Our Team
Dan Wilkins
Owner / Partner
Dan Wilkins grew up in the North Texas area, eventually settling down in Austin where he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Wilkins is well versed in operations and entrepreneurism, having recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Potomac Fusion, Inc., where he oversaw ongoing business activity and worked diligently to keep the company on track. While traveling across the globe for business, Dan was inspired by the varying cuisines different cultures had to offer. These experiences drove his passion to make the transition from engineering to his venture into the hospitality business.
With his extensive leadership background and more than two decades of experience in business operations, Wilkins is an essential player in the progression of Veneto Hospitality. Wilkins is a respected advisor to start-up businesses and enjoys indulging in cooking and strength training in his free time. He currently resides in Northwest Austin with his wife, Donna.
Donna Wilkins
Owner / Partner
Donna Wilkins, co-owner of Veneto Hospitality, made a “temporary” move to Austin in the 90s, and has lived here ever since. A University of Illinois graduate, she moved to Austin to pursue her MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Donna has since worked in leadership roles at several of Austin’s prominent tech companies and is the founder of Charity Dynamics, a leader in digital technology for nonprofits. She is a respected advisor to many local startups and a member of the Paramount Theatre board. Donna’s extensive leadership background and business experience are key to Juliet’s growth and management. She credits her love of Italian cuisine to growing up in a family that enjoyed cooking and celebrated family recipes. She resides in Northwest Austin with her husband and business partner Dan, and enjoys spending time with family.
Bryan Cromwell
Chief Operations Officer
Industry veteran Chef Bryan Cromwell has always had a passion for hospitality, having spent the past three decades working in the restaurant industry. From an early age working in his brother’s restaurant to now, he’s always found joy in the camaraderie, community and excitement of restaurants. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Bryan made his way to star-studded Las Vegas, where he honed his cooking skills working as a chef at several well-known resorts and restaurants before transitioning into front of house management.
Bryan has held many titles throughout his career including Beverage Director, General Manager, Managing Partner and consultant, guiding profitability and improving the guest experience. His diverse background prepared him for his current role as Chief Operations Officer at Veneto Hospitality. In this role, Bryan directs corporate operations, including human resources, accounting and vendor relations, and oversees Veneto’s team of executives and managers.
Bryan’s love for camaraderie and community also translates into his personal life. He is family-oriented and has adopted five children with his life partner. Bryan has volunteered for several non profit organizations both in Texas and Nevada including Street Teens, an organization that helped homeless youth where he served on the organization’s board of directors and volunteered in the outreach center for many years.