Former Partner Team Winners

To our 2017 Q2 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Tavis Hissa and Justin Nye
of Biaggi’s in Perrysburg, OH
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Tavis and Justin are the very best in Q2 2017.

Congratulations to our Quarter 2, Partner Team of the Quarter,
Tavis Hissa and Justin Nye! Tavis and Justin are a great example of a true partnership in our company. They have been through a lot, as Perrysburg has actually only been fully staffed for one full month since their start together in September of 2015. Justin had the pleasure of getting to Perrysburg to battle the storm a few months prior to Tavis arriving. These guys do not back away from a challenge; more often, they run right into the flames. Two years after arriving in Perrysburg, they are thriving in their respective positions, while challenging the lines between FOH and BOH every day. Both of these gentlemen are highly respected for their success in their positions, but mostly regarded for their willingness to always lend a hand when anyone needs help. As states the ‘Biaggi’s Way’, the easiest way to create a great team is to ask for help when you need it and give help when you can… These two certainly have created a great team in Perrysburg, they are a great team for Biaggi’s and are great partners to one another.

I look forward to watching Tavis and Justin’s continued success in Perrysburg!

Casey Gru
Area Director of Operations
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Tavis and Justin will each receive $1000.00

To our 2017 Q1 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Gary Chanen and Fernando Abundez
of Biaggi’s in Maple Grove, MN

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Gary and Fernando are the very best in Q1 2017.

It is my privilege to announce Gary Chanen and Fernando Abundez as our Partners of the First Quarter.

Both Fernando and Gary are working on year number 13 with Biaggi’s. They both are very driven leaders and extremely dedicated to our concept. The day in day out operational consistency that they have established in Maple Grove is very impressive. The thing that I admire most about both Gary and Fernando is their humbleness.

They both have so much to be proud of, and yet, you never hear either of them speak about their own accomplishments.

Congratulations on yet another award!

Jim Jackson
VP of Operations
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Gary and Fernando will each receive $1000.00

To our TWO 2016 Q4 Partner Teams of the Quarter!

Andrew Nicholson
and
Esteban Martinez
of Biaggi’s in Middleton, WI

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Congratulations to Andrew and Esteban on being the Co – 4th Quarter Partner Team of the Quarter.

They have put in a ton of hard work moving from one location to another and adapting to a completely new style of building, execution and operations.

To reach the criteria to be considered for this award so soon after opening a new store is truly remarkable. Their efforts and focus during the 4th Quarter have been key to getting them to this point.

Great Work Guys! I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings your way!

Mark Evoy
Area Director of Operations
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Jeff Jenkins
and
Tom Carroll
of Biaggi’s in Colorado Springs, CO

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It is my privilege to announce Jeff Jenkins and Tom Carroll as our Co-Partner Team for the 4th quarter. These seasoned leaders have won this award a few time before. Seldom can you find a leadership team that has exceeded their budgeted annual sales three years in a row. Jeff and Tom do not believe in luck, they make their unit go with a top-notch work ethic and open and honest communication. Earlier this year, they had 2 new restaurants open right behind them in the same lifestyle center. Knowing that, I have to say they have never taken their foot off of the pedal. They both are constantly looking to improve their restaurant and find new ways to have a higher standard. Both of these leaders are about “the team”, and it shows in the respect they have for each other and their staff.

Please join me in congratulating both Jeff, Tom, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Jim Jackson
Vice President of Operations
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Each manager will receive $1000.00

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To our 2016 Q3 Partner Team of the Quarter!
John Leiendecker and Matt Mickle
of Biaggi’s in West Des Moine, IA

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John and Matt are the very best in Q3 2016.

“I am very excited to announce John Leiendecker and Matt Mickle as our Partner Team for the 3rd Quarter. They took over as Partners of the West Des Moines location in January of this year after almost six years working together in the BOH. Together they have worked hard to figure out the intricacies of their new positions and to continue store wide with the same work ethic, spirit and commitment level they have brought to that kitchen for many years.

I look forward to watching them continue to grow in their positions for many years to come! Please join me in congratulating John and Matt as the 3rd Quarter Partner Team.

Mark Evoy
Area Director of Operations
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both John and Matt will each receive $1000.00

To our 2016 Q2 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Gary Chanen and Fernando Abundez
of Biaggi’s in Maple Grove, MN

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Gary and Fernando are the very best in Q2 2016.

I take great pride and pleasure to announce Gary Chanen and Fernando Abundez as our Partners of the Quarter. Both Fernando and Gary are celebrating 12 years with Biaggi’s this month. I have had the good fortune to have worked with these guys since day one. They continue to grow as leaders and continue to develop people along their journey. We all know how challenging it is to win this coveted award, and these 2 men have certainly earned it.

After many years of running our Eden Prairie location, both of these veteran operators took the open positions and moved north to Maple Grove. We have seen a huge spike in sales and profitability in quarter two thanks to their talents. Their net sales were up almost $104,000 over budget! Their PBA was up over $47,000 to budget. Simply put, these guys have this team on a roll. Please join me in congratulating Gary, Fernando and the entire Maple Grove unit on a FANTASTIC 2nd Quarter!

Jim Jackson
VP of Operations
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Gary and Fernando will each receive $1000.00

To our 2016 Q1 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Jay Hibbert and Mike Carlson
of Biaggi’s in Carmel, IN
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Mike and Jay are the very best in Q1 2016.

Jay Hibbert– Jay joined the Biaggi’s team in May of 2014 and he immediately hit the ground running! Jay is a lover of life, an avid Reds fan and an insane Colts fan. I also believe he is trying to work his way into the position of Mayor of Carmel! Jay has embraced the community and is heavily involved with several local groups. When Jay isn’t in his restaurant entertaining his guests and staff or involved in his civic endeavors, you’ll find him with his family, spending quality time.

Mike Carlson– Mike was lured away from Tucanos Brazilian Grill to Biaggi’s by Jay. They worked together, many years ago, at Macaroni Grill for several years. They went their separate ways and now have re-joined for a second tour. He began his career with us in September of 2015 as the Chef Partner and it was a natural fit from the beginning. Mike is also a big Colts fan, however, they don’t necessarily see eye to eye on baseball. Mike is a Cubs fan. If not with his family on his days off, you’ll find him on the links.

Please join me in congratulating Jay, Mike, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Clay Baxter
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Jay and Mike will each receive $1000.00

To our 2015 Q4 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Dave Shanks and Tony DiNicola
of Biaggi’s in Victor, NY

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Dave and Tony are the very best in Q4 2015.

Dave Shanks– Dave joined the Biaggi’s team in May of 2006 and it has been great match ever since! Dave is a consummate professional and a sense of calm in any storm. He is a master of marketing initiatives and has braved the path for other units to learn from both his successes and his small list of “wasn’t afraid to try”! When Dave isn’t in his restaurant entertaining his guests and staff, you’ll find him in a tree stand deer hunting.

Tony DiNicola– Tony was lured to Biaggi’s after working with Dave for several Outback Steakhouse restaurants. He began his career with us in July of 2008 as the Chef Partner. Tony has participated in many restaurant openings and has given of his time selflessly over the years. Tony works out with a passion, is an avid runner and a rabid Washington Redskins fan. Watch what you say about his football team! Tony also keeps close ties with all his family back in the Pittsburgh area.

Please join me in congratulating both Dave, Tony, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Clay Baxter
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Dave and Tony will each receive $1000.00

To our 2015 Q3 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Ashley Bennet and Justin Nye
of Biaggi’s in Naperville, IL

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Ashley and Justin are the very best in Q3 2015.

Ashley Bennett and Justin Nye have epitomized what a “Partner” relationship should and can look like. They truly have taken a vested interest in each other’s growth, development and success and in the success of their unit and their team. They are fiercely protective of each other and of the Biaggi’s culture.

The strength of their partnership has resulted in an extremely prosperous unit in Naperville; rich in culture and unified in their goals. It has been a great pleasure to watch them both transition and grow into their positions and to watch such a strong partnership develop along the way.

It will be exciting to watch their continued success and benchmarks going forward, albeit that will be in separate units, as Justin as taken the Chef Partner position in Perrysburg. Having said that, I’m sure Ashley and Justin will continue to be a strength to each other, and to Biaggi’s, for years to come.

Please join me in congratulating both Ashley, Justin, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Kevin Reed
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Ashley and Justin will each receive $1000.00

To our 2015 Q2 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Jeff Jenkins and Tom Carroll
of Biaggi’s in Colorado Springs, CO

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Jeff and Tom are the very best in Q2 2015.

Jeff Jenkins
Jeff joined the Biaggi’s team in May of 2005. Jeff came to us as a dining room manager after 25 years with Darden Restaurants. Frankly, he was overqualified for the position, but we had no other openings and we wanted him playing on our team! It was often said that by having Jeff there it was like having another MP in the restaurant. Jeff finally got his chance when he was promoted to MP in October of 2010. For Jeff there was no looking back – he dove in and started to build a better team. Jeff is a career restaurateur and he continues to work hard to build our reputation in the Colorado Springs market. From the looks of the second quarter’s sales, where they were up almost $51,000 over budget, his strategy is gaining traction. When Jeff is not making Biaggi’s go – he can be found hanging outdoors with his wife Susie and their dog. He is a die-hard Rockies fan and he bleeds NY Giants blue! Tom Carroll
After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, Tom Carroll joined Biaggi’s in 2001 as a Bloomington line cook. His hard work, results and dedication were rewarded when he was promoted to sous chef in 2003. Tom left Bloomington for Colorado Springs in 2005 as a newly promoted chef partner and quickly asserted himself into a very challenging situation. Since that time, Tom has consistently posted some of the lowest BOH labor in the chain and regularly ranks among the top in COS control. His mantra of “make it happen” has resulted in a happy, cohesive and dedicated kitchen team. Tom has also been a chef who has reached out to his chef peers seeking operational assistance and providing support to this same group as well. The way Tom treats his team is reflected consistently in some of the lowest turnover in the company. When Tom is not working, he enjoys hiking the local terrain or crunching baseball stats.

Please join me in congratulating both Jeff, Tom, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Jim Jackson
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Jeff and Tom will each receive $1000.00

To our 2015 Q1 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Sonya Burkhart and Ben Jutzi
of Biaggi’s in Evansville, IN

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Sonya and Ben are the very best in Q1 2015.

Sonya Burkhart
Sonya began her second tour of duty with Biaggi’s back in May of 2010 and has taken no prisoners since! She is beloved by her team and she always credits them with the success in Evansville— not entirely true Sonya! It takes a great leader too. Ms. S. is also playing a driving role in the revamping of all the Biaggi’s training tools. When not at Biaggi’s, Sonya enjoys golfing, boating, catching an occasional Cubs game and is an avid University of Kentucky fan. (Don’t ever say anything bad about her Wildcats!) Our sincerest congratulations go out to Sonya and her team.

Ben Jutzi
Ben started with Biaggi’s back in May of 2010 and was promoted to Chef Partner in October of 2011. Ben hit the ground running with his promotion and his results showed it immediately! When not at Biaggi’s, Ben can be found tending his organic garden, looking for the next great food and beverage pairing or spending time with his adorable daughter, Annabell. Please help me in congratulating Ben on a job well done!

Clay Baxter
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Sonya and Ben will each receive $1000.00

To our 2014 Q4 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Casey Gru and Chad Melinger
of Biaggi’s in Deer Park, IL

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Chad and Casey are the very best in Q4 2014.

Casey Gru
Casey started with Biaggi’s in October of 2005 as a Manager in Deer Park. Casey transferred to our Naperville location in 2008 before becoming the Managing Partner of Deer Park in the summer of 2011. In her career with Biaggi’s, Casey has taken on numerous projects and initiatives in many areas. She continues to drive and field test initiatives with the intent of making not only Deer Park a better restaurant, but Biaggi’s as a whole, a better company.Chad Melinger
Chad started with Biaggi’s in December of 2010 as a Sous Chef in Deer Park. Chad has since been a part of the opening of Deerfield, as a Sous Chef, until he was promoted to Chef Partner there. Chad transferred to Deer Park in Q1 of 2014. Chad has a real and genuine passion for food and has spent much of his career before Biaggi’s exploring his passion. Chad is a graduate of Kendall College’s Culinary Arts program and has spent many years in the kitchens of some very respected chefs, including a 6 month stint in France. Chad has been very involved in moving our culinary systems and food forward with food development and tastings.

Partner Team
Both Casey and Chad are accomplished individuals in their own right, respected by subordinates and peers alike. But what makes them even better is their commitment to each other and to each other’s success. It is not uncommon to see Casey in a chef’s coat or Chad roaming the dining room. Chad and Casey are the text book example of what it means to be “Partners”.

Please join me in congratulating both Casey, Chad, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Kevin Reed
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Casey and Chad will each receive $1000.00

To our 2014 Q3 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Jeff Jenkins and Tom Carroll
of Biaggi’s in Colorado Springs, CO

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Jeff and Tom are the very best in Q1 2014.

Jeff Jenkins
Jeff joined the Biaggi’s team in May of 2005. Jeff came to us as a dining room manager after 25 years with Darden Restaurants. Frankly, he was overqualified for the position, but we had no other openings and we wanted him playing on our team! It was often said that by having Jeff there it was like having another MP in the restaurant. Jeff finally got his chance when he was promoted to MP in October of 2010. For Jeff there was no looking back – he dove in and started to build a better team. Jeff is a career restaurateur and he continues to work hard to build our reputation in the Colorado Springs market. From the looks of last periods sales, where they were up almost 24,000 over budget, his strategy is gaining traction. When Jeff is not making Biaggi’s go – he can be found hanging outdoors with his wife Susie and their dog. He is a die-hard Rockies fan and he bleeds NY Giants blue! Tom Carroll
After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, Tom Carroll joined Biaggi’s in 2001 as a Bloomington line cook. His hard work, results and dedication were rewarded when he was promoted to sous chef in 2003. Tom left Bloomington for Colorado Springs in 2005 as a newly promoted chef partner and quickly asserted himself into a very challenging situation. Since that time, Tom has consistently posted some of the lowest BOH labor in the chain and regularly ranks among the top in COS control. His mantra of “make it happen” has resulted in a happy, cohesive and dedicated kitchen team. Tom has also been a chef who has reached out to his chef peers seeking operational assistance and providing support to this same group as well. The way Tom treats his team is reflected consistently in some of the lowest turnover in the company. When Tom is not working, he enjoys hiking the local terrain or crunching baseball stats.

Please join me in congratulating both Jeff, Tom, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Jim Jackson
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Jeff and Tom will each receive $1000.00

Jason Chablani shares a few pictures
and memories from his trip to the Big Apple
as one of the 2013 FabFive Winners.

The trip was awesome! Here are some photo’s!

We were met by a limo at the airport and taken to the Michelangelo Hotel on Times Square. The hotel could not have been in a better location and was truly magnificent. We then met Eric who joined us on a limo ride to the Banfi Estate in Old Brookville, Long Island. A 60 room manor once owned by the Vanderbilt family, the estate was breathtaking. We were given a personal tour by Neill Trimble (Vice President of Advertising), Sandra Krut (Senior Brand Manager) and Mrs. Mariani herself! I cannot begin to describe the majesty of this estate, and sheer splendor of being surrounded by so many beautiful tapestry’s, fireplaces and even sitting down at a 1000 year old desk! We were then treated to a wine dinner prepared by Chef Thomas Schaudel. Chef Schaudel worked some serious magic for dinner highlighted by roasted Filet Mignon paired with the Belnero 2011.

Saturday Molly and I had the day to ourselves to explore New York. This included Chinatown, Soho, Little Italy and Times Square (I ate a lot!). This was followed by an amazing dinner at La Masseria in Manhattan. This was followed by a performance of Wicked on Broadway chosen by Banfi because I mentioned Molly had always hoped to see it.

Sunday was a day to ourselves that included a trip to enjoy the Harlem Gospel Choir and restaurant row.

I could write a short novel about our trip but I will spare you! I do want to express my sincere gratitude to you for awarding this trip to Molly and I. And I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to the Banfi ‘family’. Molly and I expected to have a good time but nothing like what we experienced. It isn’t easy to over deliver when flying us out for a weekend in Manhattan but Banfi did all week-end.

Jason Chablani
Managing Partner
Biaggi’s Algonquin, IL

To our 2014 Q2 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Kevin Mitts and Scott Kunz
of Biaggi’s in Loveland, CO

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Kevin and Scott are the very best in Q2 2014.

Kevin Mitts
Kevin joined the Biaggi’s team in January 2007. He moved back to his home state of Colorado after owning his own restaurant in California. He hit the ground running and quickly built a solid team and made that restaurant a real fun place to be. An entrepreneur at heart, the match for Kevin with Biaggi’s is a solid fit.
This past quarter Kevin and his team were 7.4% above their sales budget. Kevin is a home brewer, a die hard Broncos fan, and has a wonderful family surrounding him as well. His wife Tamara, son Bryce, and his wonder dog Cooper all make his life complete.Scott Kunz
In my region, Scott is about as close to a “lifer” as you can get. Scott began his career with Biaggi’s in October of 1999. He started with us as a line cook in Champaign and worked his way up to sous chef working in multiple units. He earned the top spot as the CP when we opened the Maple Grove unit. Scott has participated in many restaurant openings and has given his time selflessly often for 6-7 weeks at a time.

He has visited many kitchens and helped many chefs in their time of need. Scott has a great family to support him at home as well. His wife Claudia and their two sons, Dominick and Caleb, keep him busy.
When Scott has time away from work he enjoys working on setting up his new home, his new camping hobby, and spending time with his family

Please join me in congratulating both Kevin, Scott, and their entire management team on phenomenal 2nd quarter.

Jim Jackson
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Kevin and Scott will each receive $1000.00

To our 2014 Q1 Partner Team of the Quarter!
Jeff Jenkins and Tom Carroll
of Biaggi’s in Colorado Springs, CO

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Jeff and Tom are the very best in Q1 2014.

Jeff Jenkins
Jeff joined the Biaggi’s team in May of 2005. Jeff came to us as a dining room manager after 25 years with Darden Restaurants. Frankly, he was overqualified for the position, but we had no other openings and we wanted him playing on our team! It was often said that by having Jeff there it was like having another MP in the restaurant. Jeff finally got his chance when he was promoted to MP in October of 2010. For Jeff there was no looking back – he dove in and started to build a better team. Jeff is a career restaurateur and he continues to work hard to build our reputation in the Colorado Springs market. From the looks of last periods sales, where they were up almost 24,000 over budget, his strategy is gaining traction. When Jeff is not making Biaggi’s go – he can be found hanging outdoors with his wife Susie and their dog. He is a die-hard Rockies fan and he bleeds NY Giants blue! Tom Carroll
After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, Tom Carroll joined Biaggi’s in 2001 as a Bloomington line cook. His hard work, results and dedication were rewarded when he was promoted to sous chef in 2003. Tom left Bloomington for Colorado Springs in 2005 as a newly promoted chef partner and quickly asserted himself into a very challenging situation. Since that time, Tom has consistently posted some of the lowest BOH labor in the chain and regularly ranks among the top in COS control. His mantra of “make it happen” has resulted in a happy, cohesive and dedicated kitchen team. Tom has also been a chef who has reached out to his chef peers seeking operational assistance and providing support to this same group as well. The way Tom treats his team is reflected consistently in some of the lowest turnover in the company. When Tom is not working, he enjoys hiking the local terrain or crunching baseball stats.

Please join me in congratulating both Jeff, Tom, and their entire management team on this recent accomplishment

Jim Jackson
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Jeff and Tom will each receive $1000.00

To our 2013 Q4 Partner Team of the Quarter – AGAIN!
Jason Chablani and Christian Garcia
of Biaggi’s in Algonquin, IL

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Help us congratulate Jason and Christian on being the very best in Q4 2013.

Jason Chablani
Jason was hired on 09/25/2006 as a FOH Manager in Algonquin and promoted to MP in the summer of 2010. Jason is passionate about Italian Wines, “crunching the numbers” and taking the dissenting opinion on every single debate. Jason is married to an Irish lass, Molly, and father to 2 little leprechauns. In the 2 & ½ years as MP in Algonquin, Jason has seen more than his fair share of challenges and adversity, and has met those challenges with a great sense of humor and humility. Jason has persevered and survived by outlasting his competitors in a competitor rich environment and is a case study in the merits of tenacity.

Christian Garcia
Christian began his Biaggi’s career on 02/13/2007 as a line cook in Naperville. He’s since spent equal time toggling between Algonquin and Naperville, until being promoted to sous chef in Naperville in the summer of 2010. Christian was a member of the training team for the Carmel opening in the fall of 2012 and was the interim chef in Algonquin until accepting the permanent position. Christian is married to wife Morgan (another successful Biaggi’s love connection), enjoys participating in the frequent, yet unresolved debate of “Marvel vs. DC” and has never turned down the opportunity to help a friend or co-worker.

Jason/Christian/Algonquin
After a very challenging 2012, which saw the departure of 2 CPs, 1 Sous and 1 FOH Manager; 2013 is off to a great start in Algonquin. Jason and Christian have formed a cohesiveness which has borne obvious and immediate results. Add to that an exceptional cast of supporting characters in Ashley Bennett, Liz Story and Tim Kline and this team has Algonquin’s course plotted towards a great year.

Kevin Reed
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Jason and Christian will each receive $1000.00

To our 2013 Q3 Partner Team of the Quarter.
Matt Oliver and Patrick Trainor
of Biaggi’s in Davenport, IA

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Help us congratulate Matt and Pat on being the very best in Q3 2013.

Matt Oliver|
Matt was hired to be the managing partner in Davenport in November 2011. He quickly asserted himself and forged a bond with the long-term management team. Matt is a PROUD Hoosier and a diehard Cleveland Indians fan (sorry Matt). When Matt is not steering the ship at Biaggi’s in Davenport, he is spending time with his wife Melanie. Matt loves the game of golf and knows his way around a pool table. He is the first guy to put his hand up when it comes to trying a new idea or piloting a new project. He has quickly immersed himself in the local community and we are fortunate to have such a fine leader and partner.
Patrick Trainor
Pat started his career with Biaggi’s in September of 2001. Pat grew up not far from the restaurant. He has also lived on the west coast and is a proud marine. Pat is happily married to Rhonda and has a daughter named Kaitlin. When Pat is not running the culinary show at Biaggi’s he loves spending time in his gardens. He has a HUGE cookbook collection, and when time allows, he loves to get out on the golf course. Pat is one of our top tenured chef partners, and many chefs have had the chance to work with him. He has made a big impact on the young culinary students from the local community college and consequently is very well known in the surrounding community. Please join me in saluting and congratulating Pat for yet another award in his distinguished career!

Jim Jackson
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Matt and Pat will each recieve $1000.00

To our 2013 Q2 Partner Team of the Quarter.
Gary Chanen and Fernando Abundez
of Biaggi’s in Eden Priarie, MN

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Help us congratulate Gary and Fernando on being the very best in Q2 2013.

Gary Chanen
Gary was hired on 7/21/04 as the MP for Eden Prairie and will be celebrating 9 years with Biaggi’s very soon! We call Gary “the mayor” because he seems to know everyone in Eden Prairie. In fact, at any given time he will pull out a stack of business cards from his pocket and refer someone to a person that can help them with their particular situation. Gary has also been the recipient of the small business person award in Eden Prairie. Outside of work, Gary stays active with his family, dogs and his commitments with the Rotary. Gary has 2 sons – Ryan is entering his sophomore year of college and Austin will be a junior this fall in high school. His true love outside of his wife Tara has to be his horses. Gary has bought and sold numerous thoroughbreds, and I believe one of his horses is going to make it to a major race one day! Please join me in congratulating Gary for adding another award to his collection. Fernando Abundez
Fernando started his career with Biaggi’s on 4/06/02 as a cook in Eden Prairie. He was promoted from captain to Sous Chef in January of 2005. In 2008 Fernando became the Chef Partner and he hasn’t looked back since! Fernando and his wife Gloria have enjoyed 9 years of marriage. Twice a week Fernando enjoys watching his 8 year old son Andy play soccer (rumor has it he is very talented). Fernando also loves hanging out with his 8 month old daughter Vanessa. When Fernando is away from work, he loves watching soccer and cheering for his favorite team Barcelona. We are very blessed to have such a great Chef Partner!

Jim Jackson
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Gary and Fernando will each recieve $1000.00

To our 2013 Q1 Partner Team of the Quarter.
Jason Chablani and Christian Garcia
of Biaggi’s in Algonquin, IL

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Help us congratulate Jason and Christian on being the very best in Q1 2013.

Jason/Christian/Algonquin
After a very challenging 2012, which saw the departure of 2 CPs, 1 Sous and 1 FOH Manager; 2013 is off to a great start in Algonquin. Jason and Christian have formed a cohesiveness which has borne obvious and immediate results. Add to that an exceptional cast of supporting characters in Ashley Bennett, Liz Story and James Giacometti and this team has Algonquin’s course plotted towards a great year.

Kevin Reed
Area Director
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Both Jason and Christian will each recipient $1000.00

To our 2012 Partners of the year.
Sonya Gray and Ben Jutzi
of Biaggi’s in Evansville, IN

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Sonya and Ben exemplify the best in leadership and commitment to the
the principles that make Biaggi’s unsurpassed in our industry.

Sonya Gray
Sonya began her second tour of duty with Biaggi’s back in May of 2010 and has taken no prisoners since! She is beloved by her team and she always credits them with the success in Evansville— not entirely true Sonya! It takes a great leader too. When not at Biaggi’s, Sonya enjoys golfing, boating, catching an occasional Cubs game and is an avid University of Kentucky fan. (Don’t ever say anything bad about her Wildcats!) Our sincerest congratulations go out to Sonya and her team.

Ben Jutzi
Ben started with Biaggi’s back in May of 2010 and was promoted to Chef Partner in October of 2011. Ben hit the ground running with his promotion and his results showed it immediately! Ben is an avid organic gardener, home brewer and is always looking for the next great food and beverage pairing. While tending his garden on his time off, Ben loves to show his adorable 5 year old daughter, Annabell, how her food grows. Please help me in congratulating Ben on a job well done!

Clay Baxter
Area Director
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Each recipient will receive an extra paid weeks leave,
plus $5000 towards the vacation oft>