Autumn Tijerina
“I can honestly say that working for Eatzi’s is not a stepping stone,” says Autumn. “There is room to grow and excellent training.” She feels grateful to have become a member of the Eatzi’s family. “The best part of my job is the enthusiasm of my co-workers. We encourage and support each other.” According to Autumn, the most challenging part of her job is helping the catering clients plan their event. She enjoys building a relationship with them, feeling certain they will return for the next event. “I was destined to do this,” she says.

Autumn Tijerina is a Bakery Manager at Eatzi’s
Houston, Texas
Winter 2000 Graduate

Matthew Raney
Cooking always held an interest for Matthew. He attended cooking classes every summer and watched cooking shows on Saturdays before there was a Food Network. He debated between computers and psychology, but ultimately his love for cooking prevailed.

Matthew knows that anything is possible after completing the Restaurant & Catering Management program at The Art Institute of Houston. Matthew went from an average student to finding the drive and motivation to get his career started. He is most proud of finishing his degree because he worked his way through school. Matthew enjoyed his time at The Art Institute of Houston. Chef Catemaxca and Chef Domokos stand out in his mind because they care about their students and are passionate about their field.

Matthew Raney is a Manager at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse
Lake Jackson, Texas
Spring 2003 Graduate

Michelle Dush
Michelle became a manager at the Original Pappadeaux seafood restaurant upon graduation from The Art Institute of Houston. Only twenty years old, Michelle has a position of much responsibility. Some of her duties include guest satisfaction, and employee relations. The people she works with and the fact that every day is different are the best parts of her job. You need to put forth 110% effort in order to get what you want out of life.

Michelle Dush is a Manager at Original Pappadeaux
Houston, Texas
Fall 2001 Graduate

Michelle Messineo
It is easy to see why Maggiano’s named Michelle one of their ten most important employees. She is determined, hard working and knows exactly what she wants out of life. She graduated from The Art Institute of Houston with a Culinary degree and returned to receive a Restaurant Catering & Management degree as well. She knows that in order to fulfill her dream of opening up a restaurant in her home town of Quito, Ecuador, she needs to understand all aspects of the restaurant business. As the Maitre’ D at Maggiano’s, her responsibilities include organizing the dining room and the front desk. The sense of satisfaction she receives when the customers are happy is the best part of her job.

Michelle Messineo is a Maitre’ D at Maggiano’s
Houston, Texas
Spring 2001 Graduate

Pat Mueller
Pat loves the operation of a restaurant. She finds the bustling and buzzing at the opening of the restaurant and its evolution into the night intriguing. As Director of Operations, she is responsible for the day to day operations, including menu and concept development, budget responsibility and employee relations.

Pat was focused and involved in school and coupled with a positive attitude it allowed her to maximize her education. The enthusiasm and sincerity her instructors had for their field of study and the great lengths they went to pass along their knowledge was impressive to her.

Pat Mueller is the Director of Operations for Restaurant Management Consultants
Houston, Texas
Summer 2000 Graduate

Tanya Pittman
Tanya chose to pursue culinary arts because she enjoys the immediate gratifi cation she receives when people try her food. Attending school was not an easy decision, nor was it an easy feat for her to accomplish.

Cost Control and Menu Planning are the parts of her education that help her most in her job currently. She says that team building is also an important aspect and credits her lab classes for relaying its importance in the workplace. She has recently added catering as one of the services provided by the museum. Sales and guest satisfaction with the cafe have increased under Tanya’s management.

Tanya Pittman is a Cafe Manager at The Children’s Museum of Houston
Houston, Texas
Fall 2002 Graduate