining Room Manager

Earls Test Kitchen
08.2014 - 02.2015

Assistant Manager

Rouge Kitchen & Wetbar
06.2012 - 08.2014

Assistant Manager

Central City Brewing Co
09.2011 - 06.2012

Night Manager

Earls
08.2007 - 04.2011

Bar Leader

Earls
01.2007 - 08.2007

Education

Fine Vintage -

WSET Level 2

Serving It Right -

Serving It Right

First Aid -

Level 2

Skills

  • Staff leadership
  • Business planning
  • Operations management
  • Employee retention
  • Cost control
  • Schedule management
  • Budget monitoring
  • Customer engagement
  • Revenue generation
  • Staff management

Certification

  • WSET level 2
  • Emergency First Aid – Industry Level 1
  • Serving it Right
  • Food Safe

Timeline

Restaurant Director

Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
04.2022 - Current

General Manager

Nancy Go Yaya
06.2021 - 03.2022

General Manager

Miku, Aburi Restaurant Group
10.2018 - 06.2021

Restaurant Manager

Miku, Aburi Restaurant Group
01.2017 - 10.2018

Lounge Manager

Earls Test Kitchen
02.2015 - 01.2017

Dining Room Manager

Earls Test Kitchen
08.2014 - 02.2015

Assistant Manager

Rouge Kitchen & Wetbar
06.2012 - 08.2014

Assistant Manager

Central City Brewing Co
09.2011 - 06.2012

Night Manager

Earls
08.2007 - 04.2011

Bar Leader

Earls
01.2007 - 08.2007

Fine Vintage -

WSET Level 2

Serving It Right -

Serving It Right

First Aid -

Level 2

Awards - Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar

Canada's 100 Best Awards

  • 2024 #1 Best New Restaurant in Canada - ranked #27 overall
  • 2025 Ranked #39 overall

Air Canada Enroute Magazine Awards

  • 2023 #3 Best New Restaurant in Canada

YAM Magazine’s Best Restaurant Awards

  • 2024 Best New Restaurant
  • 2024 Outstanding Service and Best Big Night Out
  • 2025 Restaurant of the Year
  • 2025 Best Big Night Out, Outstanding Service, and Best Wine Program

Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards

  • 2025 Gold – Best Restaurant - Victoria

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