LAS VEGAS, NV � July 17, 2007 - Las Vegas based company,
The Light Group is pleased to announce the addition of Kelley Jones,
former Vice President of Restaurant Operations for the Starr Restaurant
Organization in Philadelphia, as the new President of the company�s rapidly
expanding Food & Beverage Division.
In his new role, Jones will oversee the operations of the company�s
restaurant and nightlife properties which currently include Fix Restaurant
& Bar, Caramel Bar & Lounge and Light Nightclub at Bellagio, Jet
Nightclub, and Stack Restaurant & Bar at The Mirage, and Mist Bar &
Lounge at Treasure Island and upcoming projects including Diablo�s Cantina,
opening at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in September, among several
new concepts and ventures.
Andy Masi, The Light Group�s Managing Partner, commented: �Kelley�s
impressive restaurant background and vast experience overseeing multiple
fine-dining establishments will be an excellent addition to The Light Group�s
restaurant and nightlife division as it continues to grow with more expansion
plans set for the near future.�
Bringing a wealth of experience and all-encompassing knowledge of the
Food & Beverage industry, Jones has previously worked for national
culinary giants including Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group as Vice
President of Operations and China Grill Management as Director of Operations.
Most recently while serving as the Starr Restaurant Organization�s Vice
President of Operations, Jones oversaw the development, day-to-day operations,
marketing, public relations and event sales for the company�s 16 restaurants
in Philadelphia, New York City and Atlantic City including three Buddakan
concepts and two Morimoto concepts among other notables.
In addition, Jones� career-related activities include serving as a
member of the editorial advisory board of Sante magazine. He is a
Charter Member of the Epicurean Club of Las Vegas, previously a member
of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, where he previously served on the
Board of Advisors and also has served on the Hospitality Industry Professionals
of Southern Nevada.
Also the Light Group has hired Noé Alcalá as executive
chef for Diablo�s Cantina. Opening in September at Monte Carlo Resort &
Casino, Diablo�s Cantina is the company�s third restaurant venture.
Alcalá was formerly executive chef at Pink Taco at Hard Rock Hotel
in Las Vegas.
Serving �cross-the-border� Mexican, Southwest and American cuisine
in a lively, fiesta-like atmosphere, the Diablo�s Cantina menu items will
include a cross between south-of-the-border favorites such as the Diablo�s
Skirt Steak Nachos and Spiced Grilled Shrimp Quesadilla plus a unique spin
on some traditional American classics including The Diablo Death Wings,
spicy chicken wings served with a smoked jalapeno blue cheese sauce, and
signature Diablo�s 15-ounce Burger. In addition, Diablo�s will offer
an array of salads and appetizers, taco and burrito combinations and sandwich
and meat platters.
Alcalá�s s inspiration for food started at an early age.
Growing up in Tepatitlán, Mexico, 30 minutes outside of Guadalajara,
he began cooking at age 12 while helping his mother with her at-home catering
business after school. Curious to expand his talent for home-style
Mexican cuisine, he began taking culinary classes in Guadalajara, and eventually
moved to Southern California in the early 90s to pursue his career.
Alcalá took a job at a steakhouse franchise and, like most aspiring
chefs, began working as a dishwasher, but over the course of three years,
moved his way up the ranks and eventually worked as a cook. Anxious
to apply his knowledge of the restaurant business, he returned to Mexico
and opened his own restaurant, La Cocina. Through this endeavor he
cultivated his talent for cooking Mexican cuisine but realized he still
had more to learn.
In 1999, Alcalá moved to Las Vegas and pursued his associate
degree in culinary arts. While completing his degree, he worked as
a line cook at the Hard Rock Hotel. His training, combined with his
natural talent, accelerated his career path and in 2003, he was promoted
from Sous Chef to Executive Chef at Pink Taco.
Brian Massie, The Light Group�s Corporate Executive Chef overseeing
all restaurants, which include Fix Restaurant & Bar at Bellagio, Stack
Restaurant & Bar at The Mirage, and Diablo�s Cantina at Monte Carlo,
comments, �Noé�s Mexican and Southwest upbringing and impressive
experience working with the cuisine will help to ensure that we deliver
an authentic taste profile for all our food items. This, along with big,
clean presentations, will keep customers coming back for the food as well
as the fun atmosphere.�
About The Light Group
The Light Group is one of the nation's leading nightlife, hospitality
and lifestyle development organizations. Founded by Andrew Sasson and his
partner, Andy Masi, The Light Group's properties include Light Nightclub,
FIX Restaurant & Bar and Caramel Bar & Lounge at Bellagio; JET
Nightclub, STACK Restaurant & Bar and Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage;
Mist at Treasure Island and coming this Fall, Diablo's Cantina, a hip cross-the-border
eatery at Monte Carlo. The Light Group is currently developing SpaLofts,
a mid-rise, luxury loft community, and will operate The Harmon Hotel and
Residences, an unparalleled boutique hotel and residential experience at
MGM MIRAGE's CityCenter. More information can be found at www.lightgroup.com |
