WILMINGTON, N.C. — Port City Java has announced the appointment of Steve Schnitzler as chief executive officer, effective Jan. 29. Schnitzler has more than 11 years experience with Port City Java, serving most recently as director of operations.
After graduating with honors from the Culinary Institute of America in 1989, Schnitzler began his career in kitchens throughout New York and New Jersey. Upon moving to Wilmington, N.C., in 1994, he became executive chef of Front Street Brewery, where he remained for two and a half years.
Schnitzler joined Port City Java in 1998, just three years after its launch in 1995. He started as Café manager of the Lumina Station location and was promoted to director of operations shortly after.
During his tenure at Port City Java, Schnitzler has been instrumental in the creation of many of the company's business protocols, including its franchise model. Under Schnitzler's leadership, corporate cafes have grown to include 13 company-owned cafes, 21 franchised, two licensed and two international cafes.
He assumed the CEO position less than two months after the Dec 23, 2008, departure of Port City Java founder and chief operating officer, Don Reynolds.
