Al Joseph is the owner and resident guru of Restaurant Guru Group.

_{Click here to download Al Joseph's CV in PDF format.}

PRELIMINARY RESTAURANT GROWTH AND TRAINING

Al’s interest in the restaurant business began when he was a teenager. By the age of 18 he had worked his way up to kitchen manager in an NYC restaurant, and by the age of 19, he was promoted to front house manager. Recognized by other restaurateurs for his enthusiasm and accomplishments, he was soon recruited to assume key role positions in the development of new restaurants from conception to completion. His early “apprenticeship” in the business included orchestrating private banquets for celebrities such as Dustin Hoffman, Joe Namath and Richard Gere.

Al’s private ownership and operation of five successful metro area NYC restaurants put him in the well-earned position of being sought after by other restaurateurs in the tri-state area for his expert advice. He has provided mentoring for a variety of individuals both in, and wishing to enter the restaurant industry. Functioning as chef in his own trendy restaurants, Al’s reputation attracted the attention of various VIP’s, leading to TV exposure on Fox News Show featuring Montel Williams.

RESTAURANT CONSTRUCTION AND CONSULTING

In 2004, Al formed a restaurant and bar construction company known as Restaurant Guru Group, operating in NYC and the surrounding metro areas, including construction projects for The City of New York. At the same time he created a consulting branch to provide a unified vision of successful restaurants, assisting other entrepreneurs in all phases of development from beginning to end: from concept to construction/renovation to profitable daily operations.

(see www.restaurantgurugroup.com/services-list.html)

After exploring other geographical areas in which to become involved, Al decided to enter the Chicago market. In the spring of 2008 he affiliated with a leading restaurant industry consulting firm known as GEC Consultants, Inc. This alliance is now known as GEC/GURU RESTAURANT GROUP. Together they are already providing expert advice and assistance to restaurants, bars and community projects throughout the Midwest.