Restaurant Manager Bringing Joy, Energy, and Ideas

The responsibility for Pärnävaara’s restaurant services is in the hands of Satu Toivanen – a cheerful, energetic, and passionate professional committed to the restaurant industry.

Satu is originally from North Karelia and now lives in Liperi with her husband, dog, and three cats. She has lived in Liperi for nine years and has also experienced entrepreneurship. Although her own business had to close due to COVID-19, Satu has kept moving forward:

"I can’t stay in one place, because I love challenging myself and learning new things."

Born in Kontiolahti, Satu has spent her life in North Karelia and gained diverse experiences along the way. Her studies took her to Niittylahti, where she trained as a youth and leisure instructor. However, her career path led her into customer service and a wide variety of roles in the restaurant industry.

"I’ve done serving, catering assistance, cooking, sales, administration, cleaning… I haven’t built a house yet, that’s still missing!" Satu laughs.

Pärnävaara – a Place for Variety and Opportunity

At Pärnävaara, Satu’s role is to create a seamless restaurant and conference service where the customer’s wishes and needs are genuinely considered. While she works as a restaurant manager, her responsibilities also include handling conference bookings, planning events, and, of course, customer service.

"Pärnävaara is a big whole for us – it includes conference services, accommodation, and event services."

According to Satu, what makes Pärnävaara special is its versatility:

"At Pärnävaara, you can have a conference and a birthday party at the same time. We can provide a new type of service that hasn’t really been seen here before."

Café Taika and a Touch of Greek Cuisine

In August, Café Taika opened its lunch restaurant in Joensuu’s Raatekangas under Satu’s leadership, serving delicious and slightly different lunches. The restaurant brings a Mediterranean touch to Pärnävaara:

"Greek food has been requested by our customers, and now we have the opportunity to do it properly with a top chef."

Lunch will be fresh, varied, and suitable for everyone. The goal is to create a place where people enjoy coming to eat, whether for a business lunch, a break with colleagues, or a relaxed moment with a friend.

"It’s important that we have options, including lighter and vegetarian meals. And that everyone feels welcome."

A Restaurant Manager Who Creates Experiences

Satu sees her work more as service than management. She listens, asks questions, engages in conversation, and strives to understand.

"Of course, you can’t always make everything happen, but I want the customer to feel heard."

For her, the perfect customer experience is when both the customer and the staff feel that they have succeeded.

"It’s about feeling. The customer leaves happy, and we know we did our best."

Energy and Joy in Every Day

Outside of work, Satu enjoys spending time in nature, jogging with her dog, and working with summer theater. Sometimes she curls up on the sofa to watch a good show and eat popcorn.

She describes herself as energetic, cheerful, and empathetic.

"Some might call me overly positive, but in this world, you need sunshine and joy even during dark times. Someone once even said I’m like a Duracell bunny – I’d say it fits my energetic personality."

At Pärnävaara, she looks forward to new challenges and opportunities.

"In this job, you get to try new things, develop, and create something unique."

And that is exactly why Satu Toivanen is the right person to take Pärnävaara’s restaurant operations to the next level – with heart, skill, and a smile.