Name: Majdi Kayyali
Age: 36
Title: Executive General Manager of PAZ Cantina
Married/Single: Single
Kids: 3
City you live in: Phoenix, AZ
A typical day in my life includes…
waking up for an early morning workout, take care of my dog, then enjoy a coffee from Paz Cantina’s Café while I do some work in the office. I spend the rest of my day managing the three areas Paz Cantina has to offer, including event planning, new menus, drink specials and more.
I was born…
in Knoxville, Tennessee (and no I am not a Vol fan).
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the weather and the people. I have made a lot of friends in my short time here and the hospitality industry here is a very tight knit group. The weather is amazing in the fall and spring months, and I am slowly getting used to the summer.
I’m listening to…
anything, it just depends on my mood. Classic rock, country, metal, hip hop, R&B – I like it all.
My family…
three beautiful kids: Gracie, Lexi and Troy. Fiona, my English bulldog, is my third daughter. My immediate family lives out East, with the exception of my brother.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Will Ferrell. I love all his movies and I imagine myself laughing the entire time. If I had to pick someone from the food industry, it would be Grant Achatz from Alinea group in Chicago. His bar, the Aviary, is one of my main inspirations.
One thing I cannot live without…
my kids. They mean the world to me and all I do, is for them.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a doctor. But I found out I didn’t like school enough to go for 12 more years.
I’m inspired by…
being the best version of myself I can be. Cliché, but true.
The one person who motivates me is…
my grandmother. Although she passed away almost two years ago, I still carry her words with me and always try to make her proud.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
get rid of the hate and judgement that society passes out to others.
The perfect day would be…
spent in Disney World with my kids. We are Disney geeks (mainly me) and it really is the happiest place on earth.
My first job was…
a pizza maker at Pizza Plus.
My favorite escape…
the gym. Put in my headphones, put on my hat and just concentrate on the task at hand for 90 minutes. I take out my frustrations and problems there, so that when I leave, I leave them behind.
My life…
has not gone as planned and has had many detours. It has shown me what matters, who matters and what I am really made of.
I’m currently working on…
a new cocktail menu rolling out in January. Also, a monthly dinner series at Paz Cantina featuring a different spirit or genre each time.
Always…
be on time. Punctuality tells a lot about yourself.
Never…
take advantage of time with family. You never know when the next precious moment will be made.
Favorite Quote…
“I love you more.” It’s something my grandmother and I used to say. Now my daughters and I say it.
Biggest Dream…
to own my own consulting business, assisting restaurants and groups in improving business models, coming up with new ideas and starting restaurants from scratch.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
being late, smoking and smacking your lips.
More about Paz Cantina…
locally owned Paz Cantina has reopened and is serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The restaurant on Roosevelt Row has become both a community gathering place and a dining destination. Paz Cantina’s 7,000 square foot space includes a café, Tequila Room, main dining room, patio and venue that has a 26 foot LED video wall, great for watching all of your favorite games and fights. Specials and events happen on a daily basis, including Tacos & Trivia on Tuesdays. Paz Cantina is located at 330 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix. Learn more about Paz Cantina at pazcantina.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @PAZCantina.
