Food & Fire BBQ-Taphouse

Jose has lived in the Binghamton area since relocating to the area as a college student in 1996. He received both a B.S. and an M.B.A. from Binghamton University. While completing his undergraduate degree he had worked for Cleaner’s Supply in Conklin. After 9 years with the company, he climbed up the corporate ladder. And after various promotions became Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he created procedures that improved employee retention and efficiency, and was responsible for the implementation of many processes that increased efficiency and effectiveness of day-to-day operations. In July 2012, Jose started the consulting company Synemet, which advises clients in the distribution industry on how to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and streamline processes and procedures. He is also involved in starting an e-commerce subscription site focused on improving business processes for the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. His personal motto is “work hard, play harder,” and in his free time Jose enjoys being active and spending time with family and friends. Jose’s love for soccer and judo come from his home country of Brazil. He holds a black belt in Judo, and loves his soccer team Verde e Amarelo…Brazil! A loyal NY Giants fan, Jose also is a season ticket holder and regularly travels to both home and away games. Jose lives in Endwell, NY with his wife, twin girls and son.

A native of the Binghamton area, Dan’s first job was as a dishwasher for a local pizzeria. While attaining his college degree, he continued to work in the restaurant business as a cook, server, and bartender. After graduating with a B.A. degree from Binghamton University, he worked in business-to-business sales, and several years in the hospitality industry as a Director of Sales and General Manager for Marriott hotels in the Binghamton, NY and Richmond, VA markets. Prior to opening FOOD & FIRE, Dan spent seven years working for Binghamton University as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations. Dan’s fundamental knowledge of the food and beverage industry is bolstered by his time as a professional in the hotel business and by event planning experience gained during his tenure at Binghamton University. He has specific experience in the areas of sales and marketing, operations, large-scale event planning and catering, and customer/guest satisfaction. His interests include golfing, hosting gatherings with family and friends, and home brewing. An avid NY Giants fan and season ticket holder, Dan is a tailgating expert and has spent time on the competitive cooking circuit. A self-proclaimed “backyard chef,” Dan currently lives in Endwell, NY with his wife and three children.

Jeff is a Johnson City native with strong ties to the local community. A life-long restaurant employee and food enthusiast, he gained his first experience in food service under the tutelage of noted Binghamton restaurateur Dar Tiffany. After attending SUNY Buffalo, Jeff accepted a job as a restaurant manager with Ruby Tuesday, Inc., with whom he remained employed for over 20 years. His experience ranges from single-store management to multi-unit/regional oversight; from focusing on single-city markets (including the Binghamton area) to supervision of the Northeast region of the United States. Jeff is a disciplined and dedicated food service professional. His strong background in corporate policies and management procedures is balanced by a hands-on, personal approach to managing business and employees. He has proven expertise in the areas of food cost and inventory control, labor and human resource standards, food safety and inspection guidelines, and development of standard operating procedures. When not in a restaurant, Jeff can be found on the golf course, tending to his vineyard, fishing in his backyard pond, or snowmobiling with friends and family. He is an avid follower of food and wine trends, and is passionate about the craft beer movement. Jeff lives in Castle Creek with his wife and two children.