IDEATION HOSPITALITY
We love what we do
I ·DE·A·TION ′ ī d ē ′ ā SH ə n/ noun the formation of ideas or concepts. WE LOVE WHAT WE DO
Our parent company, IdEATion Hospitality, leverages the resources of two established brands, Garces and Ballard Brands, to provide innovative solutions and concepts.
About
Garces is a Philadelphia- based hospitality group specializing in personal dining experiences rooted in the rich cultural traditions and culinary vision of James Beard Award-winning Latin American Chef Jose Garces. Taking a heartfelt and creative approach to time- honored recipes and dishes, Garces operates restaurants in Philadelphia, New York City and Atlantic City. Our brands include Amada, Distrito, Tinto, Village Whiskey, JG Domestic, Volvér, The Olde Bar, Buena Onda, Ortzi, Okatshe, Olón, Bar Olón and Garces Events.
Our mission at Garces is to make Latin the new standard of hospitality, a universal concept synonymous with more personal, more diverse, and more heartfelt service.
Our Team
JOSE GARCES | Chief Culinary Officer Renowned Latin-American chef Jose Garces translates his rich cultural traditions and culinary vision into personal dining experiences through Garces, a Philadelphia-based hospitality group. Taking a heartfelt and
creative approach to time-honored recipes and dishes, Garces, in partnership with idEATion Hospitality, operates numerous restaurants in Philadelphia, PA; Atlantic City, NJ; and New York, NY; Garces Events, a full-service catering and event division; the Garces Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant community; and Luna Farm, Chef Garces’ 40-acre farm in Bucks County, PA. He is a 2009 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic” award and one of only a few chefs in America to hold the coveted title of Food Network’s Iron Chef. Chef Garces is the author of two cookbooks, The Latin Road Home (Lake Isle Press, October 2012), a culinary and cultural tour of Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Cuba and Peru; and his stunning first cookbook, Latin Evolution (Lake Isle Press, Fall 2008). An American born to Ecuadorian parents and raised in Chicago, Garces’ culinary training started early in life in the kitchen of his paternal grandmother, Mamita Amada, where he learned to prepare family recipes and came to love food and cooking. After graduating from Kendall College’s School of Culinary Arts, Garces worked in top-rated professional kitchens from Spain to New York City before moving to Philadelphia in 2001 where he calls home today.
RONNIE ARTIGUES | Chief Executive Officer Ronnie Artigues is the Chief Executive Officer of idEATion Hospitality, the parent company of Garces. Artigues has an extensive background in commercial transactions, corporate governance and governmental and public affairs, working with prestigious national law firms and privately held companies throughout the Northeast and Southeast. In 2016, Artigues joined Ballard Brands as general counsel. In 2018, idEATion Hospitality and Garces entered into a strategic partnership and Artigues joined the Philadelphia-based Garces as both an investor and its Chief Executive Officer. He is an honors graduate of Loyola University in Finance and Business Administration and of Tulane Law School,
JUDY MOORE | EVP & Chief Strategy Officer Judy is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic partnerships, overall marketing strategy and providing comprehensive leadership to the Garces Events division. She joined Garces in 2011 with over 15 years of experience in hospitality and entrepreneurship and has since led our efforts to develop strong community relationships, drive brand awareness, and establish Garces as the leader in Latin Hospitality.
MELISSA SCULLY | CCO Melissa has been a part of the organization since its inception in 2005 and has satisfied many roles including: General Manager, Director of Operations, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President of Culture & Development. As Chief Cultural Officer, she plays an integral role in project and critical path management for each new partnership and property. Additionally, Melissa oversees the Human Resource function for the group, managing and evolving the Garces employee experience, ensuring that every Garces employee embodies our culture and commitment to Latin Inspired Hospitality and Guest Experience Excellence.
JAMIE SCHROTBERGER | CFO Jamie Schrotberger, CFA, is the Chief Financial Officer of Garces Group. He comes to the Garces Group with over 20 years of Portfolio Management and Financial Analysis experience at Berwyn, PA based Turner Investment Partners and New York based BlackRock. Within his equity research experience, he was the lead restaurant industry analyst for his prior employers. Along with his Chartered Financial Analyst designation, he has a MBA from University of Illinois.
GREGG CIPRIONI | EVP of Culinary Operations Gregg has been with Garces since 2009. After having spent several years cooking in both San Francisco and New York City, he moved to Philadelphia to be part of its exciting and burgeoning restaurant community. Gregg began his time with Chef Garces developing a charcuterie program at Garces Trading Company, which evolved into the role of the Chef de Cuisine of the restaurant. Having executed extensive seasonal menu changes there, Gregg was tapped to work on menu development at the Corporate level. After years of overseeing new menu implementations at the existing restaurants and new openings, Gregg moved into his current EVP role.
Authentic Spanish tapas
PHILADELPHIA | ATLANTIC CITY Amada is Chef Garces’ iconic first restaurant. Since opening in 2005, the gorgeous rustic-chic restaurant and bar has embraced the rich traditions of Spanish cuisine. Our flagship location in Philadelphia features a six-seat chef’s counter overlooking the open kitchen, a comfortable second dining room and lounge area, an intimate private event space and a spacious bar area reminiscent of a typical Spanish bodega, complete with hanging jamones . SIGNATURE TAPAS Lobster Paella, Pulpo a la Gallega, Fideos con Mariscos, Gambas al Ajillo, Madre e Hijo, Tortilla Española, Cochinillo Asado, Amada's Empanada. BEVERAGE PROGRAM 100 bottle wine list highlighting the wines of Spain and Portugal along with an inventive cocktail selection named after Pedro Almodóvar films, such as Matador, Dark Habits, and Tie Me Up Tie Me Down.
Casual Baja Taqueria
PHILADELPHIA In Baja, Buena Onda means “Good Vibes.” Our kitchen here has gathered good vibes from the many seafood shacks, taquerias, Panga fisherman, and farmers who have sustained themselves for generations by respecting the sea, cultivating year-round produce in Baja’s rich soil, and sharing ingredient driven dishes with family and friends. SIGNATURE EATS Fresh Fish Tacos, Grilled and Fried Shrimp Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Chicken Tacos, Mission-Style Quesadillas. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Fresh fruit margaritas, draft beer including Buena Onda’s K38 Pale Ale made by Yards Brewing Company, canned beers, house made Aguas Frescas, and Boylan’s Fountain Sodas.
PHILADELPHIA | ATLANTIC CITY A cool celebration of the culture and cuisine of Mexico City, serving shareable plates and contemporary interpretations of popular Mexican street food. Distrito goes beyond classics to offer the full range of exciting and flavorful cuisine served in the Distrito Federal, as it is known by residents. SIGNATURE DISHES Mahi Mahi Tacos, Cóctel de Camarones, Fajitas, Enchiladas, House Made Guacamole. BEVERAGE PROGRAM With over 100 varieties of tequila, our margarita bar offers an exciting array of fresh fruit margaritas and features classic cocktails with a twist. mexican taqueria
PHILADELPHIA A contemporary American restaurant serving artisanal food crafted from the finest available domestic ingredients. The menu changes as new products come into season, and includes products such as produce, honey, eggs or herbs from local sources. Hand-crafted cocktails and a thoughtful assortment of American wines and craft beers complete the experience. SIGNATURE DISHES JG Domestic Burger, Wood Oven Flatbreads, Green Eggs & Ham, Eggplant Hummus. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Extensive American craft beer selection, crafted cocktails, and a domestic wine list. seasonal american fare
PHILADELPHIA Located in Philadelphia’s historic landmark Old Original Bookbinder’s, The Olde Bar is a contemporary oyster bar and cocktail lounge steeped in the city’s nautical and culinary traditions. Serving oysters on the half shell, alongside a traditional fish house menu, reimagined bar snacks, and a comprehensive cocktail and spirit list. The Olde Bar is at once a tribute to the city’s storied past and an updated version of one of our most beloved dining spaces. SIGNATURE DISHES BBQ Shrimp Po'Boy, Snapper Turtle Soup, Crab Cake, Raw Bar, Fish House Platter. BEVERAGE PROGRAM The Olde Bar features classic and innovative drink recipes that pay respect to Philadelphia lore and the oyster saloon’s rich history. The menu is comprised of specialty cocktails, classic libations, oyster shooters, and punches. Seafood & Oyster Bar
Basque Small Plates & Wine Bar
PHILADELPHIA Tinto is an intimate Basque tapas bar and restaurant serving small plates typical of northeastern Spain’s pintxo bars, complemented by the region’s ciders, sangrias, and of course, a great deal of wine. The restaurant showcases the flavors of the mountainous coastal region that blurs the lines of demarcation between Spain and France, all in a cozy setting that includes two distinct dining rooms, a sophisticated private meeting space, and a sultry underground lounge. SIGNATURE TAPAS Duck Montadito, Figs, Boquerones, Lamb Brochettes, Short Rib Bocadillo, Bomba Rice, Pulpo. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Over 100 bottle wine list, featuring wines from the Basque regions of Northern Spain and Southern France, along with artisanal ciders, signature sangrias and Spanish craft beers.
PHILADELPHIA Featuring a comprehensive selection of more than 200 whiskeys alongside what has been called the country’s best burger, Village Whiskey is an instant classic. Envisioned by Chef Garces as a spot where he and his team could enjoy a drink and a snack after a long night in the kitchen, the restaurant’s focal point is the central bar that is home to their near-encyclopedic catalogue of Chef Garces’ favorite spirit, whiskey. Our able bartenders shake and stir classic and contemporary cocktails in a space evocative of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. SIGNATURE DISHES Whiskey King Burger, Duck Fat Fries, House Made Pickles, Deviled Eggs. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Over 200 whiskeys, Prohibition-era cocktails, and exceptional craft beers. Burger & Whiskey Bar
Upscale global cuisine
PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia's only Forbes Five Star restaurant, Volvér, features an evolving selection of dishes inspired by Chef Garces' culinary travels around the world. Driven by the finest available ingredients and prepared with modern techniques, Volvér's menu offerings include 8-course chef's tasting menus, pre- theater tasting menus, and à la carte options. SIGNATURE DISHES Milk & Cereal, Wagyu Tartare, Ricotta Gnudi, Ibérico Ramen. BEVERAGE PROGRAM A variety of craft beers from around the world, exceptional hand-crafted cocktails, and an award-winning wine list featuring more than 30 wines by the glass.
NYC Inspired by the flavors of the mountainous coastal region that blurs the lines of demarcation between Spain and France and the vibrancy of the Basque culture. Ortzi, located in LUMA Hotel Times Square, provides guests with an alluring and intimate experience centered around Chef Jose Garces’ vision of Basque dishes. SIGNATURE DISHES Cazuelas, Crudos, Conservas, Traditional Tapas a la Planxa. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Full bar highlights wines from Spain’s Basque region and features signature cocktails inspired by cities in Spain and France. Spanish and French beer, cider and sherry complete the drink menu. Basque Inspired
ATLANTIC CITY Okatshe (pronounced o-kaht-she ) is Chef Jose Garces’ playful, modernized take on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Okatshe visually transports guests to the streets of Tokyo and provides a sense of discovery by taking guests through a small Japanese candy (okashi) storefront before entering the restaurant. The full- service, 80-seat sit-down restaurant serves a selection of small plates, yakitori, ramen, sushi and sashimi. SIGNATURE DISHES Yakitori, Sashimi, Ramen, Maki, Tonkatsu. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Curated selection of Japanese whiskies, 50 varieties of sake, beers and specialty cocktails. sushi & yakitori
ATLANTIC CITY Inspired by the beach towns of Ecuador, specifically Olón, and the vibrant flavors of coastal cuisine. Olón is an alluring beach front experience centered around Chef Jose Garces’ vision of fresh seafood. Bar Olón offers a more casual experience, serving sandwiches, small plates and an extensive beer list. SIGNATURE DISHES Ceviche, Raw Bar, Crab Cakes, Surf & Turf, Wood-fired Wagyu Skirt Steak, Jumbo Gulf Prawns, Lobsters, Crab. BEVERAGE PROGRAM Full bar offering 16 draft lines plus 35 bottles and featuring a classic and innovative cocktail program. Coastal seafood
Garces Events
Let’s Celebrate
PHILADELPHIA AND BEYOND Our full-service catering division delivers world-class cuisine and the renowned hospitality of Garces’ restaurants to every kind of celebration. From casual business luncheons to dramatic black-tie affairs, we work alongside our clients every step of the way to ensure that their event is a memorable success. Garces Events is truly a moveable feast, able to bring the cuisine of any of our restaurants to virtually any site. Choose from food stations, where guests can interact with the culinary team, or a sit-down, multi-course dinner. In any scenario, our team of hospitality professionals will bring the gracious, accommodating service that is a hallmark of Garces. EXCLUSIVE VENUES Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Academy of Music, Merriam Theater, Cira Centre Atrium, CHUBB Hotel & Conference Center, The Blackburn Room at The Olde Bar, and Bucks County Inn and Playhouse. PREFERRED VENUES Garces Events is a preferred caterer for over 30 venues including The Fillmore, Chemical Heritage Foundation, WHYY, National Liberty Museum, Spruce Street Harbor Park and Winterfest, and the National Jewish American History Museum.
Managed Services
By providing services ranging from concept development to consulting to comprehensive management agreements, Garces is able to streamline and scale our resources to match your project’s needs. SERVICES INCLUDE: · Restaurant Concept Development Crafting experiences
· Culinary Development · Operational Excellence · Restaurant Management · Hotel Food & Beverage Services · Concessions · Sales & Marketing Expertise
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