Dylan McConnachie-Pace, a third-year Dentistry student at the University of Sheffield, is balancing his studies with the opening of The Aston on Glossop Road.
McConnachie-Pace said: “It is the most fulfilling thing that I have ever done,
“I’ve imagined how it would feel to cut the ribbon on opening night for a while and it was a very ‘out of this world’ feeling when it happened.
“All my friends were there to celebrate and when they left, I was in the restaurant on my own and felt emotional once I had processed what had happened.”
Mr McConnachie-Pace, from Surrey, worked as a chef at Hoebridge Golf Centre when he was sixteen.
He then went on to start his own catering company for schools in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
The grand launch of the venue was on 6 February and there will be a second opening on 14 February where a speakeasy will be unveiled underneath the restaurant.
The Aston is near the University which has helped McConnachie-Pace manage his lectures alongside his new leadership role.
He said: “I have a responsibility to the people who work for me as this is a big part of their lives.
“It is similar to how lecturers have the responsibility to teach the degree to students.
“The course is a big part of their lives. If I let people down, then that is on me and I do not want to do that.”
The experience challenged him, and he had to remain firm throughout the process as he juggled his degree with the opening of the venue.
McConnachie-Pace said: “Opening night was very hectic and lots of things went wrong at the last minute,
“It was an emotional rollercoaster but that was what made it worth it.”
The Aston is an intimate venue with a menu that specialises in modern British cuisine such as a classic roast or a chicken supreme. Unlimited fries are also included on Fridays with student and NHS discounts available.
McConnachie-Pace said: “I thought it would be impossible to get through so many problems but I was determined to make this work,
“It has been busy. I have such a good support system and still have a social life. I did get asked why I was checking my emails in a night club though.”
During the day, the restaurant transforms into a dog-friendly café and a study space for students.
Bookings are available now.