Name: Chris Disney
Website: www.picazzos.com
Age: 41
Title: Director of Operations/Partner
Married/Single: Married for 10 years, together for almost 17
Kids: 4; Conner, 9; Cole, 7; Chloe, 5; Collyns, 18mos
City you live in: Phoenix
A typical day in my life includes… getting the three older kids off to school and driving between 6 restaurants and working with our team to find solutions to day-to-day issues. I balance that with trying to spend time completing tasks related to HR, Creative & Marketing, Culinary and Operations within the business. I try to be present with my family when I am home and spend those hours fully engaged with them.
I was born… in Oceanside, CA
My favorite thing about Arizona… great weather, great climate and geographic diversity between Flagstaff & Sedona to the Grand Canyon and Phoenix. We are only a short drive to the snow, the beach or even Mexico!
I’m listening to… a wide range from Warren Zeiders, Whiskey Myers, Chris Stapleton to Breaking Benjamin and Falling in Reverse
My family… is my purpose.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Tim McGraw
One thing I cannot live without… a fan blowing on me at night.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a professional wrestler—not the Hulk Hogan kind!
I’m inspired by… Gordon Ramsey—he has worked hard at his career in the industry but makes family his first priority.
The one person who motivates me is… my pastor
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… no more suffering
The perfect day would be… getting out of the city and spending time with my family up north. We like exploring new places to eat, hiking, and being near the water!
My first job was… A buser in a country themed restaurant & saloon
My favorite escape… somewhere by the water
My life… is a work in progress
I’m currently working on… Work life: I’m fine-tuning operational protocols and training for the efficiency of our stores, and in my personal life: I am cheering on my kids during their sporting events and also building a new dining table to put up for sale!
Always… be humble enough to be willing to learn new things
Never… allow waiting to become a habit. Take risks and work towards your goals.
Favorite Quote… “Everything is okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” And: “I trust the next chapter because I know the author.”
Biggest Dream… to continue working on toward big career goals for Picazzo’s and watching my family thrive in this next chapter of life.
My Pet Peeve(s)… loud chewing, loud snoring, people leaving things half way finished, poor communication, tardiness, feet.
Bio-on yourself/company: Chris Disney is one of the partners of Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen. He has been with the organization since 2004 and climbed through the ranks from server, to General Manager and ultimately a part owner of the company. Picazzo’s has six locations around Arizona and takes a health-centric approach to menu offerings.
