News Summary
Next Level Brands in Tampa is enhancing its culinary operations through key promotions, elevating Chef Jacob Rios to Director of Culinary and appointing Chef Casey Alfonso as Executive Chef of Union New American. This strategic move emphasizes internal talent development and aims to maintain high standards and foster growth in the competitive dining landscape. The company is focused on operational excellence, culinary innovation, and community engagement while expanding its presence in the Tampa Bay area.
Tampa is witnessing a significant shift in its restaurant landscape as Next Level Brands announces key promotions aimed at enhancing growth and innovation in its culinary operations. Chef Jacob Rios has been elevated to the position of Director of Culinary, while Chef Casey Alfonso has been appointed Executive Chef of Union New American, a well-known restaurant in the area.
Next Level Brands is prioritizing the development of its internal talent to drive its operational strategy and foster a strong company culture. Chef Rios, known for being a winner on Food Network’s “Chopped” and having trained at Le Cordon Bleu, has played a pivotal role in establishing Union’s culinary identity. In his new role, Rios will focus on culinary innovation, establishing standards, and mentoring across all brand properties while sitting on the executive leadership team.
In replacement, Chef Casey Alfonso, a Tampa native, assumes the role of Executive Chef at Union New American. His appointment reflects both a personal and professional milestone, reinforcing the company’s emphasis on teamwork and operational precision in the kitchen. Alfonso brings valuable technical skills and leadership experience that align with the restaurant’s vision.
The founder of Next Level Brands, Jeff Gigante, highlighted the necessity of nurturing leadership from within, particularly as the hospitality industry grapples with challenges in staffing and retention. This internal focus aims to ensure the consistency of brand identity and culture while driving operational excellence across the group.
Strategic Growth Plans
The promotions come at a time when Next Level Brands is pushing forward with expansion plans in the Tampa Bay area. The company is keen on launching new concepts and improving operations while maintaining high standards of guest experience. Union New American, recognized for its globally inspired American cuisine, will continue to focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences featuring wood-fired steaks, handcrafted sushi, and shareable small plates.
Community Engagement and Events
Union has established itself as a community hub, organizing events such as Sunday brunches, happy hours, and live music, enriching the local dining scene and creating strong customer relationships.
The company’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding internal talent aligns with broader trends within the hospitality industry, which increasingly emphasizes rewarding home-grown talent. The dual promotions reflect Next Level Brands’ strategic focus on cultivating leadership from within to uphold a culture of culinary excellence amidst workforce challenges.
With these leadership changes, Next Level Brands is positioned for continued success and growth in Tampa’s competitive dining landscape, concentrating on balancing culinary creativity with operational efficiency to meet evolving customer expectations.
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Additional Resources
- TBBW Magazine: Next Level Brands Elevates Culinary Leadership
- Google Search: Next Level Brands
- FB101: Next Level Brands Promotes Culinary Leadership
- Wikipedia: Restaurant Industry
- St. Pete Catalyst: Forbici’s Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- St. Peterising: Forbici Modern Italian Takes Over
- Google News: Restaurant Promotions in Tampa
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
