A former SBE exec has been named CEO of Montclair Hospitality Group, growing parent to the Ani Ramen House brand and other concepts.
Joey Simons was hand-picked by the group’s founder Luck Sarabhayvanija, whose goal is to grow the group’s brands, both in the New York and New Jersey area and elsewhere. He started in the role in August, but the company announced the news on Wednesday.
In addition to the nine-unit Ani Ramen House, Montclair Hospitality Group includes the donut concept Mochinut; the Italian ramen shop concept PastaRamen by James Beard Award-nominated chef Robbie Felice; the Sushi by Bou omakase chain; and the single-unit Thai restaurant Kai Yang in Montclair, N.J. More chef-driven concepts are in development, the company said.
Most locations are in the New York/New Jersey area, but the group has locations in Miami and California, and there are plans to bring the concepts to Las Vegas and Bellevue, Wash.
The company said Simon has already inked deals to bring PastaRamen to Seattle, for example, and the Italian ramen concept is scheduled to open in Montclair this month.
Joey Simons/Photo courtesy of Montclair Hospitality Group.
Simons worked previously as chief operating officer of Los Angeles-based SBE, the multiconcept parent to brands that include Umami Burger, Katsuya, Casa Dani and virtual brands like Krispy Rice and Sam’s Crispy Chicken. Before that, Simon was director of operations for Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group, overseeing a $75 million restaurant portfolio.
“With our plans for business expansion I knew I had to bring in the best,” said Sarabhayvanija, in a statement. “Joey embodies MHG’s path to success and our lead to expand MHG and our suite of dining brands into 2023.”
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