About us.
Committed to innovation and unwavering quality, Ciao Hospitality Group strives to earn each guest's repeat business. The company was founded with a vision to rejuvenate exceptional brands and propel their sustained long-term growth. Recognizing the current daunting challenges disrupting the small hospitality business, our founder seized the opportunity to begin developing a distinctive group-one that harmoniously brings together unique, yet complementary brands, with the aim of enhancing their strength beyond individual capacities.
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Fueled by a genuine passion for culinary excellence and a steadfast commitment to hospitality, the team diligently works to ensure that each brand in our portfolio delivers exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. We know our success will be grounded in hard work, strategic planning, and a profound understanding of the hospitality business.
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As we continue our journey of growth and expansion, our steadfast focus remains on the guest experience, with a dedicated commitment to providing value. Armed with a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, Ciao Hospitality Group is poised for ongoing growth and expansion in the years to come.
Jeff Crivello
Co-Founder & Managing Member
Jeff Crivello, the visionary behind Ciao Hospitality Group, believes in the entrepreneurial spirit that resides in every human when they care. As a seasoned operator and leader, Jeff specializes in understanding and implementing complex operational improvement plans, and optimizing capital allocation strategies in the context of a company’s growth initiatives. Previously, Jeff served as the Chief Executive Officer of BBQ Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BBQ), an international owner, operator and franchisor of restaurants. He was Chief Financial Officer of a restaurant and consumer focused investment fund, Managing Member of a commodity investment firm, and has served on several public company Board of Directors- All with a dedication to hospitality.
Charles Davidson
Co-Founder
Chuck co-founded Wexford Capital LP, a registered investment advisor, in 1994 and serves as its Chair and Chief Investment Officer. He also has primary responsibility for the overall strategic direction of Wexford’s investment activities, serves as the Portfolio Manager for the Wexford Spectrum Funds, the Wexford Catalyst Funds, and the Wexford Credit Opportunities Funds and is the Chair of the hedge fund investment committee. From 1984 to 1994, Mr. Davidson was a General Partner of Steinhardt Partners, L.P. where he was responsible for all fixed income arbitrage, risk arbitrage, private equity, distressed/bankruptcy and special situation investments of the multi-billion dollar hedge fund. From 1977 to 1984, Mr. Davidson was employed by Goldman Sachs & Co. where he was the head of domestic corporate bond trading and proprietary trading. Mr. Davidson holds a MBA and a BA in economics from the University of California – Los Angeles.