ABOUT US

I started working in the restaurant industry at age thirteen, and worked my way from dishwasher, bus-boy to waiter. Many people still remember Koi Garden in my hometown of Branson. We occasionally do cashew chicken Wednesdays at Fire & Ice, and I still draw on what I learned at this first restaurant job. Upon high school graduation, I was offered a college art scholarship, but chose not to pursue it, instead attending Texas A&M for Engineering. During college, I worked at a restaurant under a chef who encouraged me to pursue culinary instead. I took his advice, and became a Certified Chef de Cuisine at age 27 and onto a Certified Executive Chef at age 29.

Before joining the team at Fire & Ice, Matt gained a wealth of experience spending 12 years in a Food Operations Director role.  His favorite thing about food is how it brings people together in celebration of culture and heritage.  His favorite food to eat is Tacos!  He says when they are created with love, tacos can change the world. Matt loves working at Fire & Ice because of the funny, positive, and guest-pleasing mentality as we provide memorable experiences. 

I began my career in hospitality at the age of 15. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience across a wide range of food and beverage roles, working in settings that span family restaurants, casual sports bars, and fine dining establishments. I’ve held nearly every position in a restaurant, which has given me a well-rounded perspective on the industry. Later in life, I returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, specializing in food and beverage, with a minor in nutrition, from Missouri State University in 2022.

My favorite thing about working at Fire & Ice is the team’s self-motivation and strong sense of teamwork. Everyone is genuinely dedicated to their role, while also being friendly and welcoming, which creates a great environment to be part of.

Outside of work, I love being outdoors! My hobbies include kayaking, hiking, and biking. I also enjoy cooking, traveling, and shopping. A fun fact about me is that I was born in Romania and speak Romanian.

I have been with Fire & Ice since 2009 and have seen a lot of great additions during that time and met many wonderful people.  My biggest honor during my career was being named Bartender of the Year in 2019 by the Missouri Restaurant Association.  My favorite foods at Fire & Ice are the pad thai and the rice bowl– I have switched back and forth over the years and am currently in a rice bowl phase!  When I’m not at work, I am a member of the Greene County Master Gardeners so I stay busy working in a few local gardens as well as keeping up with my own garden. Plants have always been a big part of my life and having the atrium as my daily view has been amazing– we have some beautiful landscaping here at the hotel.

I have always loved the restaurant industry. I started working in restaurants at the age of 16 as a hostess, and have done every job imaginable in the restaurant- I can even cut meat! I have been with Fire & Ice for 10 year now and am the Lead Server.   My favorite thing about working here has to be my work family. Some are employees here, and others are regulars who I’ve gotten to know through the years. I love meeting new and interesting people each day, and the restaurant being inside a hotel lends to many opportunities for that!