Meet The GM
Mersadeez Tottingham
Born and raised in a small town in Mid-Michigan, I graduated from Owosso High School and originally began pursuing a career in the medical field as a Registered Nurse. While working as a medical assistant and attending school, I started bartending on the side to support myself — not realizing it would eventually become the career I was truly passionate about.
The more I bartended, the more I fell in love with the restaurant industry. I loved the connections I made with guests who became regulars, the energy of a full dining room, the fast pace behind the bar, and the challenge of remembering orders, faces, and favorite drinks. Over time, I realized I felt more at home in a restaurant than I ever had in healthcare, and I made the decision to pursue serving and bartending full time.
After nearly 10 years behind the bar, I was ready for a bigger challenge. That opportunity came when Chef Tyler offered me a role at Restore 242 and trusted me to help build the bar program from the ground up. He pushed me outside of my comfort zone with martinis, mojitos, and creative cocktails, while teaching me how to study ingredients, compare flavor profiles, and approach drinks with the same creativity and intention a chef brings to food.
Today, as the General Manager of Restore 242, my role has grown far beyond the bar. I manage all front-of-house staff, accounting, payroll, and human resources, while also helping oversee daily operations and the guest experience. It has been a challenging, rewarding, and humbling journey that has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.
I am beyond proud of the team we have built and the restaurant we continue to grow together. Restore 242 is built on passion, creativity, community, and genuine hospitality, and I am grateful to be part of a place where food, drinks, and people come together in such a meaningful way.
What started as a side job became the career that shaped me, challenged me, and gave me a purpose I never expected. Today, I’m proud to help lead Restore 242 and continue growing alongside a team I believe in.
