Meet the Prezto Team
Passionate, hardworking professionals with years of on-the-floor experience in the hospitality industry. We know what we’re doing because we developed everything we do in our own businesses.
Steven Aspros.
Founder
For three decades Steven has been working and investing in the hospitality industry.
Coming from a family of restauranteurs he branched out and started his first cafe in 1990.
Since then he has strived to develop the efficiencies that Prezto was founded on in all of the businesses he worked with, invested in, and owned.
Yosef Paulsen
Co Founder
With over 2 decades of experience across various baking, chefing, management and consulting roles, Yosef Paulsen has honed a diverse skill set in the food and hospitality industry. Starting his career as a baker, he progressed into chef roles and eventually launched and managed his own ventures. Today, as co founder, Yosef partners with businesses to optimise production, elevate product quality, and streamline operations for improved profitability.
Ming Chan.
Hospitality Operations & Event Manager
Ming Chan is a hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in event management, operations, and customer service across Sydney’s top venues. Known for her strong organizational skills and ability to create memorable guest experiences, Ming has successfully led teams, managed high-profile events, and streamlined operations in roles such as Catering and Functions Manager at Pomelo+Co, Host and Functions Manager at Spice Temple, and Operations Manager at Bowen Island Bakery.
With expertise in staff training, client relations, and efficient event coordination, Ming combines technical knowledge with a personable approach to deliver exceptional service and operational excellence.
Damien Pignolet.
Resturant Specialist
Damien Pignolet, a second-generation Australian of French descent, is one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, known for his expertise in French cuisine and his contributions to the culinary landscape. Inspired by his mother’s exceptional cooking, Damien has led and shaped numerous successful restaurants, including Sydney’s Bistro Moncur and Claude’s. A passionate mentor, he established the prestigious Josephine Pignolet Young Chef Award in honor of his late wife, supporting the careers of top chefs such as Mark Best, Phil Wood, James Parry, Daniel Puskas, Mitch Orr, and Brett Graham.
An accomplished author, Damien has published two cookbooks with Penguin: French, a collection of classic French recipes, and Salades. In January 2016, he took on the role of Executive Chef at Regatta Rose Bay, continuing his legacy of culinary excellence and mentorship.
RJ Lines
Consultant Chef
RJ Lines is a highly respected chef with an impressive track record in the Australian hospitality industry. As the former head chef and co-owner of One Penny Red, a renowned restaurant in Summer Hill, RJ played a pivotal role in establishing it as a celebrated dining destination. Known for his exceptional skill in modern Australian cuisine, he built a reputation for delivering innovative, seasonal, and produce-driven menus that garnered critical acclaim.
Before One Penny Red, RJ honed his expertise in some of Sydney’s top kitchens, developing a deep understanding of menu engineering, kitchen operations, and team leadership. His ability to blend classic techniques with contemporary flavors made him a standout figure in the industry.
Specialties & Consulting Expertise
Now joining Prezto as a Consulting Chef, RJ brings his wealth of experience to assist restaurants in optimizing their kitchen operations and enhancing profitability. His key strengths include:
Menu Development & Engineering – Crafting high-margin, customer-favorite menus that balance creativity and cost efficiency.
Operational Streamlining – Implementing best practices to improve kitchen workflows, reduce wastage, and maximize productivity.
Training & Mentorship – Coaching kitchen teams to elevate consistency, execution, and overall performance.
Recipe Standardization & Costing – Ensuring profitability through precise ingredient management and pricing strategies.
Supplier & Ingredient Sourcing – Leveraging industry contacts to secure the best produce at competitive rates.
RJ’s hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge make him an invaluable asset to Prezto’s mission of helping hospitality businesses succeed.
John Armenakas
Business Development
An articulate, focused, & accomplished sales & business development professional with extensive expertise in partner sales, direct sales & account management. A results-driven, strategic thinker & highly motivated leader, with a talent for formulating ways to improve both the customer & partner experience, whilst increasing both sales & profitability. In-depth knowledge of improving financial performance & creating/executing strategic, operational plans. Drives performance to achieve personal & organisational goals. Accomplished global leader having lived and worked in and across multiple cultures.
Andrew Poulos.
Retail Specialist
A specialist in hospitality, hair salons and other service industries with over 30 years of experience.
Coming from a background that started with the family business in Sydney all the way through to creating experiential hair and beauty salons in San Francisco.