Meet Our Team
For proprietor Brian Piccini, the road to becoming one of Boston’s most successful restaurateurs was hardly a typical one. But this atypical journey, powered by his endless well of energy and passion for the business of hospitality, has made his third restaurant endeavor, Boston Chops, an instant Boston classic, even garnering awards on the national level. Through his leadership as CEO and steadfast attention to detail, Piccini developed the unique and successful portfolio of Boston Urban Hospitality.
Piccini’s first experience in the industry came at the age of 18, where he became the pianist for The Top of the Hub and learned the ins and outs of the guest experience. Even while working full-time as a server and bartender, his entrepreneurship couldn’t be contained by hospitality alone—he also opened a studio and produced dance music, studied neuroscience at Northeastern and developed real estate—using his earnings from his restaurant jobs. This 360-skill set coupled with a relentless desire for discovering new places and experiences through global travel perhaps explain best Piccini's gift at transforming failed restaurant spaces into vibrant, successful, award-winning businesses.
Brian Piccini
Owner
Mitch Hayes is the reason this multi-restaurant group runs so smoothly. After Mitch worked with Washington DC’s Stir Food Group, he joined us in 2010 as a spirited and hands-on General Manager, who has been instrumental in growing our business in every position he held.
His experience working cross-functionally means he can press pause on overseeing our management teams in order to host, expedite, serve or bartend. He can even talk wine pairings with our guests as a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Mitch Hayes
Director of Operations
Chef Christopher Coombs has become one of Boston’s top chefs and restaurateurs. Known for his impeccable culinary technique and love of seasonal, local ingredients and his mastery of the perfect steak, Coombs oversees the culinary teams at his three restaurants: Boston Chops, Deuxave, and dbar.
Under Coombs leadership, Boston Chops consistently shows up on Best of Boston lists and earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Boston Chops was voted Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Steakhouse” in 2015. Being named one of “Forbes 30 under 30” in 2012 catapulted Coombs onto the national stage. He works with influential brands including Mercedes-Benz and Hood Dairy as a brand ambassador and has been speaking at trade and education events around the country. He has appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped” and was featured in Food & Wine magazine.
Coombs lives with his wife and new son Carter in Boston and like any good born and bred New Englander supports the Red Sox and the Patriots with unabashed loyalty.
Chris Coombs
Owner/Chef