DANIEL RUIZ
Chief Executive Officer
Born in Miami and raised in Bolivia, Danny is a hospitality guru and passionate aficionado of all things culinary and people. Danny joined The Doral Yard in May 2022, when he fell in love with the concept and its exciting potential. Danny leads the day-to-day operation, directs our talented leaders, collaborates with our resident vendors, and continuously crafts and executes The Yard’s strategic vision.
Danny previously served as Director of Operations of B Bistro + Bakery, where he led the company to national media recognition and the highest level of reputational and operational excellence. Other professional highlights include his tenure as an Operations Manager at Dunkin’ Donuts and National Managing Partner at Granier Bakeries. At Dunkin’, Danny managed the turnaround of the brand’s worst performing restaurants in America into highly successful operations. At Granier Bakeries, he spearheaded the expansion of Spain’s premier bakery chain into the United States at age 25.
Danny’s favorite aspect of his job is undoubtedly the opportunity to create more and better jobs that are respectable and dignifying for members of our community. For Danny, creating this impact alongside the powerful, local, family-owned brands that operate at The Yard is an unbeatable feeling.
When he’s not leading the team at The Doral Yard, Danny can be found absorbed in a book or working out at his boxing gym. On Sundays, you can catch him at Church and watching Formula 1 or a great soccer match.
Favorite Meal at The Yard: The Korean Salmon at Barbakoa by Finka
GUSTAVO CARMONA
General Manager
Meet Gustavo Carmona, who hails from Venezuela and joined The Yard in early 2023.
Gustavo fell in love with The Doral Yard’s mission and culture, and felt that taking on this role would be an exciting new professional challenge. In his day-to-day role, he expertly guides the team on the floor and behind the bar while they provide hospitality to our guests, vendors, and talent.
Gustavo has been working in the hospitality industry for over eight years in different positions. In his more recent role, he assisted in opening a new restaurant, hand in hand with an amazing group of people. As General Manager of B Bistro + Bakery at The Grove, he excelled at creating a motivating and healthy environment for his team.
Gustavo has brought this passion and skillset to The Doral Yard, where he feels proud to support each team member’s learning and growth throughout this daily adventure.
In his free time, he enjoys going to the movies and spending time with Marlon, his four-legged son. He’s always open to exploring new sports and trendy outside activities.
Favorite Meal at The Yard: House Salad at Un Pollo and any flavor of margarita made by our team!
GUSTAVO LAPI
Floor Manager
Gustavo Lapi has been bringing his contagious passion and enthusiasm to The Doral Yard since early 2023. With a focus on Front-of-House and Floor management, he serves as on-the-ground support for any and all service-related issues.
Gustavo previously worked at Brickell’s Fourteen Eatery, where he began in the kitchen and was promoted into management. He subsequently worked his way up the ranks at B Bistro + Bakery from host to server to Assistant Manager. He ultimately was promoted to General Manager of B Bistro + Bakery Brickell, and credits this experience as one that allowed him to discover his love and passion for the hospitality industry.
Gustavo enjoys working hand to hand with the team, guiding them to improve every day, and inspiring them to offer the best service possible. In earlier years, he studied psychology at Yacambú University, and his interest in this field continuously helps him understand and manage his team.
When he’s not at work, Gustavo enjoys exploring Miami’s culinary scene with friends and learning about Interior Design, his second passion.
Favorite Meal at The Yard: Pokekai’s Poke Burger paired with an Eternal Spring from The Bar at The Yard
JASON GARZIA
Manager
Jason hails from Hialeah, Miami, and has been part of The Yard team since early 2022. A jack-of-all-trades, Jason’s leadership role includes day-to-day management of all front-of-house activities, as well as working closely with our accounting team on accounts payable matters.
Prior to his role at The Yard, Jason worked in Sales at Carnival Cruise Lines for 7 years. In his earlier years, he pursued pharmaceutical studies and worked at Walgreens as a pharmacy technician.
Known for being a devoted team player, Jason’s favorite aspect of his job is working side-by-side with his colleagues, and instilling every team member and vendor with a sense of their importance and significance as part of The Doral Yard.
He enjoys playing sports, including flag football, basketball, and golf, and is a CrossFit enthusiast. Most of all, Jason loves spending time with my family, especially his wife and adorable newborn son.
Favorite Meal at The Yard: Pokekai’s Wontons
CICI CABALLERO
Bar Manager
Cici Caballero became part of The Doral Yard family in October 2024, bringing her passion for mixology and hospitality from Barbakoa by Finka, where she worked her way up from bartender to Bar Lead and eventually Bar Manager. With years of experience behind the bar, she has honed her craft in cocktail creation, menu curation, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
As Bar Manager at TDY, Cici is the mastermind behind the bar program, ensuring that every cocktail served is innovative, balanced, and memorable. From designing seasonal drink menus to crafting exciting promotions, she brings creativity and expertise to every pour.
Beyond the bar, Cici is a dedicated foodie who loves exploring new restaurants and sipping on creative cocktails wherever she goes. Oh, and she can do magic tricks—because great drinks deserve a little flair!
Favorite Meal at The Yard: The Mau Loa Salmon Bowl from Pokekai and, of course, whatever the cocktail of the month is!
MARIA TADDEY
Marketing Coordinator
Born in Venezuela with a background in communications and journalism, she brings creativity and passion to her role as Marketing Coordinator at The Yard.
As a social media extraordinaire, she works to ensure that every event is showcased in the most engaging and exciting way possible. From crafting compelling content, to managing daily operations and communication, she helps bring the magic of The Yard to life for families and guests.
Dedicated to collaboration, she loves working alongside the team to continuously enhance and transform The Yard into an even more enchanting destination for all.
Favorite Meal at The Yard: The Steak Lovers from Un Pollo and the Spicy Daisy cocktail