Jason began his “restaurant education” as a young 10 year old helping in the kitchen wherever he could. From washing dishes to prepping veggies to grating cheese, Jason’s hunger to learn was evident. He continued to work at every establishment throughout his teens and twenties mastering every role in every establishment. After a short career change as a realtor, Jason returned to the Calgary restaurant scene when his father decided to retire and Jason put his life savings on the line to purchase Harry’s Pub in 2001. With Jason’s direction, Harry’s Pub saw record sales and grew the business by leaps and bounds. He went on to sell Harry’s Pub in 2007 and focused on family until 2011 when he worked out a deal with George to buy Matador Pizza.

Rudren (or as most of us know him, Rudy) started working in the kitchen at Matador Pizza in 1985. Over the years he and George developed and very close friendship and Rudy was instrumental in developing many of the loved recipes at Matador Pizza. Rudy grew his way into more and more responsibilities In the kitchen eventually being offered to purchase shares in the business. With a family relying on him, Rudy jumped at the chance. He has been the executive chef at Matador Pizza ever since and was a pivotal cog in the smooth transition from George to the new ownership team.

Mark Downey, the operating owner, started his restaurant career as a 15 year old working at the Bearspaw Golf & Country Club as a busser. He worked his way up to being a server and stayed there until he was 21. He eventually went to work at the Calgary Golf & Country Club where he stayed for over 15 years. Jason approached Mark asking if he would have any interest in purchasing a minority share of Matador Pizza and come on as an operating owner. Mark jumped at the opportunity.

The trio of Jason, Rudy and Mark have worked well together for the last 15 years and it was only natural to try and expand with the opening of Matador Pizza Hillhurst. Who knows what the next 15 years will bring?