Umami Burger announced it has appointed industry vet Gregg Frazer as vice president of operations.
As vice president of operations at Umami Restaurant Group, Frazer will be responsible for managing all front-of-house and back-of-house operations at the restaurant group’s 24 locations nationwide. Frazer will also be responsible for maintaining Umami Burger’s in-store guest experience and leading culinary innovation.
“Gregg’s diverse background and expertise in restaurant management and business development brings a great set of strengths to this role,” says Paul Clayton, chief executive officer of Umami Burger. “He is a phenomenal asset to add to the foundation of Umami and we are honored to have him join our team.”
“Umami Burger is a fun and creative restaurant brand in an exciting period of growth,” Frazer says. “I look forward to expanding the infrastructure of the company to enable even further growth while maintaining the high standards of culinary technique and hospitality.”
Frazer joined Umami Burger from VooDoo BBQ, where he oversaw the entire operation for the company’s corporate stores and franchise locations as the chief operating officer and corporate chef.
An established industry veteran, Frazer’s long career as a chef and restaurant executive has taken him from fine dining establishments such as Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia, to the Four Seasons resorts in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Sydney, Australia.
He has also worked as corporate chef and director of procurement at Eat With Us, a Columbus, Mississippi-based company that owns and operates five restaurant chains, including Harvey’s, Sweet Peppers Deli, The Grill, Bulldog Deli and Park Heights, totaling over 30 units.
Frazer holds a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and an MBA from National University in La Jolla, California.
Frazer’s appointment follows the opening of Umami Burger Williamsburg, the 24th location in the rapidly expanding restaurant group.
