Eric Kelly, our Founder and President, having over 25 years experience in the premium restaurant and hotel industry has established himself, with great success, through his tenure working with industry leading giants like Chicago based Levy Restaurants, hyatt hotels and le meridian resort in san diego, California.
The first half of Eric’s career was dedicated to Life as a chef, working with James Beard award winning Chef’s like Tony Mantuano, and Missy Robbins at Spiaggia in Chicago and Wolfgang Puck, Sherry Yard and Lee Hefter at Spago in Beverly Hills, California. Italian, French, American, Latin and Asian cuisines have become the benchmarks of Eric’s culinary success. The second half of Eric’s career has been spent implementing his operational expertise as Director of Restaurant Operations for groups like Seattle based, Restaurants Unlimited and Dallas based Lombardi Family Concepts, both national multi unit, multi concept groups.
Eric joined Levy Restaurants in 2001 as one of their Executive Chef’s. On a fast track, Eric provided great culinary, operational and financial leadership to the group and was quickly promoted to Corporate Chef of the Restaurant Division, as well as earning a seat on the groups Steering Committee. Eric, directed culinary operations for their more than 25 restaurants, most notable The james beard foundation recognized Spiaggia, Bistro 110 in Chicago, and Fulton’s Crab House, Wolfgang Puck Grand Café and Portobello Yacht Club at Disney Springs, Orlando.
“Two very memorable projects in my career were participating in the 2006 Grammy awards at Staples Center and heading up culinary operations at the 2006 and 2007 U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York City. The tournament lasts 2 weeks and with their many revenue centers serving over 750,000 guests, the demands were enormous. The camaraderie, the courage, the talents and memories of those I worked with will last a lifetime.
Prior to working with Levy Restaurants,Eric worked with Hyatt Hotels at their Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Chicago O’Hare properties gaining amazing hotel culture and corporate acumen.
