800 Degrees Pizza Appoints Hospitality Veteran Tommy Lee as CEO
800 Degrees Pizza, an authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria serving top quality, chef-driven offerings, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tommy Lee to the position of chief executive officer, effective immediately. Lee brings more than 25 years of experience in the industry to the role, including successful stints at several well-known restaurant groups. Lee will drive company operations, as well as the employee and guest experience, working in concert with Founder and Executive Chef Anthony Carron, who leads the company’s culinary operations. Carron and Lee will work with Scott Berkowitz, 800 Degrees Pizza’s chief development officer, on planning the company’s ongoing growth and expansion into new markets.
“Tommy has extensive knowledge in day-to-day restaurant management, and understands the significance of operating efficiency and a guest-centric focus,” said Carron. “I am confident that his business expertise combined with the quality of our product will elevate the brand to a new level.”
800 Degrees is unique in the market as it’s the only fast-casual pizza restaurant that boasts culinary leadership with the experience and pedigree of its founder, Chef Anthony Carron, formerly of the Michael Mina Group. Since its debut in 2012 in Los Angeles, 800 Degrees has set itself apart from its competitors by offering authentic, Old World pizzas with hand-stretched dough and premium-quality cheeses, produce and charcuterie, all served in a polished and elegant “date worthy” atmosphere perfect for a night out. Quality is the brand hallmark, from the culinary offerings to the impeccable interior design and friendly, efficient staff.
Lee most recently served as the CEO of Rockfish Seafood Grill based in Dallas, Texas, from 2010 to 2016, managing the brand’s 15 locations. Additionally, he held several management positions, including vice president of operations at Brinker International, where he was responsible for the performance of more than 500 Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants, and On the Border Cafes in the western region.
800 Degrees Pizza currently operates locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tokyo and Dubai. In 2017, the brand is poised for further growth, including new locations in the Middle East and Miami. 800 Degrees locations are open seven days a week with many restaurants open until 2 a.m. For more information, please visit 800degreespizza.com.
About 800 Degrees Pizza
800 Degrees Pizza is an authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria serving top-quality, gourmet wood-fired pizza with an Italian soul and American heart. 800 Degrees was founded in January 2012 by Chef Anthony Carron, with the first location opening in the Los Angeles district of Westwood Village to much fanfare. 800 Degrees subsequently opened additional locations Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tokyo, and Dubai.
Since its debut, 800 Degrees has set itself apart from its competitors due to its uniquely handmade pizzas with hand-stretched dough and high-quality cheeses, produce and charcuterie, all served in a polished, “date-worthy” atmosphere. Chef Anthony Carron strives to honor the heritage of Old World Italian tradition, in which the integrity of ingredients is paramount. The 800 Degrees menu highlights fresh, local ingredients along with premium cured meats and flour imported from Italy. 800 Degrees utilizes specially designed wood-fired stone hearth ovens that burn almond wood with temperatures reaching 800 degrees Fahrenheit at the oven base and 1200 degrees Fahrenheit at the roof so that each pie bakes to perfection in less than 90 seconds.
