Carlos Espana is a restaurateur, web tinkerer, and marketing strategist. He's the Business Development Manager behind Uptown Grill and a growing group of restaurant ventures across Ontario, where he leads branding, operations, and expansion efforts. Carlos develops systems, refines menus and negotiates with stakeholders. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Carlos has built his expertise through hands-on management and strategic thinking. His approach combines traditional hospitality values with modern business practices.
As a web tinkerer, Carlos enjoys exploring the intersection of technology and business, often developing digital solutions that streamline restaurant operations and enhance customer experiences.
His marketing background enables him to craft compelling brand narratives and implement growth strategies that resonate with diverse audiences across Ontario's competitive restaurant landscape.
Sunny Morning Group
Current Position
Leading strategic growth and innovation across the brand, overseeing three locations with combined annual revenue of $2.8M. Driving business development initiatives and operational excellence.
Uptown Grill (Sunny Morning Group)
2024 - 2025
Managed full restaurant operations, implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth and enhance customer experience within the Sunny Morning portfolio.
Sunny Morning - Guelph, ON
2023 - 2024
Successfully launched and managed operations at Sunny Morning's fifth location, establishing operational standards and driving initial growth.
Sunny Morning - Toronto, ON
2021 - 2023
Supported operations at the Sunny Morning flagship location, developing leadership skills and contributing to strategic initiatives in Toronto's competitive market.
Various Roles - Toronto, ON
2017 - 2021
Built diverse expertise across retail banking (CIBC), online travel services (Booking.com), hospitality technology (Booking.com), and accounting (Sunny Morning), creating a strong foundation for strategic business leadership.
Sunny Morning
Career Beginning
Started in food service while still in school, learning the fundamentals of customer service and hospitality operations that would shape my entire career trajectory.
With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Carlos has built his expertise through hands-on management and strategic thinking. His approach combines traditional hospitality values with modern business practices.
As a web tinkerer, Carlos enjoys exploring the intersection of technology and business, often developing digital solutions that streamline restaurant operations and enhance customer experiences.
His marketing background enables him to craft compelling brand narratives and implement growth strategies that resonate with diverse audiences across Ontario's competitive restaurant landscape.
Download my résumé here
Email me at hi@cespana.com or contact me at LinkedIn