MEET THE TEAM
Operations / Hospitality & Service Training Expert
Kimmy Wade
Kimmy Wade brings over 20 years of operations experience to the table. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara in Global Studies, Kimmy has gained extensive experience both internationally and domestically. She started her career in the restaurant industry, working her way through every position before transitioning into management in New York City, where she worked for Epicurean Management Group.
In her pursuit of growth and experience, Kimmy returned to California and achieved recognition as one of Zagat’s 30 under 30 while working for Jon and Vinny as the General Manager of Michelin recognized Son of a Gun in 2014. Since then, Kimmy has held prominent roles in some of the most renowned hospitality groups across the country. These include serving as the Operations Manager for One Off Hospitality Group in Chicago, Director of Operations for Michelin starred Citrin Hospitality, and most recently as the NYC Service Director of Hogsalt and FOH Managing Partner of Monkey Bar in New York City.
Culinary Director
Matt Bernero
Chef Matt Bernero has decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, holding positions such as Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine and Culinary Director. Matt has worked in contemporary Michelin-starred dining to high-volume, sustainable steakhouses. He has the proven creativity, culinary capability, and business acumen to develop and execute successful operations, producing desirable outcomes for all stakeholders including investors, owners, staff, and guests. As a sought after chef and consultant, he provides clients with both culinary consulting & menu development as well as exclusive private dining experiences.
CPA
Jed Pines
Pines & Co. is a restaurant accounting business, that is dedicated to providing full service financial solutions that are tailored for the dynamic needs of the food & beverage industry. At the helm of the operation is Jed Pines, offering comprehensive accounting services which include controlling and bookkeeping, payroll management, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Their team of experienced professionals combines expertise in both accounting and the restaurant industry. Jed understands the demands of the operations and the importance of delivering accurate and timely financial information. Pines & Co. strives to be a trusted partner, enabling restaurant owners to focus on their passion for exceptional guest experiences.
HOSPITALITY IS ABOUT HOW YOU MAKE PEOPLE FEEL.
"We support YOUR mission, YOUR vision, and YOUR goals."
LRA Hospitality works with only the best players in the industry, as our client you will gain access to our network of partners and resources.
Founder / SHRM-SPC / General Advisory & Ops
Luciana Autilio
Luciana earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Management, specializing in Hospitality and Italian, from Pace University in New York City. At 15, she began her career in the food and beverage industry, eventually taking on roles such as Director of Operations, General Manager, Assistant Beverage Director, Training Developer, Controller, and Events Coordinator. She has worked at some of New York City’s largest establishments, including The Plaza Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Gramercy Tavern, Il Buco, Il Buco Alimentari, Trestle on Tenth, dell’anima, Anfora, Battersby, and Dover.
In addition to her extensive operations and beverage experience, Luciana is a Senior Certified Human Resource Specialist with significant training expertise. She has written curricula for NYU School of Professional Studies and served as an instructor at ICE Culinary Institute. As Vice President of Learning for Lobster Ink., she developed corporate training solutions for enterprise clients, including Forbes Travel Guide and Marriott.
Creative Director
Jackie Blum
Jackie Blum is a highly talented and creative professional who has over 25 years of experience and a vast portfolio spanning the entertainment, fashion, retail and publishing industries. With an extensive background in visual communication, user experience and a keen eye for detail, Jackie brings a unique blend of artistic vision and strategic insight to her role shaping the brand identity and creating visually stunning experiences for guests on LRA Hospitality's platform and for our clients. She curates captivating aesthetics from creating logos, menu engineering, website design, interior design, branding, marketing and training collateral. Jackie is able to assist our clients with making their ideas come to reality with her unique ability to blend elegance, innovation, psychology and functionality, Jackie is able to drive revenue and increase guest experience through visual excellence.
SHRM-CP / Small Business Services / Training
Nicole Biscardi
An experienced educator and industry expert, Nicole Biscardi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management as well as an MBA in Finance, both from Pace University in NYC where she currently teaches on the Adjunct Faculty. She is also a certified HR practitioner and holds the SHRM-CP designation. In addition to her collegiate-level classroom teaching experience at Pace, Nicole has experience in designing education and training materials for the workplace, and developing customized learning curricula for organizations, non-profits, and government institutions.
Beverage Specialist
Fred Jones
Fred Jones emerges as a true specialist, showcasing a vibrant journey as a Mixologist, Sommelier, Beverage Director, and General Manager across a spectrum of settings. From the chic ambiance of Michelin-starred eateries to the pulsating energy of high-volume nightclubs across the country, Fred's journey is a testament to his multifaceted expertise. Native of Texas, operating out of London, by way of New York, Fred also consults on projects in and throughout Europe. He has the ability to infuse each project with his signature blend of passion, creativity, and technical finesse. Armed with an unparalleled flair, Fred possesses an innate business acumen that harmonizes with his ability to conceive, actualize and execute comprehensive beverage programs.