Jeff Goodman has been named CEO of American Gonzo Food Corporation, headquartered in Venice, CA. The company portfolio to date includes 12 locations; Pitfire Pizza (9), Superba Food + Bread (2), and a full service bakery. Goodman took over in February 2016, relocating to Los Angeles from the East Coast.

A seasoned restaurant executive, Goodman most recently served as Vice President of Operations for Philadelphia based Starr Restaurant Organization, managing over 3,000 employees across 33 locations. During his tenure, with Stephen Starr, Goodman helped develop and open several critically acclaimed restaurants:   Upland and The Clocktower in New York City, Le Diplomate in Washington DC, and The Continental and Le Zoo in Miami. He also played an invaluable role in Starr operations and concepts- Buddakan, Serpico, Barclay Prime, El Vez, Parc, The Danedelion and Makoto.

Prior to Starr, Goodman served as Chief Operating Officer of King’s Seafood Company overseeing 18 restaurants in Southern California.  He developed two new concepts- PierBurger in Santa Monica and Fish Camp in Sunset Beach in addition to renovating and re-conceptualizing Water Grill, a Michelin starred seafood restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles.

Goodman is the first to hold a CEO position for the corporation. Jeff’s new CEO position will allow Hibler to continue to generate ideas and concepts in his founder role and have a strong partner in collaboration, growth in business, and concepts. Paul Hibler opened the first Pitfire Pizza in 1997 and later founded American Gonzo Food Corporation in 2012.

“Jeff Goodman brings an incredible wealth of experience, both creative and operationally, to our tribe.  There comes a time in the life of any strong company where the skills of the founder don’t necessarily match the needs of a company as it grows and matures.  Jeff has already delivered a level of leadership that has energized all involved.  I am very happy to be working with him, ” shares Paul Hibler, Founder, American Gonzo Food Corporation.

As a whole, American Gonzo is in development: refining existing concepts and under construction with new doors to be revealed in 2017. The company remains committed to making good food more accessible using the best ingredients and delivering it with impeccable service throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

“A move back to California was always in the cards for me and I have been a fan of Paul and his restaurants for a long time,” says Goodman.  “Pitfire Pizza and Superba Food + Bread stand for such great quality and value and being a part of those teams is infinitely rewarding.  I am enjoying the challenges of steering this great company towards a position of ongoing development and growth,” adds Jeff Goodman, CEO, American Gonzo Food Corporation.

For more information, go to www.americangonzofoodcorp.com .