Paul Saber, President & CEO
Paul Saber has been a restaurant owner since 1980. He was an Owner/Operator of McDonald’s restaurants from 1985-2001, owning 14 McDonald’s in New Mexico, and was Senior Vice President, USA Corporate Division of McDonald’s from 2001- 2003.
In 2003 Paul became President & CEO of Manna Development Group, LLC and currently holds the Area Development Agreement for Panera Bread as the largest geographical Franchisee, for Panera Breads in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In 2022 Paul was the recipient of the Fierce Brand Love Award. Paul and the entire Manna organization are committed to excellence in operating great restaurants by delivering quality food and outstanding guest service.
Paul serves on the Board of Directors of several Christian ministries, and served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association from 2007-2009.
Paul and his wife Dianne reside in Rancho Santa Fe, CA and have an adult son, Graham, and a daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Austin Rovazzini and granddaughter, Saber.
Paul Saber has been a restaurant owner since 1980. He was an Owner/Operator of McDonald’s restaurants from 1985-2001, owning 14 McDonald’s in New Mexico, and was Senior Vice President, USA Corporate Division of McDonald’s from 2001- 2003.
In 2003 Paul became President & CEO of Manna Development Group, LLC and currently holds the Area Development Agreement for Panera Bread as the largest geographical Franchisee, for Panera Breads in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In 2022 Paul was the recipient of the Fierce Brand Love Award. Paul and the entire Manna organization are committed to excellence in operating great restaurants by delivering quality food and outstanding guest service.
Paul serves on the Board of Directors of several Christian ministries, and served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association from 2007-2009.
Paul and his wife Dianne reside in Rancho Santa Fe, CA and have an adult son, Graham, and a daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Austin Rovazzini and granddaughter, Saber.
Patrick Rogers, Managing Partner & CFO
Patrick started Manna Development Group with Paul Saber in 2003 assuming the role of Operating Partner. He loves Panera, especially the Cinnamon Crunch Bagel - and enjoys wowing our guests with service and great operations! Prior to Panera, Patrick worked for Ford Motor Company for 10 years. He earned his MBA from University of New Mexico. Patrick has been married to his wife Amber for 14 years, has 4 children and a crazy dog.
"My favorite thing about Panera Bread, is talking to our guests, making sure they enjoyed their visit. I love that you can give them a free cookie and make their day, where else can you make someone’s day with a couple of dollars? I love working for Manna where I can live out my faith on a daily basis in the business world. It’s rare that you get that opportunity to work for a Christian Company that promotes their faith. Panera Bread gives us the opportunity to bless our guests, community, and associates, what a blessing!"
In Patrick’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, and when he gets total free time - a good run or a long bike ride are the top of the list of fun things to do.
Patrick started Manna Development Group with Paul Saber in 2003 assuming the role of Operating Partner. He loves Panera, especially the Cinnamon Crunch Bagel - and enjoys wowing our guests with service and great operations! Prior to Panera, Patrick worked for Ford Motor Company for 10 years. He earned his MBA from University of New Mexico. Patrick has been married to his wife Amber for 14 years, has 4 children and a crazy dog.
"My favorite thing about Panera Bread, is talking to our guests, making sure they enjoyed their visit. I love that you can give them a free cookie and make their day, where else can you make someone’s day with a couple of dollars? I love working for Manna where I can live out my faith on a daily basis in the business world. It’s rare that you get that opportunity to work for a Christian Company that promotes their faith. Panera Bread gives us the opportunity to bless our guests, community, and associates, what a blessing!"
In Patrick’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, and when he gets total free time - a good run or a long bike ride are the top of the list of fun things to do.
Josh Thompson, Chief Operating Officer
Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Josh has been an integral part of Manna and Panera Bread for over 13 years. He was the General Manager of Manna's second bakery cafe in California before being promoted to District Manager, Director of Operations and his current position. Josh has always worked in the restaurant industry and prior to joining Panera he was the General Manager at the Chart House Restaurant in La Jolla, CA and the General Manager at Fins - A Mexican Eatery.
Josh attended Baylor University in Texas before marrying his high school sweetheart. He and his wife Mary now have three girls and a boy. They love participating in sports, visiting Disneyland and Sea World as well as playing at the beach. Being a big sports fan Josh enjoys following the Los Angeles Lakers and San Diego Chargers.
Josh was presented the Manna Pinnacle Award by Paul Saber in 2010 and was also a Panera Mother Bread Award winner in 2005.
Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Josh has been an integral part of Manna and Panera Bread for over 13 years. He was the General Manager of Manna's second bakery cafe in California before being promoted to District Manager, Director of Operations and his current position. Josh has always worked in the restaurant industry and prior to joining Panera he was the General Manager at the Chart House Restaurant in La Jolla, CA and the General Manager at Fins - A Mexican Eatery.
Josh attended Baylor University in Texas before marrying his high school sweetheart. He and his wife Mary now have three girls and a boy. They love participating in sports, visiting Disneyland and Sea World as well as playing at the beach. Being a big sports fan Josh enjoys following the Los Angeles Lakers and San Diego Chargers.
Josh was presented the Manna Pinnacle Award by Paul Saber in 2010 and was also a Panera Mother Bread Award winner in 2005.
Graham Saber, Regional Vice President - San Diego
Currently the Director of Operations for San Diego, Graham has been involved in all aspects of the business. Starting as an associate, he learned all steps along the way, from training to operations. He assisted in the 2.0 rollouts, opened new cafes as Pro-Team, rolled out delivery for San Diego as the Delivery Operations Manager, became a GM and transformed an opportunity, DT café, ran a district as a DM, and most recently became the Director of the San Diego market.
Graham loves training, coaching, and developing people, attempting to raise the bar in all he does. Graham was an All-American Water Polo player at UCSD, has recorded multiple music albums, and has an art creative called Rabbit Alley.
Currently the Director of Operations for San Diego, Graham has been involved in all aspects of the business. Starting as an associate, he learned all steps along the way, from training to operations. He assisted in the 2.0 rollouts, opened new cafes as Pro-Team, rolled out delivery for San Diego as the Delivery Operations Manager, became a GM and transformed an opportunity, DT café, ran a district as a DM, and most recently became the Director of the San Diego market.
Graham loves training, coaching, and developing people, attempting to raise the bar in all he does. Graham was an All-American Water Polo player at UCSD, has recorded multiple music albums, and has an art creative called Rabbit Alley.
Jacob Bustos, Regional Vice President - Manna Los Angeles, Orange County & Reno
Jacob joined Manna Development Group July 2003, relocating from New Mexico to open the Escondido Bakery-Cafe. Jacob worked for Paul Saber prior to Panera Bread with McDonald’s restaurants in Albuquerque. Jake has served in many roles from training to operations.
Jacob’s philanthropic work is a large part of who he is, having most recently been recognized by the Center for Assault Treatment Services of Los Angeles (CATS) as an Outstanding Community Partner. Jacob also received Special Congressional Recognition April 2013 for charity work done in the Los Angeles area. He is also very proud of receiving the Mother Bread award in 2005.
Jacob joined Manna Development Group July 2003, relocating from New Mexico to open the Escondido Bakery-Cafe. Jacob worked for Paul Saber prior to Panera Bread with McDonald’s restaurants in Albuquerque. Jake has served in many roles from training to operations.
Jacob’s philanthropic work is a large part of who he is, having most recently been recognized by the Center for Assault Treatment Services of Los Angeles (CATS) as an Outstanding Community Partner. Jacob also received Special Congressional Recognition April 2013 for charity work done in the Los Angeles area. He is also very proud of receiving the Mother Bread award in 2005.
Kathryn Polly Regional Vice President - Manna Colorado
Born and raised in Colorado, Kathryn started her career with Panera in 2006. Kathryn’s favorite part of her role is building a strong foundation of training and developing team members into future leaders. She is passionate about utilizing tools & systems to create a positive guest experience and impact their lives by going above and beyond expectations. Kathryn was awarded the Mother Bread award in 2014 & 2017.
Kathryn enjoys life in Northern Colorado with her husband, Jason, son, daughter and dog, River. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys the great outdoors, being in the mountains, trail running, fishing, camping, attending her kids sporting events, volunteering at their school, cheering on the Denver Broncos and most importantly, being with family.
Born and raised in Colorado, Kathryn started her career with Panera in 2006. Kathryn’s favorite part of her role is building a strong foundation of training and developing team members into future leaders. She is passionate about utilizing tools & systems to create a positive guest experience and impact their lives by going above and beyond expectations. Kathryn was awarded the Mother Bread award in 2014 & 2017.
Kathryn enjoys life in Northern Colorado with her husband, Jason, son, daughter and dog, River. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys the great outdoors, being in the mountains, trail running, fishing, camping, attending her kids sporting events, volunteering at their school, cheering on the Denver Broncos and most importantly, being with family.
Paul Lambers, Regional Vice President - Manna Michigan
Born and raised in West Michigan, Paul began his career managing restaurants, including Ruby Tuesdays, as well as operating an independent book store in Downtown Grand Rapids. After graduating high school, Paul moved to Southern California for a short while and attended Los Angeles Community College. Starting as an Assistant Manager with Panera Bread in 2006, Paul eventually became a Training General Manager of several different Training Certified bakery cafes before taking on a District Manager role in 2012. Paul was the recipient of the Panera Mother Bread Award in 2012. In 2018, Paul was promoted to Director of Operations for the Bread of Life market.
Paul and his wife have 2 boys and are very involved in their activities including coaching and volunteering at their schools. He spends his free time hanging out with his family, working on his house, playing guitar, and playing or watching sports.
Born and raised in West Michigan, Paul began his career managing restaurants, including Ruby Tuesdays, as well as operating an independent book store in Downtown Grand Rapids. After graduating high school, Paul moved to Southern California for a short while and attended Los Angeles Community College. Starting as an Assistant Manager with Panera Bread in 2006, Paul eventually became a Training General Manager of several different Training Certified bakery cafes before taking on a District Manager role in 2012. Paul was the recipient of the Panera Mother Bread Award in 2012. In 2018, Paul was promoted to Director of Operations for the Bread of Life market.
Paul and his wife have 2 boys and are very involved in their activities including coaching and volunteering at their schools. He spends his free time hanging out with his family, working on his house, playing guitar, and playing or watching sports.
Craig Fetter, Regional Vice President - Manna Okmo
Craig started with Panera in March of 1997 and has held many positions including Associate, Trainer, Assistant Manager, General Manager, Regional Training Manager, District Manager, Director of Bakery Café Operations, COO and, most recently, RVP. He is the 2001 recipient of the Mother Bread award, the 2020 TBI/OKC Presidents Award and Winner of the Niren’s Bal Hanuman award. He also has won AOP of the year twice! Craig also served as a board member for Rise up for Friends.
Craig attended Missouri State University and graduated with a degree in Business Management. He met his wife at Panera and they were married in 2011. Together they have 6 year old twin daughters. One is their special needs angel diagnosed with Hydranencephaly and the other a rambunctious lake loving princess. He loves watching the KC Chiefs and the STL Cardinals. He enjoys fishing and visiting baseball stadiums - he is at 19 and counting!
Craig started with Panera in March of 1997 and has held many positions including Associate, Trainer, Assistant Manager, General Manager, Regional Training Manager, District Manager, Director of Bakery Café Operations, COO and, most recently, RVP. He is the 2001 recipient of the Mother Bread award, the 2020 TBI/OKC Presidents Award and Winner of the Niren’s Bal Hanuman award. He also has won AOP of the year twice! Craig also served as a board member for Rise up for Friends.
Craig attended Missouri State University and graduated with a degree in Business Management. He met his wife at Panera and they were married in 2011. Together they have 6 year old twin daughters. One is their special needs angel diagnosed with Hydranencephaly and the other a rambunctious lake loving princess. He loves watching the KC Chiefs and the STL Cardinals. He enjoys fishing and visiting baseball stadiums - he is at 19 and counting!
Meghan Atilano, Executive Director of Training & HR
Meghan started with Manna as an associate in July of 2003. She has managed Cafes, Catering and Marketing but spent most of her time in the Training Department. She oversees the development of our team at all levels as well as audits and café openings. Meghan's favorite part of her job is seeing people grow and thrive into new roles and her favorite Panera menu item is the Pecan Braid.
Meghan was presented with a Panera Mother Bread Award in 2007. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality from New Mexico State University. Meghan resides in Downtown San Diego, with her Husband and dog Fergie.
Meghan started with Manna as an associate in July of 2003. She has managed Cafes, Catering and Marketing but spent most of her time in the Training Department. She oversees the development of our team at all levels as well as audits and café openings. Meghan's favorite part of her job is seeing people grow and thrive into new roles and her favorite Panera menu item is the Pecan Braid.
Meghan was presented with a Panera Mother Bread Award in 2007. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality from New Mexico State University. Meghan resides in Downtown San Diego, with her Husband and dog Fergie.
Shellie DeMaria
Director of Learning & Development
Shellie DeMaria has been the Regional Training Manager for Manna Development
San Diego since 2012 and is responsible for onboarding and training of new managers for all cafes in the county and continued learning and development of the current management staff. Shellie joined the Manna Development team working as a bakery café cashier at the opening of the Mira Mesa café in 2004. While attending college, Shellie worked her way up holding all positions from associate to Training General Manager when she returned to lead the Mira Mesa cafe in 2009. In May 2015 Shellie graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelors in Art History.
Shellie is a San Diego native who enjoys education, the arts, and staying active. In 2004 she was named to the All-American Soccer team for the NAIA Western Division while on scholarship at Point Loma Nazarene University. Working at Panera Bread for Manna Development was the first job Shellie ever had and she has been happily employed and grateful for the opportunities provided to her for over ten years.
Director of Learning & Development
Shellie DeMaria has been the Regional Training Manager for Manna Development
San Diego since 2012 and is responsible for onboarding and training of new managers for all cafes in the county and continued learning and development of the current management staff. Shellie joined the Manna Development team working as a bakery café cashier at the opening of the Mira Mesa café in 2004. While attending college, Shellie worked her way up holding all positions from associate to Training General Manager when she returned to lead the Mira Mesa cafe in 2009. In May 2015 Shellie graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelors in Art History.
Shellie is a San Diego native who enjoys education, the arts, and staying active. In 2004 she was named to the All-American Soccer team for the NAIA Western Division while on scholarship at Point Loma Nazarene University. Working at Panera Bread for Manna Development was the first job Shellie ever had and she has been happily employed and grateful for the opportunities provided to her for over ten years.
Jennifer Carosella, Executive Director of Finance & Administration
Jennifer joined the Manna family in March 2004. Her primary duties include Financial, Tax, and Compliance Reporting, Audits, and Software Systems. One of her key initiatives is reducing café administrative friction through improved processes and technology. Jennifer was a Mother Bread recipient in March 2009 and recipient of The Mark Saber Pinnacle Award in 2012. Prior to joining Manna, Jennifer was the Manager of Accounting Services at Barsa CPAs.
Originally from New York, Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Scranton, PA before moving to California where she now resides in San Elijo Hills. Jennifer serves on the Finance Committee for United Through Reading and is a volunteer accountant for Issachar Initiative,
Jennifer enjoys hiking, book club and traveling and is an avid hot sauce fanatic.
Jennifer joined the Manna family in March 2004. Her primary duties include Financial, Tax, and Compliance Reporting, Audits, and Software Systems. One of her key initiatives is reducing café administrative friction through improved processes and technology. Jennifer was a Mother Bread recipient in March 2009 and recipient of The Mark Saber Pinnacle Award in 2012. Prior to joining Manna, Jennifer was the Manager of Accounting Services at Barsa CPAs.
Originally from New York, Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Scranton, PA before moving to California where she now resides in San Elijo Hills. Jennifer serves on the Finance Committee for United Through Reading and is a volunteer accountant for Issachar Initiative,
Jennifer enjoys hiking, book club and traveling and is an avid hot sauce fanatic.
Nick Carter, Director of Baking Operations
Nick became a part of the Manna family in November of 2007. He has held every position in the bakery department of Panera Bread and achieved the franchises first ever Level 3 baking market. Nick has worked to establish
systems and structure to advance the baking department, with product quality, duplication, professionalism and to help unify the department across all Manna entities. Nick graduated from the California School of
Culinary Arts with a degree in Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management and Le
Cordon Bleu certification.
Nick loves spending time with his wife Ana and son Lincoln. Born in Illinois, Nick was raised one of seven children in Southern California. Nick is a sports enthusiast and enjoys playing and watching sports.
Nick became a part of the Manna family in November of 2007. He has held every position in the bakery department of Panera Bread and achieved the franchises first ever Level 3 baking market. Nick has worked to establish
systems and structure to advance the baking department, with product quality, duplication, professionalism and to help unify the department across all Manna entities. Nick graduated from the California School of
Culinary Arts with a degree in Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management and Le
Cordon Bleu certification.
Nick loves spending time with his wife Ana and son Lincoln. Born in Illinois, Nick was raised one of seven children in Southern California. Nick is a sports enthusiast and enjoys playing and watching sports.
Richard Alleway, Director of Real Estate
Richard has been working with Manna since 2003. He has built and developed over 55 of the Manna bakery-cafes as well as the Manna offices. He has over 35 years of experience and expertise in construction and development.
Richard is from New Zealand and has lived in California since 1985. Richard has been married to his wife Barbara for 31 years. They have a son Chris and a daughter Ashley. Richard is an avid golfer still in search of that ever-elusive hole-in-one.
Richard has been working with Manna since 2003. He has built and developed over 55 of the Manna bakery-cafes as well as the Manna offices. He has over 35 years of experience and expertise in construction and development.
Richard is from New Zealand and has lived in California since 1985. Richard has been married to his wife Barbara for 31 years. They have a son Chris and a daughter Ashley. Richard is an avid golfer still in search of that ever-elusive hole-in-one.
Austin Rovazzini, Director of Construction and Facilities
Austin joined the Manna team in 2014 as an Assistant Manager. After learning the operational side of the business he moved into a Regional Catering Sales Manager position, where he learned catering and business development. In January 2022, Austin took on the role of Senior Project Manager.
Austin attended Point Loma Nazarene University, where he played on the soccer team and earned his undergraduate degree in Managerial and Organizational Communications. Austin went on to study Theology at Whitworth University graduating in 2014 and returning to San Diego where he now resides with his new wife Hannah.
Austin and Hannah both have a heart for helping people, and intend to work together to bring hope and love to the lives of others.
Austin joined the Manna team in 2014 as an Assistant Manager. After learning the operational side of the business he moved into a Regional Catering Sales Manager position, where he learned catering and business development. In January 2022, Austin took on the role of Senior Project Manager.
Austin attended Point Loma Nazarene University, where he played on the soccer team and earned his undergraduate degree in Managerial and Organizational Communications. Austin went on to study Theology at Whitworth University graduating in 2014 and returning to San Diego where he now resides with his new wife Hannah.
Austin and Hannah both have a heart for helping people, and intend to work together to bring hope and love to the lives of others.
Jennifer Arnold, Director of Non Traditional Sales & Marketing
Jennifer has been with Panera Bread since 2008, and grown with Manna Development through Catering to the oversee all off-premise channels and marketing efforts. Enthusiasm for opportunity keeps her striving for top sales efforts. Jennifer was honored the Mother Bread award in 2017.
Jennifer is originally from Florida, earning a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Communications & Marketing from University of Central Florida. She loves the beach and spends much of her time with her husband and 2 young sons in Orange County, CA.
Jennifer has been with Panera Bread since 2008, and grown with Manna Development through Catering to the oversee all off-premise channels and marketing efforts. Enthusiasm for opportunity keeps her striving for top sales efforts. Jennifer was honored the Mother Bread award in 2017.
Jennifer is originally from Florida, earning a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Communications & Marketing from University of Central Florida. She loves the beach and spends much of her time with her husband and 2 young sons in Orange County, CA.
Machek Koziol, Director of IT and Security
Machek has been with the Manna team since 2003 when he joined in the opening of our first cafe (Escondido) as a part time associate. He was promoted to Assistant Manager when he helped open the Vista location, and where he later became the General Manager role. In 2011 Machek became the first Executive Manager for Manna, and in 2012 was promoted to District Manager. In January of 2022, he took on his current role.
Machek has an Associate of Arts in Pre-Law from Mira Costa College and lives in the North San Diego area with his wife and two young children. Machek loves spending time off with family, is a classic car enthusiast, enjoys sailing, hiking, football, working out, swimming, and traveling. Machek also confesses to being a "foodie" who is so addicted to good food that he makes travel plans based on the restaurants he'd like to visit.
Machek has been with the Manna team since 2003 when he joined in the opening of our first cafe (Escondido) as a part time associate. He was promoted to Assistant Manager when he helped open the Vista location, and where he later became the General Manager role. In 2011 Machek became the first Executive Manager for Manna, and in 2012 was promoted to District Manager. In January of 2022, he took on his current role.
Machek has an Associate of Arts in Pre-Law from Mira Costa College and lives in the North San Diego area with his wife and two young children. Machek loves spending time off with family, is a classic car enthusiast, enjoys sailing, hiking, football, working out, swimming, and traveling. Machek also confesses to being a "foodie" who is so addicted to good food that he makes travel plans based on the restaurants he'd like to visit.
David Griego, Chaplin
David began his Panera career almost back to beginning of Manna Development in 2003 working in several roles over the years before assuming his current position. Prior to Manna, David worked for a New Mexican restaurant concept before moving on to work for Brinker International's Macaroni Grill for 13 years. David Attended the University of New Mexico/ David grew up working on the family cattle ranch in Puerta de Luna, New Mexico and attended the University of New Mexico.
David has been successful in creating an environment of the highest baking standards while developing people to achieve their highest potential all while demonstrating the love of Christ through his leadership.
David and his wife reside in San Diego and recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary.
David began his Panera career almost back to beginning of Manna Development in 2003 working in several roles over the years before assuming his current position. Prior to Manna, David worked for a New Mexican restaurant concept before moving on to work for Brinker International's Macaroni Grill for 13 years. David Attended the University of New Mexico/ David grew up working on the family cattle ranch in Puerta de Luna, New Mexico and attended the University of New Mexico.
David has been successful in creating an environment of the highest baking standards while developing people to achieve their highest potential all while demonstrating the love of Christ through his leadership.
David and his wife reside in San Diego and recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary.
Jenn Karcher, Director of Operations - Caribou
Born and raised in Vermont, Jenn made the move to Michigan to start her education at Grand Valley State University. During this time, she joined the Panera Bread family that she would grow to love.
While in college, Jenn made several moves within Panera but ultimately found her niche in running the Knapps Corner cafe. There she would continue to grow in her leadership abilities and this would set the stage for her to transition to a multi-unit role. Jenn assisted with the launch of delivery in West Michigan and supported other markets. From there this would evolve into Channel Operations and Jenn would go on to assist with all Manna markets and their Channel Operations.
Jenn has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Grand Valley State University. She resides in West Michigan with her husband, their 2 sons and 1 daughter. They are highly involved in their kids' activities, but during their free time you can find the family backpacking the woods or relaxing at the lake.
Born and raised in Vermont, Jenn made the move to Michigan to start her education at Grand Valley State University. During this time, she joined the Panera Bread family that she would grow to love.
While in college, Jenn made several moves within Panera but ultimately found her niche in running the Knapps Corner cafe. There she would continue to grow in her leadership abilities and this would set the stage for her to transition to a multi-unit role. Jenn assisted with the launch of delivery in West Michigan and supported other markets. From there this would evolve into Channel Operations and Jenn would go on to assist with all Manna markets and their Channel Operations.
Jenn has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Grand Valley State University. She resides in West Michigan with her husband, their 2 sons and 1 daughter. They are highly involved in their kids' activities, but during their free time you can find the family backpacking the woods or relaxing at the lake.