Mike Messinger, President
Two decades into his highly successful career in commercial real estate, development, management and investing, Mike Messinger’s long simmering hospitality gene kicked in, forging a fresh mindset and inspiring him to devote his life to making people happy. Over the last ten years-plus, he’s achieved this by creating vibrant, cheerful restaurants and event spaces designed to encourage socializing and making patrons feel that they’re part of bold, fresh and exciting new experiences. Starting in 2013 with the opening of The Farmers Union restaurant in the iconic San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose, the deeply committed entrepreneur and his wife, Danielle, have enjoyed powerful, expansive success and community impact converting historic 100-year-old plus buildings into must-visit spots that artfully blend old world charm and contemporary cool.
In 2021, Mike’s growing array of visionary passion projects led him to launch MDM Hospitality Group, a firm dedicated to developing assets that he envisions as part of his legacy for generations to come.
Having grown up in San Jose, Mike has a deep appreciation for the city’s profound history – a driving factor behind his many subsequent endeavors in the downtown area. The city is home to one of Spanish California’s oldest structures and the last of an original settlement, the Peralta Adobe. Built in 1797 by Manuel Gonzalez, an Apache, it is the last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. It is now the heart and soul of the San Pedro Square Market.
Fashioned to be like a San Francisco style establishment, The Farmers Union – whose grand centerpiece is a socially encouraging 40-seat bar – was developed in a building that was once a farmer’s old stock co-op, with a mill, the first branch of Bank of America and where French-born winemaker Paul Masson started his empire. Its success as a destination for tech professionals and travelers led Mike and his then-partners to open – next door in the same building – Olla Cocina, a casual Mexican dining experience serving quality Mexican food and cocktails with efficiency and flair. He plans to open a second location for The Farmers Union in Livermore, where he raised his children, in the fall of 2025.
In 2020, directly across the street, Mike opened Blanco Urban Venue a premiere unique event space that hosts more than 100 corporate events and wedding each year. Then in 2022 he opened San Pedro Social next door to the Farmers Union and is now dominate night venue in the market (literally and figuratively).
Having cultivated his intense work ethic from his parents – especially his father, an orthopedic surgeon who put in 70 hours a week – Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance at San Diego State Mike along with running MDM Hospitality Group Mike since 1990 is the Broker/Owner of Meacham/Oppenheimer, Inc a thriving and influential commercial brokerage, investment sales and property management firm with a team of 10 agents.
Jess Moreles, Director of Operations
Jess joined MDM in 2021 as the Director of Operations. He brings an extensive Executive, Director and Management background to the team. Jess is a native to the San José area and has spent most of his career in retail leadership. He got his start as a Manager for Safeway, Inc. and later transitioned to leadership roles with Public Storage, BevMo! and Whole Foods Market, Inc. He transitioned to the public-benefit sector in 2005 and later took on the chief executive officer role for a professional nonprofit theater company as its Executive Director. He has also had deep community roots in the South Bay, having served as an Arts Commissioner for the City of San José and sitting on the Board of Directors for local organizations. Jess is honored to be collaborating with the winning team at MDM as it works towards a future of growth and success.
Grant Messinger, Managing Partner, MDM Hospitality Group
Grant has been instrumental in the inception of MDMs versatile portfolio. He possesses a unique background with more than eight years in commercial real estate with a specialization in restaurants and retail shopping centers as well as restaurant development. Grant’s creative input is evident in each venue, influencing interior design, layout flow, menu creation, marketing concepts, and innovative revenue strategies.
During a one-year stint in Las Vegas, Grant immersed himself in the study of world-class restaurants, gathering ideas and concepts to enhance his projects. His ability to identify and apply new trends in the restaurant scene has brought fresh perspective to understand key demographics and innovative income sources to MDM’s portfolio, going beyond traditional food and beverage concepts.
A passionate foodie since childhood, Grant constantly seeks out new and vibrant restaurants, unafraid to explore diverse culinary experiences. His enthusiasm and expertise continue to shape and elevate MDM’s restaurants, ensuring they remain dynamic and successful.
Chrissy Mrowczynski, Director of Sales and Marketing
Chrissy joined the MDM team in 2021 as the Director of Sales and Marketing. She brings a unique mix of sales, hotels, restaurants, and events experience to the team, along with PR and marketing skills, all leading back to her innate passion for hospitality (especially food and wine!). Chrissy hails from the Washington, DC area where she got her start in hospitality and marketing, having worked at the Convention & Visitors Bureau for the nation’s Capital and worked on a local TV show doing marketing and promotions. California came calling in 2008 when she moved to Los Angeles and worked her way from intern to Vice President for a boutique entertainment public relations agency. She also held stints at Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel along the way. She moved to the Bay area in 2017 where she worked in catering sales and event management for venues including the landmark Fairmont San Jose. From corporate events to full-scale weddings, she is thrilled to work closely with her clients to bring their vision to life to create memorable experiences.
Hailey McBride, Event and Venue Manager
Hailey joined MDM in the spring of 2021 as a Venue and Event Manager. MDM values Hailey for her strong interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, creative thinking, and commitment to the company. She has played a key role in Blanco Urban Venue’s continued development and the success of Farmers Union’s private event division. Hailey is a true Californian; she grew up in Orange County and moved to the Bay area to continue her education and has lived in San Jose ever since. Her interest in the hospitality industry and passion for event coordination sprouted from her love of traveling the world to experience other cultures and her own experiences being surrounded by a big family who love to get together and celebrate as often as they can. As MDM continues to expand, Hailey looks forward to growing with the company while providing extraordinary events for all guests.
Renee Haroutian, Event and Venue Manager
Renee’s career in the hospitality industry was born out of her love for creating beautiful and unforgettable moments for people. She began her career working as a bridal consultant at a bridal store and quickly realized that she wanted to pursue weddings and events. Renee’s first position taught her all aspects of creating a dreamy event. She became a design and décor assistant and learned how to create and customize floral arrangements and tablescapes. Since then, she has held positions as an event coordinator, catering manager and sales director. She has worked for boutique venues all the way up to luxury hotels, such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. She started her most recent position with MDM Hospitality Group in 2022 as a Venue and Event Manager. With a fantastic team and ownership, her goal is to continue to contribute to the successes of MDMHG and looks forward to making her client’s dreams come to life!
“Hospitality should have no other nature than love.”
Alexandra Robinson, Event Manager, San Pedro Social
Alexandra’s career in hospitality was inspired by her passion for creating unforgettable experiences and delivering exceptional service. With over a decade of experience, she has worked in prestigious hotels across both the East and West Coasts, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to every event she manages.
Her journey began with a focus on guest services, where she quickly discovered her talent for understanding client needs and delivering exceptional service. Throughout her career, Alexandra has held key positions in hotel management, honing her skills in planning and executing flawless events.
In 2022, Alexandra took on her current role with MDM Hospitality Group as an Event Manager, where she is excited to bring her innovative approach to new challenges. With her keen attention to detail and a passion for creating memorable moments, Alexandra is committed to ensuring that every event is a success. Outside of work, her love for travel and exploring new destinations continues to inspire her creativity in hospitality and event planning.
Sal Martinez, General Manager, The Farmers Union
Sal’s journey in the restaurant industry began in San José, where he honed his skills in nearly every role, from serving to bartending at Gordon Biersch and E&O Trading Company. His leadership emerged at E&O, where he thrived as Bar Manager and General Manager. With a keen understanding of the local market, Sal has held prestigious positions at The Claremont Hotel, Casino Matrix, and Olla Cocina. Now, as General Manager of The Farmers Union—a beloved staple in downtown San José for over 10 years—he plays a vital role in shaping the restaurant’s success. Sal’s dynamic approach and dedication to guest satisfaction create an inviting atmosphere that keeps patrons returning for memorable experiences.
With a keen understanding of the local market, Sal has held prestigious positions at The Claremont Hotel, Casino Matrix, and Olla Cocina. Now, as General Manager of The Farmers Union—a
beloved staple in downtown San José for over 10 years—he plays a vital role in shaping the restaurant’s success. Sal’s dynamic approach and dedication to guest satisfaction create an inviting atmosphere that keeps patrons returning for memorable experiences.
Sal’s passion for exceptional dining experiences began in San José, where he gained hands-on experience in nearly every restaurant role, from serving to bartending at Gordon Biersch and E&O Trading Company. His leadership abilities emerged at E&O, where he excelled as Bar Manager and later General Manager.
Ja’Vonn Williams, General Manager, San Pedro Social
Ja’Vonn joined MDM Hospitality Group in 2023 as the Associate General Manager of San Pedro Social. With more than 12 years in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive experience from bartending and competitive mixology to his leadership role. Born and raised in Livermore Valley, Ja’Vonn’s community-centered upbringing and strong family values are at the core of his commitment for fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere in the hospitality industry and among his team.
At San Pedro Social, Ja’Vonn has played a pivotal role in expanding the venue’s nightlife by launching an innovative bottle service program. This new offering has significantly enhanced the venue’s late-night experience, providing guests with a high-energy, personalized touch of VIP service and has been well-received among guests. His passion for innovation and personal investment in the success of his team drive his dedication to making San Pedro Social a standout destination in both dining and nightlife. Ja’Vonn is excited about the continued growth of San Pedro Social and looks forward to further elevating its status as a premier destination in the Bay Area.
Ky Payba, Assistant General Manager, San Pedro Social
Ky joined the MDM team in 2023 as the General Manager of San Pedro Social. With nearly 15 years of experience in hospitality, he worked his way up from a busser to management, gaining invaluable insights into every aspect of restaurant operations. This breadth of experience allows Ky to lead San Pedro Social with a focus on both the big picture and the finer details, ensuring that every guest enjoys exceptional service and a welcoming environment.
Kynard’s passion for hospitality is deeply connected to his love for creating vibrant, community-driven spaces. His personal interests in family, sports, gaming, and music play a significant role in shaping San Pedro Social as an entertainment venue that brings people together. These outside passions drive his commitment to curating an atmosphere where guests of all ages can connect, have fun, and create lasting memories, much like he does with his own family. This family-oriented mentality and love for entertainment are at the core of his approach to hospitality, making San Pedro Social a place where everyone feels at home.
