Bruto Hospitality Group

Director of Hospitality, Bruto Hospitality.

The only Kiwi in the Bruto village, Sean spent 15 years traveling the globe before returning home to share his world-class hospitality experience with locals and travellers alike. Having worked in everything from classic pubs to Michelin-starred wonders, he brings a flair for the hedonistic to our spaces. For Sean, a venue is about far more than just food - it’s about bringing people together, channeling passion into personified spaces, and ensuring that good times are always the top priority. 

Head Chef, Sofi

Hailing from France with Vietnamese and Algerian roots, Damien is flavour bomb incarnate. He cut his teeth locally at Kika before heading up the kitchen at Paloma, and he now steers the ship at our beloved Sofi. Damien brings a masterful flair to simple, classic dishes, creating recipes that refuse to be bound by rigid tradition. Fresh, bold, and  unforgettable, his food is best enjoyed right at the lake’s edge with the sun on your face.

Restaurant Manager, Sofi 

Rodolfo is, quite simply, a ball of pure charisma. Anyone who has met him knows he never forgets a face and he is equally unforgettable. As our Restaurant Manager at Sofi, Rod is as warm and welcoming as the Mediterranean sun itself. Drawing on his Mauritian heritage, he beautifully pairs a relaxed island attitude with world-class European hospitality. Just say hello; Rod will handle the rest.

Restaurant Manager, Cabin 

From Finnish saunas to southern shores, Carolina has curated an impressive footprint across the region's finest establishments including Sherwood, Roki,  Blanket Bay, local wineries, Francesca’s, and now, Cabin. She is a wealth of liquid  knowledge, and her hospitality is as warm as the hearth itself. Sit back, relax, and let her pour  the nectar of the gods well into the wee hours of a cold alpine night.

Head Chef, Cabin

Hailing from the land of many spices, Ketan brings the heat in more ways  than one as he heads up the kitchen at our cozy, dark little Helwick Street spot, Cabin. Having trained under one of New Zealand’s premier culinary talents, Ben Bayly, with stints at Aosta and Origine, Ketan is a calm, steady presence amidst the chaotic fires of the hearth. Grab a seat at the bar, say hello, and watch a master at work.

Executive Chef, Bruto Hospitality

Lucas is the culinary maestro overseeing all Bruto kitchens. Having commanded the head chef station at Francesca’s for five years, his Argentine and Italian background provides the perfect blend of flavours across every discipline. Combining a highly organised mind with a passion for mentorship, Lucas is our guiding star. 

Restaurant Manager, Francesca’s

The young gun of the collective, Zoe heads up our first love, Francesca. Armed with the biggest smile in Wānaka, she backs it up with a deep knowledge of Italian wine and an effortless ability to soften the hardest of hearts. With a deep  affinity for the tricolore and a healthy appreciation for carbohydrates, a night in her company is an absolute pleasure. Stop in and say ciao.