Francesco and Ignacio

Ignacio Garcia-Menocal & Francesco Balli
Co-CEOs, Grove Bay Hospitality Group
ROI Podcast Episode 72

In CEO Podcast Series by Brandt A. HandleyLeave a Comment

Francesco and Ignacio co-founded Grove Bay Hospitality Group and both are currently its’ Co-CEOs. The group has successfully launched an array of chef driven restaurants in partnership with celebrity chefs such as Jeremy Ford, Marcus Saumelsson, Jeff McInnis, Janine Booth and Giorgio Rapicavoli. Currently, the company owns and operates 9 different restaurants in Miami, and is bracing to launch five more, by the end of 2020.

Grove Bay Hospitality Group was recognized by Restaurant Hospitality in their “RH 25 Most Innovative Multi-Concept Restaurant Groups”, was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as the “#250 Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America”, and was named the “Business of the Year” by the South Florida Business Journal. In addition, Ignacio and Francesco were Finalists for the “EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award” during 2018.

Grove Bay Hospitality Group was created in 2010 with the idea that it would be fully connected to the community. Like our logo, our founders and core team members have deep roots in South Florida. For us, this connection to our community can be in the form of opening a great restaurant, providing new jobs for our fellow Miamians, or even donating our time and resources to the many charities we support.

Named Best Places to Work in 2017 and 2022 by South Florida Business Journal, Grove Bay aspires to enhance the lives of its guests, employees, communities and investors as a restaurant industry leader by developing innovative, memorable and highly successful restaurant concepts. From ingredients to customer service, Grove Bay is committed to delivering only the highest quality across all levels of operation. We believe that if we provide our guests with exceptional hospitality experiences, if we train and take care of our people, and if we’re an active member of our community, then the performance and profits will take care of themselves.

In 2022, two of Grove Bay Hospitality Group’s restaurants were recognized by the world’s most famous restaurant rating guide, Michelin. Stubborn Seed received one Michelin star and Red Rooster Overtown was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Additionally, through incredible chef partnerships, Grove Bay has been a multi-semi-finalist nominee by the James Beard Foundation.



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