Staffing

Montclair Hospitality Group names CEO

January 5, 2023

Montclair Hospitality Group, which owns a mix of casual and fast casual restaurant brands, has hired Joey Simons as CEO.

"With our plans for business expansion, I knew I needed to bring in the best. Joey embodies MHG's path to success and our lead to expand MHG and our suite of dining brands into 2023," MHG Founder Luck Sarabhayvanija said in a company press release. "Not only does Joey have the extensive experience and knowledge that will put MHG on top, but his passion for the industry is unrivaled."

MHG owns Ani Ramen House, Mochinut, pastaRAMEN, Sushi by Bou and Kai Yang with several concepts in development. Under Simons' leadership, MHG has inked deals to bring pastaRAMEN restaurant to Seattle, as well as Montclair, New Jersey. This follows the recent success of the group's pastaRAMEN culinary pop-ups in Los Angeles and Miami helmed by Chef Robbie Felice.

"I am thrilled to join Luck and the MHG team to drive success through this exciting time for the company," Simons said in the release. "The sky is the limit for our talented team and we are thrilled to begin announcing some of the exciting new partnerships and business expansion in the new year. We are looking forward and with great things to come!"

Prior to joining MHG, Simons served as COO and chief of staff for sbe, which owns Umami Burger, Krispy Rice, Sam's Crispy Chicken and Kumi. He's also served as director of operations for Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group.