Management Team / Advisory Board Bios
Eric Ferrone
Operating Partner
Eric Ferrone has been involved in all aspects of the service industry throughout his entire life. Like the rest of the team Eric has spent time operating in all facets of the industry, many of his years with this team. Eric has had a part with national concepts such as American Junkie, El Hefe and Bottled Blonde between 2009‐2019. Most recently, Eric was an Operational Partner at Bottled Blonde in Chicago where he and his partners transformed a former sushi restaurant into one of the highest volume restaurant / bars in Chicago. Eric’s mindset has always been suited for managing the team and creating opportunity. Understanding how to create meaningful relationships within the surrounding community helps maintain a strong and healthy work environment. Working in an industry of throwing parties he knows how to seamlessly blend both aspects of having fun and running a business subsequently creating a healthy work environment and culture that resonates with the staff. This is directly transferred to the customers by means of a memorable or enjoyable experience which drives repeat business.
Edward Oakes
Operating partner
Edward Oakes spent almost 20 years in the bar / restaurant industry in operations alone. He has worked nearly every position from dishwasher starting in the mid 90’s moving on to hold every position along the way to now operating partner in 2020, working in the Scottsdale, Chicago and Dallas markets. Before and during his time working in bar / restaurant operations, he received his degree in Architectural Technology and has worked full time as a draftsman for both architecture firms and interior designers, prior to that he worked as a carpenter in residential construction. This combination eventually led to providing design and building services to the venues he would operate at night, along with neighboring venues. Edward has a very unique skill set most teams don’t have in the understanding of functional layout designs not only from the service standpoint of the employees but also from the perspective of a builder and designer. He has been involved in numerous restaurant / bar builds and openings throughout the country, bridging the gap between what work contractors normally would not perform and what it takes to have a supremely functional and efficient space. He understands the areas that become maintenance issues and can be proactive in the solution. Aside from the necessities Edward enjoys collaborating with the team on creating new and innovative ways to help the party along whether that’s through props, presentation material, interactive customer pieces, or anything that brings life to the party.
Trent Quintanilla
Managing partner
Trent Quintanilla carries twenty years of excellence in food service, bar operations and business management. A self driven individual who, through the passion and love for this industry, learned every aspect of running a successful establishment. Trent has experience in all departments of the business from sales and marketing, creating menu design, as well as hosting corporate events and building relationships. He’s hired, trained, and coached staff members on customer service skills, food and beverage knowledge as well as health and safety standards, creating cross training programs ensuring front of the house staff members were able to perform confidently and effectively in all positions. He remembers the lessons he learned along the way, instilling good habits that have become standard. Bartending has taught him how to keep a clean and organized bar that offers excellent drinks. His past experience in fine dining has given him innovative ideas on how to create high end hospitality in any bar or restaurant environment. Providing a family culture and creating high moral work environments, holding others to do the job to the best of their abilities has always been of utmost importance. Trent will never shy away from rolling his sleeves and doing what needs to be done to help any others and the business. His passion for this industry has not withered over the years, only grown.
