Parent to the 10-unit Postino casual-dining chain have plans for growth into new markets
January 21, 2020
Upward Projects, the Phoenix-based parent of the 10-unit Postino wine bar chain, on Tuesday named two new chiefs to the leadership team as the concept prepares for growth.
Anoop Mathew was named chief financial officer of Upward Projects, and Brent Renner was named chief development officer.
Mathew served previously as CFO of San Francisco-based Back of the House Restaurant Group, which is parent to about 30 restaurants, including Super Duper Burgers. Before that, Mathew served as head of finance for Michael Chiarello’s Hospitality Group, and worked for Kimpton Hotels Restaurants.
Renner was previously senior vice president of real estate for the Cava Group in Washington, D.C., parent to the Cava restaurant brand, where he oversaw a portfolio of 345 restaurants across 24 states. Before that, he served as real estate manager for Chipotle Mexican Grill.
“It’s somewhat of a ‘pinch-me moment’ to have two individuals with such incredible experience and expertise in our field join us,” said Lauren Bailey, Upward Projects’ CEO and co-founder. “Beyond their talents, these two people really ‘get’ what we’re set out to do — to bring our brands to new communities, while protecting the authentic culture we’ve worked so hard to establish. They’re going to absolutely blow the doors off this thing, and we’re all so excited to have them on our team.”
In addition to the Postino units across Arizona, Colorado and Texas, Upward Projects also operates concepts such as the pub-and-ice cream shop Windsor & Churn; the woodfired pizza and craft beer drive-thru Federal Pizza; and two Joyride Taco House locations.
In 2017, the Los Angeles-based private-equity firm Brentwood Associates made a significant investment in Upward Projects with plans to grow the Postino brand.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout
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