Marcus Samuelsson Group, originally founded by chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson and his Red Rooster Harlem partner Andrew Chapman, is pleased to announce that Ron Moelis and Sandy Loewentheil, co-founders of L+M Development Partners, have joined as strategic investors in the company’s continued growth and development. L + M is a developer that has made its mark with successful and socially responsible investments. Moelis is a founding member of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, on the board of trustees for both NYU Law School and John Jay College as well as a member of the board of directors for Civic Builders. Loewentheil is on the board of trustees for Washington University in St. Louis, Rye Country Day School and on the board of directors for STRIVE for College.
“Ron’s approach to business and commitment to the community is in lock step with the vision Marcus and I had when we started this company three years ago,” says Andrew Chapman, who will be moving from company CEO to a board position along with Moelis and Samuelsson. “To have Ron’s expertise and passion at the table will propel the company’s mission to grow the restaurant community and increase local employment in Harlem and beyond.”
Howard Greenstone, former president/CEO and partner of Rosa Mexicano, is joining Marcus Samuelsson Group as a strategic advisor. A seasoned operator who led the growth of the popular Mexican restaurant group to its current 15 locations nationwide and four international licensing deals, Greenstone was previously vice president of Dry Dock Restaurants in Weehawken, New Jersey, and director of operations of Sfuzzi restaurants in ten states.
“I’ve known and admired Howard’s keen understanding of how to grow smart and sensibly for a long time,” says Marcus Samuelsson. “It’s a true pleasure to work with him on the next chapter in our development.”
These corporate developments were led by Marcus Samuelsson Group media advisor Derek Evans, with the new investor Ron Moelis introduced to the company by attorney Deborah Wolfe of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, who represented Marcus Samuelsson in connection with the transaction.
