Meet the Team
Kevin Hall
Kevin is a restaurant industry veteran with 40-plus years of executive-level leadership and expertise in numerous disciplines, including but not limited to: people development, operations, franchising, purchasing & distribution, menu innovation, brand development, and overall growth strategies.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Kevin was most recently the CEO of a North Carolina-based restaurant company. Prior to that Kevin’s leadership was instrumental in the growth of First Watch Restaurants as the brand grew from 13 to 350 units. While with First Watch, Kevin also managed the acquisition and conversion of the 20-unit Arizona-based Good Egg Restaurants and, post-employment, was asked to lead the development of the Sun & Fork fast-casual concept in Nashville.
Kevin has served on the board of the Arizona Restaurant Association and was the chair of the Government Relations sub-committee. Kevin has a deep love of music, soccer, cycling and most importantly, spending quality time with his family.
Stephen Caulk
Stephen’s career spans the Fine Dining, Polished Casual, Full Service, Fast Casual and QSR spaces for restaurants such as First Watch Restaurants, Newks Eatery and Craftworks Holdings. His roles have included Ownership, Operations, Franchising, Training, Technology, Marketing, Design & Construction, Procurement and R&D. With 20+ years of industry knowledge, Stephen is able to orchestrate change management from the front lines and resolve the most complex of problems for emerging and stagnant brands.
Stephen lives on Siesta Key, FL and enjoys spending time with his two daughters. He loves to do practically anything outdoors. Skiing, Hiking, Sailing, Biking, Swimming, Tennis, and Golf just to name a few. Stephen gives back to his community by volunteering for Hospice and Feeding America and is passionate about helping people.
Lee Layton
Lee began his career in the restaurant industry at an early age as a line cook. His passion for people allowed him to quickly move his way up through the management ranks and eventually into procurement and distribution. Lee is a results driven operator and strategist with 30 years in progressive roles for national industry leaders such as First Watch Restaurants, Sysco and Performance Food Service. Lee is a powerful communicator, presenter and innovative problem-solver with extensive experience building and developing new business. He leads with refined relationship-building skills that inspire, motivate and develop others.
Raised in Sarasota, Florida, Lee enjoys spending time with his wife and best friend of 25 years and their two awesome daughters.