General Manager

ANDREW KAPLAN

Andrew Kaplan grew up on the south shore of Long Island and Manhattan, later in his teens moving with his family to a small island off the southwest coast of Florida named Captiva Island, where Andrew’s father purchased a franchise chain G.D. Ritzy’s. Here is where he learned all aspects of operating a high-volume fast-food restaurant. After running the franchise for several years, father and son decided to convert the fast-food restaurants to a full service 50’s style diner named The Ritz Diner. Andrew oversaw all aspects of the daily operations of the business and developed his skills in the kitchen.

After nine successful years of operating these restaurants, Andrew accepts an exciting opportunity to work for a family friend, Bruce Bozzi, owner of the famous The Palm Restaurant in New York City. At the Palm, Andrew works in various aspects of the restaurant business, learning more about food preparation, service, and managing a large restaurant.

Andrew continued to hone his skills joining up with celebrity Chef Mark Militello in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at Mark’s Las Olas and Boca Raton, Florida, at Mark’s on the Park. After that, with recognized skills, Andrew is offered a Chef position under Chef Gerard Pinault owner of The Village Café and Viva Café in Captiva Island, Florida.

Two more stops in his career strengthen his restaurant management skills, both at Chef Terrence Brennan’s Artisanal (a French brasserie with an emphasis on cheese) and Prime 112 (a steakhouse on South Beach). Andrew was effective in helping to develop Prime 112 into one of the highest-grossing restaurants in the country. Prime 112 continues its success, as well as a home for many celebrities to eat when they come into town.

In Andrew’s free time, he loves to discover new restaurants, eat great food, and drink delicious wine. Along with camping, fishing, boating, and spending time in the outdoors.