The Story of Over Easy Office - Simplifying Hospitality Accounting
In the vibrant world of the restaurant industry, where the sizzle of pans meets the clink of glasses, two passionate innovators, Xavier Mariezcurrena and Tony Aiazzi, have turned their extensive experience into groundbreaking solutions that simplify operations. With a combined 35 years of culinary and managerial expertise, these co-founders have created ChouxBox and Over Easy Office, revolutionizing back-office processes for food and beverage companies.
Meet the Founders
Xavier Mariezcurrena: The Sommelier with a Vision
Xavier, a co-founder of Over Easy Office (OEO), boasts over 15 years in the food and beverage industry. Before launching OEO, he made a name for himself managing beverage programs at prestigious venues like Revel Resort and Bobby Flay Steak. As a sommelier, he has a passion for food, wine, and the people who bring these culinary experiences to life.
“My journey has always been about connecting with people through food and beverage,” Xavier shares. “That connection drives everything we do at OEO.”
Tony Aiazzi: The Culinary Trailblazer
Tony, also a co-founder of OEO, has built an impressive culinary career over the last two decades. Starting with humble beginnings making submarine sandwiches in Reno, Nevada, he rose to become the Corporate Chef at the Charlie Palmer Group. His journey took him from cooking in France to serving as a chef on a cruise ship, showcasing his diverse culinary experiences.
“Cooking is an art, but running a restaurant is a science,” Tony notes. “We’ve taken our love for the craft and turned it into tools that empower others.”
The Birth of ChouxBox
Website: https://www.chouxbox.com/
Specialties: Invoices, Invoice Storage, Accounts Payable, Data Entry, Invoice Automation.
Recognizing the need for a streamlined accounting process in the food industry, Xavier and Tony founded ChouxBox—the first AP automation platform designed specifically for food and beverage companies. With a focus on real line-item data, ChouxBox simplifies invoice processing reducing invoice managing by 80% and boosting profitability.
Xavier explains,
“We built ChouxBox with ease of use in mind. Our goal was to enable chefs and managers to access real numbers quickly without getting lost in spreadsheets.”
Tony adds,
“Restaurant-accounting is part of our DNA. It became clear that restaurant operations and accounting had to work hand in hand. This synergy creates a seamless flow of information that benefits everyone involved.”
Enter Over Easy Office
Specialties: Hospitality and Restaurant Back-Office Support, AP Processing, Inventory Management, Bookkeeping, Accounting, Tax Prep, and Client Services.
After more than a decade of insights gained from ChouxBox, co-founders Xavier Mariezcurrena and Tony Aiazzi identified another significant gap in the industry: the shortage of qualified accounting professionals. With approximately 100,000 fewer accounting graduates each year in the U.S., they took action by launching OEO to address this critical need in the restaurant and hospitality sectors.
CFOs and Controllers need fast, easy ways to keep accurate books, meet deadlines, and manage vendors and payroll, all while overseeing an entire operation from the outside. When they asked for reliable team members, overnight workflows, and trained oversight, that was when Over Easy Office (OEO) was born.
Xavier outlines the vision behind OEO:
“At Over Easy Office, we’re more than food enthusiasts; we’re a team of skilled restaurant professionals, tech innovators, and financial specialists focused on equipping hospitality and restaurant businesses with the essential tools for success. We wanted to empower accounting firms and restaurant groups with best-in-class back-office support.”
Tony chimes in,
“By creating OEO, we aimed to provide reliable, trained team members who could handle these crucial tasks, allowing restaurant teams to focus on what they do best.”
A Fun Connection: Overseasoned Podcast
Website: www.overseasoned.us
Beyond their business ventures, Xavier and Tony co-host a podcast called Overseasoned, where they dive into the fascinating world of the restaurant industry. Through entertaining conversations and insightful stories, they explore the highs and lows of culinary life, adding yet another layer to their connection with the industry.
“It’s a blast to share our experiences and connect with others in the field,” Tony shares. “We get to discuss everything from kitchen chaos to financial strategies.”
A Legacy of Innovation
Through ChouxBox and Over Easy Office, Xavier and Tony have woven their experiences into the very fabric of restaurant operations. Their journey reflects the evolution of the industry, showcasing how passion for hospitality can lead to groundbreaking innovations that empower others.
Reflecting on their path, both co-founders agree that their love for hospitality drives them to keep pushing boundaries.
“At the end of the day, we’re here to support the incredible people in the restaurant industry,” Xavier says.
Tony nods in agreement, adding,
“And we’re having a blast doing it! Who would have thought we’d go from late-night number crunching to running tech platforms that make a difference?”
Conclusion
From the heat of the kitchen to the world of accounting technology, Xavier Mariezcurrena and Tony Aiazzi have proven that passion combined with innovation can lead to remarkable change. With ChouxBox and Over Easy Office, they are not just simplifying processes; they are reshaping the future of the restaurant industry, one plate at a time. Contact us today to learn more.