Bottleneck Management announces the appointment of a new leader to join the management team, Chief Operating Officer Mark Gray. As the company’s Chief Operating Officer, a position that is new for Bottleneck Management, Mark will oversee all departments within the organization, leading the operations, human resources, finance, marketing, and development teams to deliver the strategic, operational goals, and objectives of the organization.

Gray joins the Bottleneck Management team after working at Barfly Ventures, originally as their Chief Operating Officer and then as their Chief Executive Officer. He led multiple restaurant openings, including taking HopCat restaurants from two locations to 17.
 
Previous to his work with Barfly, Gray worked as a General Manager for Yard House, where he eventually was promoted to Director of Operations, overseeing the southeast region. He had also held positions as General Manager at On The Border Mexican Grill, and General Manager and Managing Partner at Chili’s. Gray’s more than 20 year career in the restaurant industry began in the kitchen after attending culinary school at The Art Institute of Atlanta.
 
“We couldn’t be more excited for Mark to join us. We believe he is the perfect person to guide us through the next stage of our growth,” says Nate Hilding, Partner and Co-owner of Bottleneck Management. “His career history aligns perfectly with our concept and his work ethic is unparalleled. His executive experience and leadership will be a huge asset for us.”
 
Bottleneck Management Inc. manages and operates restaurants and bars throughout the United States. Founded in 2001, venues include City Works, Old Town Pour House, South Branch Tavern & Grille, Sweetwater Tavern & Grille, and The Boundary Tavern & Grille.