Who We Are

DAVID KRISTAL
Chief Executive Officer

David was literally born into the restaurant industry. The son of Embers Family Restaurants founder Henry Kristal, David has a keen sense for what it takes to grow a successful franchise chain. He's inspired by the reaction customers have to Joey's Seafood and Grill. "People crave the food and experiences, and they can't wait to come back for more." His aggressive plans for the chain could also be his personal mantra: "We will exceed the expectations our franchise partners have for Joey's Seafood and Grill, and we will exceed the expectations our team has for themselves."

BRAD BIRNBERG
Chief Operating Officer

Brad lives to make waves. During nearly 20 years in the restaurant industry, he has earned a reputation for developing and executing concepts that have changed the marketplace. "With Joey's Seafood and Grill, we have a chance to create our own niche," he says. "We can truly appeal to customers of all ages and demographics." In pursuit of his goals, Brad is doggedly persistent, and his achievements are legendary. In one day alone, Brad culminated the complex transition of seven corporate to franchise restaurants, with zero disruptions to the existing franchise system. Proving that with the right touch, it is possible to make waves, without rocking the boat.

JON OTTO
Chief Financial Officer

During his 16 years at Embers and Joey's Seafood and Grill, Jon has displayed a sense of balance that would make a tightrope walker jealous. On one side are forces compelling him to grow the franchise at a breakneck pace. On the other, the need to make sure the financial resources are managed to sustain this growth. In the middle, firmly in control, is Jon. He fearlessly steered Embers through the most dramatic growth period in the company's history. Now he is ready to do the same at Joey's Seafood and Grill. "I love sharing the excitement of a fresh concept that has such incredible appeal," he says.

GREG POLING
Senior Vice-President of Market Development

With his quick wit, Greg can crack up everyone in the room, and seconds later, open their eyes to a new market that's ripe with potential. He's a right brain thinker, with a hyperactive left brain that keeps turning all of his creativity into step-by-step strategies that deliver results. With more than 18 years of management experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Greg has spearheaded the development of many successful business ventures. About Joey's Seafood and Grill, Greg says, "There is a tremendous amount of gratification in not only seeing the business vision come to fruition, but also witnessing how receptive the public has been to the concept."

GREG CATE
Vice-President Franchise Sales/Development

If you are visiting a domestic or international destination and want to know where to have a good meal ask Greg he’s been darn near everywhere at least once. Greg’s a seasoned franchise vet having spent 28 years in the franchise industry worldwide. He’s touched every aspect of the franchise discipline from sales, operations and training to real estate and development. “The franchise business like a car engine must be serviced on a regular basis in order for it to run smoothly”.

ADAM KRISTAL
Director of Marketing

Adam thrives on results. In his previous life at KFAN, the Twin Cities leading sports radio station, Adam was one of the station's most sought after producers. He produced a highly rated drive time talk show, was the executive producer of the Minnesota Vikings pre and post-game shows, and produced all the station's outdoor programming. Adam knows how to grab an audience and hold their attention. And that's exactly what he'll do with his marketing plan for Joey's Seafood and Grill. As he says, "Get ready to make the kind of splash franchise owners dream about."

LEIF HAUGEN
Director of Learning and Performance

Leif brings passion to everything he does. Whether he's clinging to the side of a mountain at 13,000 feet, or training future restaurant managers to reach new heights of their own, Leif is irrepressible. During his 25 years in the industry, he's done it all, including overseeing the rapid expansion of Embers from 1998 to 2003. "I get a lot of pleasure out of watching people grow and become successful," he says. Leif is also a bit of a philosopher. "My belief is that if you give people flexible resources and motivation, and if you teach them with respect, there's no end to what they can achieve."

JOHN EISENSCHENK
Vice-President Operations

John has done it all, literally. He began his career at Embers as a dishwasher 35 years ago, and since then has excelled at virtually every position in the company, right up to managing the operations of 27 units. His drive to succeed is contagious, making him an invaluable resource when it comes to training and motivating people. A veteran of eight marathons, John brings that same kind of tireless determination to Joey's Seafood and Grill. His goal is simple: "Do whatever it takes to build the brand fast."

JENIFER CLOUTIER
Vice-President Information Technology

Jenifer isn't your typical computer geek. She admits, "I am not a high-tech person." But when you consider all of her accomplishments, you begin to question her self-assessment. Jenifer has the uncanny ability to size up a business operation, and instantly see how technology could be harnessed to make the process more efficient and cost effective-without boggling minds along the way. In fact, she implemented one of the first Intranet systems at a restaurant chain. At Joey's Seafood and Grill, Jenifer is making sure franchisees have instant access to all the information and tools they need to support their success.

HENRY KRISTAL
Chairman of Embers America

Henry is a legend in the restaurant industry. With 47 years of experience in every facet of the business, Henry knows what it takes to grow a franchise that keeps customers coming back for more. He is an innovator, a strategist, and a reliable sounding board for ideas. His enthusiasm for Joey's Seafood and Grill could light up a room. "Joey's Seafood and Grill has a lively, happy personality to it's concept," he says, adding, "the food is sensational - not only for its price, but for any price."