Michael Ryan
CEO
Mike is a 25 year veteran of the food, hospitality and lifestyle industry.
In his role as Divisional Supervisor for the Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group in Chicago, Michael ran the "Shaw's Division" - the company’s largest and most prestigious division. In 2001 he was recruited by Steve Hanson’s BR Guest Restaurant Group as Regional Director of Operations/Associate Partner, where he oversaw Blue Water Grill, Blue Fin, Ocean Grill, Atlantic Grill and Park Avalon. At the end of 2003, Michael left BR Guest to help open Starwich, a chain of upscale sandwich shops in Manhattan that were recognized within the industry for their style, quality and innovation. In 2005, Nation’s Restaurant News nominated the chain as ‘Hottest New Concept.’
In 2008, Michael brought his experience and acumen to Morgans Hotel Group. As Regional Director of Food and Beverage for New York City, Michael presided over landmark hotels Morgans, Royalton, and Hudson. In early 2011, Richie Notar, long-time Managing Partner of the world’s most successful restaurant chain, Nobu, invited Michael to head up Notar Hospitality. Michael was responsible for targeting and developing brands that fit within the elite company profile of hospitality investments. Michael’s experience at Notar Hospitality helped him to finally launch his own hospitality production company, CHIBAMA.
David Sewell
PRESIDENT - COO
David came to New York City 10 years ago from Alabama due to his love of the theatre. He became a professional actor and director credited with numerous plays, commercials, television shows, and movies. It didn’t take David long to realize that his passion for his secondary job in the food and beverage industry was similar to his love of acting. The quote, “hospitality is theatre that you get to eat, drink, and experience first hand” really resonated with David and he became responsible for launching Vintage New York’s Wine Bar in Soho and UWS with the owners of the “Quilted Giraffe”.
In 2005, David joined Starwich, Inc and quickly rose up the ranks to become the Vice President of Operations of the multiple unit quick casual chain. He followed in the footsteps of his mentor, Michael Ryan, to Morgans Hotel Group (MHG) when he became the Director of Food and Beverage at Royalton Hotel in 2008. He was promoted to Regional Director of Food and Beverage in 2010 overseeing both Morgans and Royalton Hotels. David left MHG in 2012 to form Notar Hospitality with Michael Ryan and Richie Notar. David now oversees all projects from concept development to ‘opening night’.
David’s experience at Notar Hospitality helped him to finally launch his own hospitality production company, CHIBAMA.
