GETTING ACQUAINTED

In a recent conversation with the new GM of Boca, I had the opportunity to speak with Tim Fannin about his experiences at ZED451 thus far. Here's what Tim had to say:

JG: What have you learned about the brand and company since being in Chicago? (Tim's in Chicago these days absorbing all he can so that when he 's back in Florida, Boca will be blown away.)
TF: Gosh, I've learned so much. The warmth and approachability of the concept for the guest and the reaction that people have when they see the space, try the food and engage with the staff really encompasses all that ZED451 is to me. These are the reasons you get into the business in the first place, right?

JG: Where are you originally from?
TF: Jacksonville, FL

JG: Oh, you must be a Gator fan?
TF: Well, at one time I was but then I moved to Louisiana and quickly became and LSU fan.

JG: What's your background?
TF: After graduating from college, I worked in the insurance business for almost 11 years (never overly happy with that). When I realized that wasn't fulfilling and I started wondering what I wanted to do when I grew up, I took a position at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse as a server. I climbed the ladder into management and have been hooked on the industry ever since.

JG: When you're not working, what do you like to do?
TF: I love spending time with my kids (I have a 16 year old daughter and a 14 year old son), going the beach, spending time outdoors and catching a game any chance I can.

JG: What are you most excited about in taking this great new concept to Florida?
TF: I'm really excited about introducing it to South Florida. There's nothing down there like this. When people arrive and see the place, they're going to be shocked as it's nothing like anything they're ever seen before.

JG: Anything else you'd like to share with us? What's your favorite thing to eat at ZED451?
TF: Oh gosh - I love the beef short ribs. They're amazing! We also just started doing a new bison dish. There's nothing like this in Florida so having an exotic meat on the menu is really cool. I also love the Cucumber Sage Martini and new Pineapple Martini. We're using fresh squeezed pineapple juice and it's like biting into a fresh pineapple. Another thing I love are the people. I've been meeting with the senior management team on a regular basis and it feels so good to work with a group of people who have a similar philosophy as I do; their energy and mindset just speak to the kind of people they are and it only reinforces my decision to work here everyday.

JG: Thanks Tim....it was great talking with you and I look forward to working together.

Jen Gurvey
Marketing Manager
Tavistock Restaurants

GREETINGS

Hello Boca! I can't tell you how excited I am to introduce you to ZED451! As I told Bryan, it has been a REALLY long time since I was excited about getting to the restaurant in the morning!

Friends and family have been asking me to describe ZED451...what's the food like? The atmosphere? The people? I have to tell you that there is truly nothing like ZED451 in Boca. The culinary team goes to great lengths to provide our guests with some things that are comfortable, and perhaps something that you haven't tried before. The food and drinks are amazingly fresh and seasonal. As for the cocktails, we have created a Liquid Market that is also fresh and seasonal...you will want to try everything, I promise! How about a Cucumber-Sage Martini? Or a Bing Cherry Bourbon Lemonade? How to decide, now that's the problem.

Keep checking back for updates, pictures of the construction progress and comments from me and Chef Armando.

Bill, Daniel and Bryan...thanks for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to introduce Boca to ZED451!

Tim

SNIPITS, MOVIES AND MORE

Have you ever been on You Tube? We're thinking we should add some video clips to the blog to showcase the build-out of the new space. People want to know what's going on, and what a better way to see it first hand.

Check back soon to get a glimpse at ZED in progress. In the meantime, the photo here is something you should get used to seeing.

TIM, THE NEWEST GUY IN TOWN

You've been on board for just a few days and who knew you'd be blogging before you served your first meal. The way to start a new gig is to dive in head first. Just let us know when you come up for air. This is going to be an exciting journey and we're glad you're on board. Hope things are going well while you're in Chicago; just soak it all in until the opening of Boca. We're all looking forward to working with you and we hope you are too.

By the way, tell us a little about yourself Tim. After all, the new kid on the block always goes first...