The business will assist food entrepreneurs in all aspects of opening a restaurant, from developing a menu to branding, food styling and interior design. He's enlisted the help of 10 team members who will together "provide a holistic approach" to startups (or establishments looking for a refresh!).
Omar Pereney
Houstonians may be familiar with Pereney from his stint with then-celebrated seafood standout Peska at BLVD Place. At the time, the Venezuela-born chef had just turned 21 — barely old enough to fully partake in his restaurant's offerings — but he'd already spent nearly a decade in kitchens, and hosted several seasons of food-television shows in Latin America.
Now, Pereney brings his worldly approach to what he deems to be a "progressive" agency. "We want clients to enjoy the process," he explains. "They need to be up to their elbows in food, cocktails, tasting wines and playing along with us as we create a solid plan, brand and concept." He describes what Culinary Matters offers as a safe environment for experimenting.
His colleagues include culinary specialist Chris Cai; beverage specialist Deidre Goodhue; wine specialist Jaime de Leon; pastry chef Jio Dingayan; creative director Kim Lewis Design; photographer Kirsten Gilliam; recruiter Niki Vu; and strategist McKenzie Loock. He's also enlisted the help of his father, Omar Pereney, Sr., as IT director.
Brunch cocktails at Mastrantos / Photo by Christa Elyce