Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) announced that John Ragan has been appointed President of USHG Restaurants. In his new role, John will continue leading and working closely with USHG’s chefs and managers, leveraging his extensive hospitality expertise to oversee all of the group’s restaurant operations, in addition to his ongoing focus on strategic growth and new business. As President, John will liaise between operators and USHG’s senior leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Chip Wade.
John began his tenure with USHG in 2006 as Beverage Director of Eleven Madison Park. During his six years at EMP, the restaurant won the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Wine Service” and a Grand Award from Wine Spectator. In 2011, John was promoted to Wine Director across USHG, assisting in the growth and inception of some of the group’s most celebrated wine programs, including those at The Modern, Manhatta and Gramercy Tavern. The following year, John earned the prestigious Master Sommelier distinction from the Court of Master Sommelier, an honor held by fewer than 300 individuals globally.
In 2014, John expanded his role beyond the wine world, becoming part of USHG’s broader operations team. Embodying the organization’s people-first culture, John climbed the operational ranks, culminating in his most recent role as Vice President of Operations.
“John Ragan is an essential part of our leadership team and I’m thrilled to announce his well-earned promotion,” shares CEO Chip Wade. “John has a unique understanding of our operators’ needs across businesses, and advocates tirelessly on their behalf. I know that John will help guide our restaurants in writing their next great chapter.”
“I’ve had a front row seat to John Ragan’s growth and success for nearly two decades” says USHG Founder & Executive Chairman Danny Meyer. “John is a rare breed of leader who has seen the industry from a tremendous amount of vantage points – and vintages – yet remains flexible and open-minded. I look forward to watching what’s next.”
In his new position, John will lead USHG’s 2,000+ employees across its full-service restaurants, inclusive of Blue Smoke, Ci Siamo, Gramercy Tavern, Manhatta, The Modern, Porchlight and Union Square Cafe.
