Brian Koentizer
General Manager Ristorante Nicola

Brian Koentizer began his career in the food and beverage industry in the kitchen. A graduate from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco where he was awarded the Charlie Trotter Scholarship, he added to his culinary credentials by earning the designation of Certified Executive Chef from the American Culinary Federation.

Koentizer's extensive career has spanned the Western Hemisphere, including stints in Hawaii, Seattle, Aspen, and The Virgin Islands. He has worked for prestigious companies such as
Ritz-Carlton, Little Nell, Omni Hotels, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts in positions of increasing responsibility. In recent years, Chef Koenitzer emerged from the kitchen and assumed operational responsibilities for the front of the house as well.

"I believe my formal training as a chef enables me to be an overall better restaurateur because it affords me the opportunity to share my love for food," says Koenitzer. "Along the way, I discovered that I also have a passion for customer service, so running an entire operation from the front door to the receiving dock allows me to stay active and focused on both sides of the equation."