What's Happening?
AMP Up1 Hospitality, the company behind Your 3rd Spot and the upcoming concept The Looking Glass, has announced three senior leadership appointments in preparation for its multimarket expansion. Chris Barrows has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer,
Erin Callahan to Senior Vice President of Operations and Managing Partner for the Midwest, and Atlanta chef Joe Schafer has been hired as Culinary Director and Executive Chef. These appointments coincide with the planned opening of The Looking Glass in downtown Atlanta in spring 2027 and a second Your 3rd Spot location in Schaumburg, Illinois, in 2028. Founder and Chief Vision Officer Josh Rossmeisl emphasized that these moves are crucial for building the operational and culinary capabilities needed to support the company's growth ambitions.
Why It's Important?
This leadership restructuring is critical for AMP Up1 Hospitality as it embarks on a significant expansion phase. By promoting experienced internal talent like Chris Barrows and Erin Callahan, and bringing in a seasoned culinary expert like Joe Schafer, the company is strategically positioning itself to maintain consistent standards and operational excellence across new venues. The focus on internal development, with many managing partners having started in hourly roles, highlights a unique employee-first philosophy that could foster strong company culture and retention. This approach is particularly important in the hospitality industry, where employee engagement directly impacts customer experience. The expansion into new markets and the launch of a new concept signify a bold growth strategy that could establish AMP Up1 Hospitality as a major player in the experiential dining and entertainment sector.
What's Next?
Chris Barrows, as the new COO, will oversee company operations, leadership development, and the maintenance of consistent standards across all venues. Erin Callahan will lead AMP Up1’s Midwest operations, starting with the development and opening of Your 3rd Spot in Schaumburg, Illinois, and evaluating future opportunities in the region. Joe Schafer will be responsible for culinary direction and operations across the entire portfolio, including Your 3rd Spot and The Looking Glass, focusing on developing kitchen teams and ensuring food quality in high-volume settings. The company aims to build on the success of its Atlanta location, applying lessons learned to new ventures. The opening of The Looking Glass in 2027 and the Schaumburg Your 3rd Spot in 2028 will be key milestones in this expansion.
Beyond the Headlines
The company's innovative employee ownership model, where around 90 percent of managing partners started in hourly roles, represents a deeper implication of this expansion. This model, which assigns participants units based on their role and contributions, aims to give employees a genuine stake in the company's success. This approach could serve as a case study for other hospitality businesses looking to improve employee retention and motivation. Furthermore, the emphasis on chef-driven dining within entertainment venues, as championed by Joe Schafer, challenges the traditional 'eatertainment' model where food is often an afterthought. This shift could elevate the culinary standards within the experiential dining sector, making food a primary draw rather than just an accompaniment.
