FSR September 2022

RI S ING S TARS

THE D.C. DISRUPTOR As hospitality director of Destination Unknown, Kelly Phillips is largely responsible for the experience proprietary to D.C. favorites Espita, Ghostburger, Taqueria Las Gemelas, and Des tino. In addition to providing the group’s sig nature atmospheres, Phillips has also made waves by implementing a tip-free structure at her concepts that allows for a living wage and bonus system for staff. “We’ve shown that we can change and survive for the better,” she says. “I’m inspired by how the industry is shift ing the focus to employee well-being and sta bility. Restaurants can be happy places for everyone and be successful.”

Whitney Mann AGE: 35 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA

LEAH JUDSON THATCHER BAKER-BRIGGS

Kelly Phillips AGE: 37 COFOUNDER, HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR DESTINATION UNKNOWN RESTAURANTS WASHINGTON, D.C.

THE COMPANY WOMAN

Nowadays it’s rare for ambitious, young pro fessionals to stay at the same brand for a decade-plus, but that’s exactly what Whitney Mann has done. She started as a server at East Coast Wings + Grill in 2004 and over the ensuing years has advanced to general manager, corporate administrative assistant, training coordinator, systems analyst, brand field consultant, and director of functional analytics. In March, she was elevated to vice president, and CEO Sam Ballas remarked, “She is truly the embodi ment of our corporate mantra, ‘Never be satis fied.’ I’m confident our brand will continue to grow under her opera tional watch.”

Thatcher Baker-Briggs AGE: 31 FOUNDER, SOMMELIER THATCHER’S WINE CONSULTING SAN FRANCISCO

THE SOMM DON At just 22 years old, Thatcher Baker-Briggs was certified by the Master Court of Sommeliers—an early indicator of an impressive career. Following this certifica tion, he migrated toward the beverage side of restaurants, first at Saison in San Francisco and later Takazawa in Tokyo, where he served as head sommelier and clinched a Best of Excellence Award for the restaurant. In 2019, Baker-Briggs launched his own consultancy whose clients include such lauded institutions as Atelier Crenn, Majordomo, n/naka, and The French Laundry. On the consumer facing side, he’s also created the online bottle shop, Thatcher’s Wine.

EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL

SEPTEMBER 2022

38

FSRMAGAZINE .COM