Disruptive Restaurant Group, a subsidiary of sbe, the leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, announced today that Scott Kleckner has joined as Senior Vice President of Restaurant Operations. In his role, Kleckner will oversee the operations and expansion of all Disruptive Restaurant Group's stand-alone restaurants globally – including the award-winning Cleo, Katsuya, and Fi'lia brands.
"We are excited for Scott to join our newly-formed leadership team made up of seasoned hospitality experts," stated Sam Nazarian, Founder and CEO of sbe. "Our culinary concepts play a key role in the overall 360-degree experience that is unique to sbe, and with Scott's strong background in restaurant operations and development, we are well-positioned to execute our largest pipeline ever in company history."
Kleckner will act as the driving force for Disruptive Restaurant Group's growth both domestically and internationally, with a focus on licensing opportunities. Expansion plans consist of nine Katsuya, five Cleo, and two Fi'lia locations by 2020 in sought-after destinations across the US, Bahamas, and Middle East including: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Kleckner adds, "sbe and Sam Nazarian's innovative culinary concepts have introduced a highly-curated and unique experience for guests. I'm excited to join sbe as they embark on this rapid global expansion."
Prior to his current position, Kleckner was the Executive Vice President at Patina Restaurant Group – responsible for over 30 different properties and helping shape the future of the brand. Previously, he was the Vice President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer designate and Partner of Dinosaur Restaurants. Doubling the company from four restaurants to eight through expansion across the Northeast, he oversaw eight acclaimed barbecue restaurants, associated retail business and catering.
Throughout his career, Kleckner has mastered the art of feeding people, whether it's 150,000 fans at The Kentucky Derby or a board of directors at a Michelin-starred restaurant. He has held a variety of leadership positions including: Director of Food & Beverage for InterContinental Hotel Group; District Manager for Sports, Entertainment & Conventions in New York and New Jersey, overseeing operations at a wide variety of sports and conference venues, including Citi Field, PNC Bank Arts Center, Meadowlands Racetrack, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center with Aramark Corporation; and Director of Operations at Hollywood Park Racetrack, Director of Operations for the Green Bay Packers, and General Manager at Dodger Stadium with Levy Restaurants.
Kleckner is deeply committed to animal welfare and the alleviation of poverty, and is a strong supporter of the arts. Kleckner has been an active Board Member of the Waste Not OC Coalition and serves as a Special Advisor to the Los Angeles Food Recovery Initiative taskforce, organizations dedicated to reducing waste and feeding deserving people.
Kleckner holds a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management from University of Wisconsin-Stout.
About Disruptive Restaurant Group
Disruptive Restaurant Group is the leading restaurant company devoted to the development of visionary concepts and award-winning culinary experiences. A subsidiary of leading lifestyle hospitality company, sbe, Disruptive Restaurant Group incubates and operates globally renowned culinary brands. The company's critically-acclaimed restaurants include Katsuya, Cleo, The Bazaar by José Andrés, Hyde Kitchen + Cocktails, and Umami. For more details, please visit sbe.com/restaurants.
About sbe
Established in 2002 by Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian, sbe is a privately-held, leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hotels, residences, restaurants and nightclubs. Through exclusive partnerships with cultural visionaries, sbe is devoted to creating extraordinary experiences throughout its proprietary brands with a commitment to authenticity, sophistication, mastery and innovation. Following the acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group, the pioneer of boutique lifestyle hotels, sbe has an unparalleled global portfolio featuring 23 world-class lifestyle hotel properties in 9 attractive gateway markets and more than 136 global world-renowned hotel, entertainment and food & beverage outlets. The company is uniquely positioned to offer a complete lifestyle experience - from nightlife, food & beverage and entertainment to hotels and residences, and through its innovative customer loyalty and rewards program, The Code, as well as its award-winning international real estate development subsidiary, Dakota Development - all of which solidify sbe as the preeminent leader across hospitality. sbe will continue its expansion with 13 hotel properties opening in the next two years (some with residences), including SLS Baha Mar, SLS Seattle, Mondrian Doha and Mondrian Dubai. The company's established and upcoming hotel brands include SLS Hotel & Residences, Delano, Mondrian, Redbury, Hyde Hotel & Residences, Clift, Hudson, Morgans, Royalton, Sanderson and St Martins Lane. In addition, sbe has the following internationally acclaimed restaurants and lounges: Katsuya, Cleo, The Bazaar by José Andrés, Fi'lia by Michael Schwartz, Umami Burger, Hyde Lounge and Skybar. More information about sbe can be obtained at sbe.com.
