Sponsored By
Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

September 24, 2018

1 Min Read
Flavorhook LLC
Flavorhook LLC’s Town Hearth has a World War II minesweeper in a 5,000-gallon glass fish tank.Flavorhook LLC

RH25_2018_200x200_3.jpgThe 2018 class of Restaurant Hospitality's annual RH 25 looks at bold moves made by multiconcept operators — the companies that are crossing segments, shifting operations, building big or pivoting in some way. There is no ranking. These are companies to watch. See all concepts >>

HQ: Dallas

Leadership: Owner/founder Nick Badovinus

Systemwide sales FY2017: Not disclosed

Concepts: Neighborhood Services (2); Neighborhood Services Bar Room & Broiler; Montlake Cut; Off-Site Kitchen; Perfect Union Pizza Co. and Town Hearth

Flavorhook2_pizzaSausageOnionApple_14.jpg

Over-the top decor with a soupçon of restraint remains the design signature of hands-on restaurant creator Nick Badovinus, whose Dallas-based Flavorhook LLC’s portfolio of concepts ranges from laid-back burgers at his Off-Site Kitchen to the 6,000-square-foot Town Hearth with its 5,000-gallon glass fish tank that shows off a submerged vintage World War II minesweeper (painted in vibrant lemon yellow) and 60 sparkling chandeliers.

“I’ve been collecting and stashing away stuff for years,” he said. “It’s really only fun if you can share them, right?”

His designs also offer some pricing flexibility. “Going out to eat has always been about having a good time. The fun factor tends to increase as you go up the pricing ladder,” Badovinus said. “A big night out should involve getting dressed up and going out and seeing something that is a little surprising and amazing and something you can’t get at home or see every day.”

Next: Retail Worx

Previous: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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