Dayo Olateju '12 '19
Owner
B.A. '12 (College of Liberal Arts), M.B.A. ’19 (Carlson School of Management)
Alumni Association Member
About Gidi Bar and Lounge
Gidi Bar & Lounge is an upscale, intimate venue in Minneapolis' vibrant Warehouse District. With luxurious design, modern lighting, an immersive sound system, and a pulsating dance floor, Gidi offers signature cocktails and VIP experiences tailored to young professionals seeking a sophisticated, exhilarating atmosphere.
Perfect for special occasions or a night out, Gidi features top DJs, exciting events, and unforgettable vibes. At Gidi, every night is a celebration.
Address
322 N 1st Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
About Dayo
As the Owner and CEO of Gidi Bar & Lounge, Dayo leads with a vision to create upscale experiences for young professionals in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Through innovative strategies, meticulous planning, and a focus on excellence, he curates a chic, vibrant environment where music, culture, and premium service intersect. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dayo is passionate about driving transformative change through his expertise in supply chain management, operations consulting, and business development.
Prior to launching Gidi Bar & Lounge, Dayo excelled as a manager at Ernst & Young, spearheading supply chain optimizations and digital transformation projects for global clients. His leadership drove significant improvements, including a 10-15% increase in operational efficiency and the implementation of strategies that generated over $18M in revenue growth. At Cargill, he led operational teams to exceed production goals, executing a $50M facility expansion that doubled capacity while maintaining quality and profitability.
A leader deeply committed to fostering community and cultural engagement, Dayo founded Bel Curv Management Group to introduce Afrobeats concerts to the Minnesota market, achieving record-breaking success and creating lasting connections with international artists like Wizkid and Fireboy.
Dayo holds an MBA in Business Strategy and Marketing from the University of Minnesota and certifications in Six Sigma and SAFe Scrum Master methodologies. His ability to innovate and lead has been instrumental in his career, enabling him to manage complex projects, drive growth, and inspire high-performing teams.
Currently residing in Minneapolis MN, Dayo enjoys balancing his professional endeavors with his passion for cultural enrichment, entrepreneurial ventures, and spending time with family and friends.
