Online B.B.A. student Juan Ramirez will graduate from Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business in May 2026. Considering his history in the service industry, Ramirez’s decision to major in data analytics with a minor in hospitality might seem unexpected. However, he thinks data analytics makes perfect sense for anyone interested in running and expanding a restaurant.
Ramirez grew up in Peru and immigrated legally to Virginia with his family days after his 16th birthday. However, to renew his student visa and qualify for work authorization under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), he would have had to arrive in the U.S. before turning 16. Restaurant jobs became his only viable option.
“In less desirable jobs like farming, construction, and washing dishes, it wasn’t and still isn’t common to be asked to provide proper identification,” he said. “Most people thought I had legal status, and I didn’t correct them.”
Ramirez puts the finishing touches on a French dish at Bastille Brasserie & Bar.
From 2011-2016, Ramirez worked closely with José Andrés at Jaleo, the superstar chef’s award-winning tapas spot in Washington, D.C. But when he moved to Minneapolis with his then-wife and applied for a job at a French restaurant, the only available role was a food runner position. He took the job, excelled at it, and was promoted to server, and then manager—all within six months. Ramirez eventually realized that to continue his ascent toward becoming a general manager, he needed a business degree.
In 2021, Ramirez had a big year. He moved to Atlanta, enrolled in a two-year program at Perimeter College, and became a U.S. citizen. He also began to manage Southbound, a Southern-inspired restaurant in Chamblee, just northeast of the city.
Two months before graduating with his associate degree in business administration in 2023, Ramirez attended an Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society induction ceremony. At the event, he met Ritu Lohtia, faculty director of Robinson’s Online B.B.A. Degree Completion Program. Lohtia encouraged him to transfer his credits and continue his education online.
Just as Ramirez applied to Robinson, a friend suggested he return to Virginia to become general manager of French eatery Bastille Brasserie & Bar. He said yes with an asterisk. He needed two months to finish his coursework at Perimeter College. Two days after walking across the stage, he packed up his belongings and drove to Virginia, where he logged on for class in August 2023.
“The format affords me a little more freedom and allows me to do other things, but at the same time it’s very demanding because you have to find a way to connect with your professors,” Ramirez said. “It’s really up to you and how willing you are to take on the challenge.”
Because Ramirez is working while in school, he’s able to implement everything he learns in real time. His classes in financial data and operations management have supported major projects such as upgrading Bastille’s POS system; improving processes for tracking sales, labor, and inventory; and using data to make informed operational decisions.
The hospitality minor has come in handy, too. Using strategic initiatives from his global business, legal analysis, and beverage management courses, Ramirez developed a wine club that promotes international wines from small producers. Because of his new understanding of global trade and business law, he has navigated tariffs and compliance.
“Overall, these classes have helped me lead with a more strategic, data-driven, and entrepreneurial perspective as we prepare a business plan to open a second location,” he said.