Matt Dean Pettit’s love affair with the food industry began at the age of 13, when he took his first job as a busboy. By 14, he was already a line cook, channeling the inspiration he drew from his mother’s kitchen. Over two decades later, Matt’s boundless energy and innovative mindset have solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the hospitality world.
Known for his dynamic enthusiasm, Matt has built a career that spans multiple facets of the food and beverage industry. He began by flexing his entrepreneurial skill when co-founding Rock Lobster, a celebrated seafood-focused restaurant that expanded to four locations within four years. Matt then launched Boots & Bourbon, blending his culinary talents with an immersive dining experience, while, Matty’s Seafood, brought pre-packaged seafood favorites to stores across Canada, making quality seafood accessible to all. In 2020, he launched Coast by MDP, a delivery-only surf-and-turf concept operating out of Toronto ghost kitchens, and joined Salt Gourmet Foods, a specialty food distributor serving the Greater Toronto Area.
