about-us

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. 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. 

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.  

Chief Operations Officer

With over three decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Chef Bryan Cromwell's passion for providing guests with high-quality cuisine in a cozy and comfortable environment is undeniable. From an early age, Bryan regaled in the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant owned and operated by his brother in Cincinnati, Ohio, as an hourly employee. Now, he rejoices in the camaraderie, community and excitement of restaurants he has commandeered in high-volume establishments in Las Vegas and intimate settings in downtown Austin. 

Bryan began to hone his cooking skills as a chef at several well-known resorts and restaurants before transitioning into front of house management. He has held many titles throughout his career, including Beverage Director, General Manager, Managing Partner and consultant, guiding profitability and improving his guests' experience. Bryan's diverse background prepared him for his current role as Chief Operations Officer at Veneto Hospitality, where he directs corporate operations, including human resources, accounting and vendor relations, and oversees a team of executives and managers. 

Bryan's love for camaraderie and community is no more evident than in his personal life, where he has adopted five children with his life partner and volunteered for several non-profit organizations, including Street Teens - an organization that helped homeless youth. Bryan's penchant for giving back to the community embodies the spirit and personality of Juliet Italian Kitchen® and we are grateful to have him at our helm.