Season’s Greetings,

Job well done everyone! Despite a year that started with Omicron, ended with a Bomb Cyclone and delivered incredible challenges and headwinds throughout, we have once again prevailed. I am so very proud of both the Biaggi’s and the Ancho & Agave brands. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, none of this happens without the tremendous dedication, hard work and leadership of our amazing teams at corporate and in the field. I simply cannot adequately convey my appreciation to each and every one of you for your sacrifices and contributions.

Thank you all so very much.

The very Happiest of Holidays to you and yours … may they be filled with the love of family and close friends.

Todd Hovenden

Congratulations to our Q4 Partner Team: Ashley Bennett and Craig C. Gareiss! 

Ashley Bennett has been with Biaggi’s for over 11 years and moved to our Deer Park location in January of 2017. Craig C. Gareiss has been with Biaggi’s for 4.5 years and ALSO moved to our Deer Park location in January of 2017! This is Ashley’s second time winning Partner Team of the quarter, but the first time winning since transferring to Deer Park. Though Ashley and Craig had not worked together before, they have grown to be a great example of partnership in our company. They work hard every day to grow and maintain their professional relationship together, to break down barriers between BOH and FOH and to manage their restaurant as one.

Ashley and Craig’s ripple effect extends far beyond Deer Park as they are a training powerhouse in our region (and beyond), Craig does a fantastic job helping rollout our KDS systems, and these two can always be counted on for coverage and tutelage throughout the company. In addition to their extra-curricular activities and running a great operation, Deer Park’s team puts out some of the most extraordinary wine dinners I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending; Craig’s amazing culinary skills combined with Ashley’s superb management are molding their entire team to a new level of food and service.

Please join me in celebrating as these two certainly have created a great team in Deer Park and are great partners to one another. I look forward to watching Ashley and Craig’s continued success with Biaggi’s!

-Casey Gru

During the 4th quarter, we moved on from our MP in Davenport and Eric agreed to take on the challenge of getting what was once one of our busiest and most profitable locations back on track while at the same time, keeping an eye on things and supporting the team in CR.

In Cedar Rapids, Eric had spent extended time with a full team and while showing steady sales growth and financial success. It would have been simple to just stay the course and let the results continue without a big shakeup or extra responsibility. In Davenport, not only did he have struggling sales and financial results to overcome with no event coordinator during the busiest of seasons, but he also had to reinvent the culture and attitude that had deteriorated over recent months in the front of house.

Periods 12 and 13 saw a great improvement with Eric on board, something you can all see in recent statements and in the social media comments that have been coming in. Even more impressive to me was the lack of falloff seen in sales growth and financial results in Cedar Rapids, despite his attention being mostly directed to the East. Playing the role of MP in 2 stores as well as leading the event charge during the craziest time of the year was a challenge, but Eric was able to stay ahead of it all with a great attitude and in a manner that showed respectful accountability to the staff in both locations.

Please join me in congratulating Eric on being the Q4 2019 Spirit Award winner!

-Mark Evoy

Season’s Greetings,

If 2019 wasn’t difficult, it just wouldn’t be the restaurant business. Despite the many challenges and headwinds this past year, we have once again prevailed. I am so very proud of both the Biaggi’s and the Ancho & Agave brands. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, none of this happens without the tremendous dedication, hard work, and leadership of our amazing teams at corporate and in the field. I simply cannot adequately convey my appreciation to each and every one of you for your sacrifices and contributions. Thank you so very much.

The very Happiest of Holidays to you and yours … may they be filled with the love of family and close friends.

-Todd Hovenden

Jeff joined the Biaggi’s team over 14 years ago.  He has been the MP of the Colorado Springs unit for the last nine years.  I think this year has been the most challenging year for Jeff, as he has not had the stability of having a Chef Partner in place.  However, as the great leaders do, Jeff has persevered by taking a much more active role in his kitchen.  He also made the commitment to develop his long-term sous, Brian Ulatowski, who is very deserving of the opportunity to run this kitchen.  Jeff has done a tremendous job in the third quarter.  Under his leadership, Colorado Springs has made their sales and PBA.  Currently, Jeff and his team are working on making this the seventh straight year of SSS.  Jeff is a very humble person who gives respect to everyone he works with.  He does hold people accountable, but he makes his expectations very clear, and his staff knows he is fair, even-keeled and most importantly, that he will support them.  Jeff is a pleasure to work with and a very highly valued partner!

-Jim Jackson

In Quarter 3, Sean Swank found that the lead responsibilities in Evansville had fallen directly on his shoulders as we looked to find and train our new Managing Partner. While there was a ton of things he had not been directly involved with in the past, he did not hesitate to step up and figure out how to work through them. On top of having to deal with BOTH Kevin and I, taking on a bunch of new responsibilities and fronting the communication with the corporate office, he had the difficult task of having to support staff and guests alike as they navigated through a ton of emotions in the building. Despite all the extra hours and more stress than he would have ever expected, he pushed through multiple periods without allowing the little things to fall through the cracks.

I have to add, on my first visit to Evansville after they joined my area, I was a bit overwhelmed by the outreach of support for Sean that I received from the guests and staff. I had more people pull me aside to give him praise and support for how he was handling himself and the restaurant than any manager that I can recall over my tenure with Biaggi’s. It was great to see and hear what Sean was able to accomplish when put into such a difficult position. I left that week feeling really good about his leadership in Evansville and what our new MP would be walking into.

As you can see from the pictures of the Spirit Award Celebration in Evansville, Sean has made a real impact on Biaggi’s!

-Mark Evoy

Congratulations to Zach Link, Adam Copley, and Kevin Schlotfeld in Omaha!

Zach Link

Like most of you, I’ve been working restaurants longer than I’d like to admit and I can’t see myself doing anything else. Sometimes it seems like we’re crazy for loving it, but love it just the same. My last role was with Olive Garden and it brought me to Sioux Falls, SD. I spent 5 years with them as the General Manager but with 2 young boys and a stay at home wife we needed to be closer to family. I came to Biaggi’s at the beginning of 2018 because I wanted to relocate back home to Omaha, NE. When I saw that Biaggi’s was looking for a Chef Partner I immediately knew this is where I wanted to be. I have many fond memories of coming here as a guest and I was thrilled at the opportunity to provide that to others. After talking with Jim and doing my working interview with Matt Mickle it solidified in my mind this was the place to be and I have only come to love the people of this company even more. When the opportunity to take over the Managing Partner role came up in March I was incredibly honored to accept the position. Thank you to all those at the home office and restaurant-level that have helped us in Omaha to have the success we had in Q2 and I am looking forward to continued success here in Omaha.

Adam Copley

Born in Denver Colorado and have lived here in Omaha for the last five years. I am married and have two dogs. I love spending my free time gardening, fishing, hanging with my wife and dogs or drinking a beer.  I have worked in the restaurant industry for over 23 years. I started my career with Old Chicago at the age of 16 and worked with them for 20 years. I had the joy of opening 5 new restaurants, trained over 90 managers and worked in 22 Old Chicago locations. After 20 years I left to work in one of Omaha’s local breweries as the production manager. It was a great opportunity and plenty of beer to drink! I have been a part of Biaggi’s for just a short time but I already feel like family here!! I look forward to what the future will bring.

Kevin Schlotfeld

I’ve never been much of a scholar.  It’s not that I don’t believe I’m intelligent.  I’ve always just been more motivated by my own passions.  And in that passion is the knowledge I seek.  All through my youth, I wanted to be a soldier.  After 9/11 I made my decision.  It was a long time from being 11 and watching the towers fall to the time when I was 18 and could act upon it.  I had to finish high school but as I said I wasn’t much of a scholar.  Therefore I had to spend some extra time getting my diploma.  The day after I graduated high school I started the process of becoming an infantryman in the US Army.   Being a Sous Chef at Biaggi’s has everything to do with that decision I made when I was 11.   We all work in an industry that requires a lot of sacrifices.  Those with true passion and drive will make it where they want to be.  And you’ll remember the moment you decided this is what I want.  I couldn’t be more excited and motivated with the direction this team is going. 

With Maple Grove losing 2 front of house managers within a few weeks of each other we put out a call to see if anyone would be able to spend some time in Minneapolis supporting Gary while we got his new manager trained and ready to roll.  MJ offered to do whatever we needed and ended up spending 3 weeks in Minnesota.  His willingness to help was greatly appreciated and his willingness to be away from home for an extended period went above and beyond normal expectations. Of course, MJ will say it was no big deal………but it was!

Thank you!

-Mark Evoy

Please join me in congratulating Jason Chablani and Jessica Wilson in their achievement of winning Partner Team of Quarter 4, 2018!

Jason is going into his 9th year as the Managing Partner of our Algonquin location, but he’s been with the company since September of 2006. Jess is about to finish up her FIRST year as the Chef in Algonquin and has been with us for just 1.5 years. What an achievement for the two of them! Jason and Jess have battled a tough market with a lot of ups and downs in recent history. Most impressive to me is their fortitude and tenacity getting past a new restaurant opening right next door to them in 2017. The brew-house concept is known for their heavy marketing and aggressive discount campaigns, so for our Biaggi’s to come out of their opening year better than before counts as a total WIN in my book! My favorite thing about working with Jason and Jess is how loyal and devoted their teams are to them and to their success. It’s a true family with the team in Algonquin and you can feel that from the moment you walk in the door – I think our guests can too, and maybe that’s part of the recipe for their recent success. I can’t wait to see how the team in Algonquin continues to develop and grow, with Jason’s tenure and wisdom at the helm and Jess’s energy, enthusiasm, and drive to succeed right behind.

Cheers!

-Casey Gru

The Managing and Chef Partners from each winning location can choose from the following prizes:

Piedmont for Two

Microsoft Surface Pro

Trip to Purple Wine + Spirits

Trip to Cline Cellars

Extra Week of Vacation

iPad Pro

Nikon DSLR Camera

Trek Marlin 7 Mountain Bike

Airline Travel Voucher

His and Hers Headphones

Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headset

$750 Amex Gift Card

Craig Gareiss, Ashley Bennett, and I nominated Chris Schwab, FOH Manager in Deer Park, for the Spirit Award winner of Q3 2018. Chris has been with Biaggi’s since February 2007; he started with us as a Host in Naperville, moved into a Serving position, was promoted to a FOH Captain/Bartender and on November 30^th, 2011, Chris earned a FOH manager position in Deer Park. Chris is no stranger to the predicaments of a restaurant and is not afraid of adversarial conditions and the difficulties that come along with them. When he joined me in Deer Park in 2011, we were heading into the holiday season at 100 mph and had just turned over the entire management team (partially due to Deerfield’s opening). We tackled that challenge together with our blood, sweat and, yes, a few tears and now the ‘new regime’ in Deer Park has gotten to experience what an amazing manager Chris is.

Deer Park has had many challenges over the last year, again, turning over most of the management team, but Chris has remained the steadfast pillar to this location. Whether it’s bailing out Pizza or Expo, working a shift on Pantry, digging the service well out or keeping the entire dining room bussed during a fluke rush – He’s there to get the job done and he is a power-house, both BOH and FOH. (I walked into Deer Park on Friday to find him scheduled as the closing Sous and slinging pans on Sauté!) Chris works well beyond his title of Front of House Manager on a daily basis, mostly self-taught. He is truly a self-motivator and it is an inspiration to those around him; he sets a precedent for all the managers and Sous that he has helped train in Deer Park over the years.

Chris has participated and led multiple corporate projects through working with Kevin, Ashley and myself over the years: from training materials for food and beverage, to wine list updates and cocktail recipes, from researching liquor laws and helping create banquet menus and manuals; most recently, Chris was integral in testing the Liquor Pricing Model with Kevin Reed – You name it and he’s probably played a role in it!

Chris has never asked for anything and has been the most loyal teammate Ashley, Craig and I could have wished for, I don’t know how we got as lucky as a company that Chris choose us – and that he has stuck with us through some very hard times on the ‘battlefield’. We would like to reward Chris in this small way for his tenure, his fortitude, his passion for our employees, our restaurants and our guests, his patience and his partnership throughout his career with us – We hope it lasts for years to come and look forward to watching his career with us continue to grow!

-Casey Gru

We often celebrate individuals who have achieved singular or periodic extraordinary results. Other times we recognize individuals who have been consistent and longstanding stalwarts of the Biaggi’s culture. Troy Tomlinson is both of these and more. A few of Troy’s notables:

· By every metric you could think of, Troy runs the busiest, most complicated kitchen in the company. Highest food sales, highest banquet sales, highest ToGo & Pronto, most catering/offsite, highest wine dinner sales. The list goes on.
· He is the literal definition of a local celebrity chef. He is recognized as THE Top Chef in Bloomington/Normal, both anecdotally (he is a face that many in the community recognize and know) and through years’ worth of community based accolades and awards.
· His charitable involvement and contribution to the Bloomington/Normal community is simply too broad in scope give an adequate accounting of. It would be an understatement to say that he is very active in community support and fundraising.
· He’s trained many.
· He’s field tested much.
· He’s facilitated or supported a ton of menu development and ideation.

In the interest of brevity (though not for lack of content), I’ll stop the list here.

Troy is simultaneously a General and a Soldier. He’s led Bloomington’s kitchen into battle for 11 years (in Eden Prairie as a Sous and Omaha & Maple Grove as CP before that). But he’s also a guy who never shies away from the trench work; providing an exceptional example of the behaviors and skills he expects and holds accountable.

Troy celebrated his 15th Biaggi’s anniversary this month, as he does most of his incredible accomplishments; quietly, with dignity and restrained fanfare. I suggest we make some noise and toot some horns that he would never do himself.

-Kevin Reed

I am very excited to announce John Leiendecker and Matt Mickle as our Partner Team for the 2^nd Quarter. They took over as Partners of the West Des Moines location in January of 2016 after almost six years working together in the BOH.  Together they have worked hard as Partners to figure out the intricacies of our day to day operations and to continue to improve on their standards period by period.  I look forward to watching them earn this award on a regular basis for many years to come!  Please join me in congratulating John and Matt as our 2^nd Quarter Partner Team.

-Mark Evoy

As you all know, we closed the Rochester restaurant during the first part of Quarter 2.   I can personally tell you this was the hardest thing from an emotional stand point that I have ever been a part of in my restaurant career.  I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it was on those who worked side by side with the managers, chefs, staff and guests every day.  With that in mind, I believe that Lorelei McGee is truly deserving of this Quarters Spirit Award. 

I made Lorelei aware of the Rochester closing decision shortly before the actual date and well before we were ready to announce it to the local staff.  After her initial surprise , she looked at me and said “I understand the decision, what do we need to do to make this as smooth as possible for everyone.”  She had to carry that knowledge with her for over a week while still staying positive and keeping her focus on the day to day responsibilities of the job.  When the day came to shut down, Lorelei was the one who made the calls to our long time employees to break the news and she was the one who greeted all of he staff as they met at the restaurant to get the final information we had to share with them.   She was able to put together a solid group of managers and staff to help with the cleaning, emptying and turnover of the restaurant to the landlord and had 95% of the this accomplished in the first 4 days of being shut down.  The attitude these people brought into the building throughout the whole experience was a direct reflection on Lorelei and would have made any member of Biaggi’s proud.   I know in her heart Lorelei will not think of this as a great experience but to me her attitude and actions during this difficult time really showed how much she cares about her people and how well she represents Biaggi’s.

-Mark Evoy

Here are the latest leaderboard scores:

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Please join me in congratulating Jay Hibbert and Mike Carlson on their achievement of Partner Team of the Quarter for Q1 – 2018.

Jay joined Biaggi’s in May of 2014 and is coming up on his 4^th anniversary with Biaggi’s. Mike joined us just a brief year later in September of 2015. Together, these two have weathered many a restaurant storm and, after a perilous career with Mac Grill prior to joining Biaggi’s, these two are some of the best in “Guerrilla Restaurant Management”. Their war stories are some of the best that I have ever heard! Needless to say, these guys are true Brand Ambassadors for Biaggi’s. They’ve seen the other side of restaurants and appreciate what a great company we are to work for. Our Carmel location has not been without it’s challenges; from opening this restaurant, we have had to endure extreme traffic and construction concerns. Now, almost 6 years later we are thankfully and gratefully on the other side. Jay and Mike have always showed up with smiles on their faces and a Mountain Dew in their hands, ready to dig in to get the job done. Congratulations again Jay and Mike!

PS – Good luck in Vegas Jay!

-Casey Gru

Chelsea is one of the most dedicated people I have had the pleasure to work with.  What she has done in quarter one exemplifies great leadership.  She decided, after we lost our CP, that she was going to learn our kitchen just like a CP would.  She immersed herself doing everything she could to educate herself on the full operation of the kitchen. She got her hands into everything!  This was all done during the most challenging time in our kitchen, as she was short a CP and a sous!  She constantly worked six days a week, and never complained.  We didn’t lose a single member of the kitchen staff, and I know her management team all raised their game to follow her lead.  This week, our new Chef Zach Link will arrive in Omaha.  I am so excited to see where Chelsea and Zach can take this restaurant. 

Chelsea, you continue to impress me. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. 

-Jim Jackson

Ashley Bennett started as an hourly employee in Algonquin in May of 2007. She’s since grown from FOH Manager in Algonquin to Managing Partner in Naperville (and has recently transferred to Deer Park). Nate Smith started his Biaggi’s career path as a BOH hourly employee in Deer Park’s kitchen in September of 2009. He was promoted to sous chef there and then to Chef Partner in Naperville.

2017 was a banner year for Ashley and Nate, and Naperville. As a team, they exceeded budgeted sales and PBA in every quarter and posted the highest annual sales AND PBA in Naperville’s history. This was accomplished through a combined commitment to exceeding guests expectations and delivering an exceptional food/service/facility experience while simultaneously creating a motivating and fun environment for their employees. Though everyone in Naperville was sad to see Ashley leave, we are all excited to watch her and Nate’s continued success. We are definitely a better company with them as a part of.

Congratulations to the 2017 fourth quarter winner, Patrick Trainor!

Pat with some of the Ridgeland, Mississippi staff after he showed them the finer techniques of shoveling snow and doing parking lot doughnuts!

This year Pat made a commitment to find and develop internal candidates to move into captain roles and eventually be ready to help support other units and be in line for Sous Chef openings as they occur. He has a solid team so he know this work is going to help the entire company as we strive to find great people to put into our management positions. In the 4th quarter, this commitment really came together and has allowed Pat and his Davenport team to be able to lend numerous weeks of support to the field in Ridgeland, Des Moines and Middleton.

To finish out the year, he has a captain that is now promotable and one nearing the point where she will be available to help support outside of the unit. In November, Pat himself was able to turn over the reins of his store to his Sous’s and Captains so that he could make an extended trip to Ridgeland (his second this year) to continue and help get that BOH back on the right track. At the end of his time there we were in a much better position but Pat realized they still will need continued follow up as we get a new chef trained and in the building and he let me know he felt it made sense for him to be the guy to go back… so if you need him, call Ridgeland as he’ll be there for the next 2 weeks!

Thanks Pat!

-Mark Evoy

Welcome to the new Biaggis.net… The site is still being developed as we explore new ideas.

Congratulations to the 2017 Fab Five Winners

1st. Colorado Springs (Jeff Jenkins & Tom Carroll)

2nd. Loveland (Kevin Mitts & Keith Ungerer)

3rd. Davenport (Keith Behr & Patrick Trainor)

4th. Naperville (Nathan A. Smith & Ashley Bennett)

5th. Omaha (Chelsea Powell)

The Managing and Chef Partners from each winning location can choose from the following prizes:

Viva Vineto!

Piedmont for Two

Microsoft Surface Pro

55″ Samsung Curved 4K TV

Trip to Sonoma California

Extra Week of Vacation

iPad Pro

Outdoor Upgrade

Nikon DSLR Camera

$750 Amex Gift Card

I hope everyone is having an absolutely wonderful Holiday Season thus far.

I want to jump the gun a little and wish all of you a very very HAPPY NEW YEAR, but I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for a successful 2017. We have so much to be thankful for here at Biaggi’s and I am particularly thankful and proud of our amazing leadership team … both in the field and here at corporate.

As we go through the busy holiday season, I am often reminded of the tremendous personal sacrifices that this industry requires of all of you and the unselfish manner in which you make these sacrifices. You are professionals in every sense of the word and, in my opinion, the strongest leadership team in the industry.

A very heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you. Be safe as we end the year and let’s get off to an amazing start in 2018,

– Todd

Unfortunately, not all children wake up at home on Christmas day to gifts under the tree. Some children wake up to the sights and sounds of a hospital and Christmas just doesn’t feel the same.

For the past several years, Charlene Long has hosted a “giving tree” at our location which provides wishes for many of these children. With the contribution of staff, guests and local organizations, Charlene has gifted hundreds of families that without her help wouldn’t be able to afford gifts for these children. It is a heartwarming event to see the annual happiness she brings to these children on the day they receive their gifts with an in store Christmas party – complete with Santa, Mrs. Clause and their Elves.

Charlene truly reflects the true meaning of Christmas.

-Jeff Jenkins

Congratulations to Chelsea Powell and Aaron King from Omaha as the Q3 Partner Team of the Quarter!

Chelsea and Aaron have been working under the same roof for 5 years. Aaron has been with us for 16 years! Chelsea is just completing her first full year as the GM of Omaha. One of the things that I am most proud of is that team Omaha leads the company with the largest YOY increase in gratuity. They are .48 up YTD and the next closest unit is up .24. We all talk about creating a fun upbeat environment to work in – they live it! Both Chelsea and Aaron have had to work many extra hours as we have been short 2 sous chefs. I have to give Aaron a lot of credit, as his food has stayed top notch! They are finally starting to hit their stride with a lot of new hires and we are excited to see the training pay dividends. It takes more than a year to forge a great partnership, but I like where these 2 leaders are headed. Please join me in recognizing Chelsea and Aaron on this great accomplishment!

On Sunday, September 24th Chef Partner Craig Gareiss completed the Chicago Half Marathon … and proudly represented Biaggi’s by sporting a logo-ed shirt. Congratulations to Craig for completing his first half marathon and thank you for the 13.1 miles of promotional exposure throughout the city of Chicago.