Concept Entertainment, Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill’s parent company, named Grant Norrid the new CFO of the company. Norrid has an extensive background in the restaurant industry and will be a great addition to the company as the expansion of Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill in multiple states ramps up.
Norrid brings his expertise to Concept Entertainment from his 10-plus years of experience in the industry. Norrid was the Director of Franchise Development at Jack in the Box from 2008–2011 and was the Chief Financial Officer of leading franchise company, Yadav Enterprises, Inc. from 2011–2018. During his time at Yadav Enterprise he was the CFO for 350-plus restaurants across eight franchised concepts in seven states.
Thirsty Lion currently has three locations planned to open next year across Texas, Colorado and Arizona with plans to have growth moving to the east in coming years. After 2019, Concept Entertainment will be opening three to four Thirsty Lion locations per year.
In addition to Grant Norrid’s expertise, Marci Rude, Chief Development Officer and Andria Graham, Director of Development were hired on last year to assist with the upcoming rapid development. Marci Rude has 25 years of experience in the industry and is widely known in the real estate world for her impressive track record of achievements in management and implementation of developments. Rude is also well recognized for her results oriented manner as she was responsible for the national expansion of the Kona Grill Brand. Rude was also responsible for creating and managing the development process from site selection through construction during P.F. Chang’s most aggressive expansion years from 2001 – 2008.
Andria Graham, Director of Development, has 15 years of experience in the industry and doubled the size of Kona Grill when she facilitated the building of 23 stores and remodeled 7 stores in 3 years as the Senior Director of Development. Graham covers all aspects of development including construction, site evaluation, site planning, due diligence, licensing, lease administration, budgeting and scheduling.
Offering gastropub fare and from-scratch cooking with a culinary commitment to local and seasonal ingredients, the food is both craveable and bold. At the bar, a wide range of local craft beers are available, an option for every palate and plate. Cocktails are crafted with fresh fruit purées, juices, and premium liquors, while wines come in 25 varieties. Enjoy your craft brew and meal while watching the game on one of the flat screens amidst an open kitchen, central bar and a patio that soaks up the sun. Thirsty Lion’s mission is to evolve the gastropub business by creating a place where friends and family can come together, celebrate life, and enjoy hand-crafted food, beers & cocktails.
