FoodWorks Hospitality Group (5) by FoodWorksHospitality

Company Profile

Version v1224 confidential

We are FoodWorks Hospitality Group, a boutique restaurant group. Hello,

Our Mantra

Crafting Memorable

Moments, One Plate at a Time.

Company Overview

History

Since founding Fuego Mexican Grill in Arlington Heights, Illinois the FoodWorks team has spent more than two decades bringing guests the kind of vibrant dining experiences that are timeless. FoodWorks is committed to thoughtful design and creativity. We celebrate diversity with inclusive offerings that cater to a range of tastes, price points, and experiences from quick bites to unforgettable dining experiences.

Company Overview

Mission

Our mission is to inspire connections, celebrate culture, and make dining with us, memorable.

Vision

To be a leader in elevated hospitality by blending culinary excellence, authentic character, and thoughtful curated design into every concept.

Our Core Values

Excellence in Craft

Delivering thoughtfully designed concepts with exceptional attention to detail and innovation.

Globally-Inspired

We honor diverse culinary traditions by blending authenticity with creativity, bringing people together through the universal language of food.

Experience-centric

Providing elevated and welcoming atmospheres for memorable moments, from quick casual meals to unforgettable full service dining.

“NotyourordinaryMexicanrestaurant.Theguacamoleismadeatyour tabletoyourpreferredlevelofspiciness.Themargsaretonotch,and thefoodisfreshanddelicious.Servicewasalsoverygood.”

Our Mantra

Experience the Magic of Mexico.

“Surprisinglydeliciousandauthenticmiddleeasternfoodforafood court!GladIstopped.LineislongwhenIwent,butsoworthit.”

Our Mantra from scratch, FlavorFILLed Mediterranean

Founding Partners

JuanLuis

Gonzalez

EXECUTIVE CHEF

CO-OWNER

Eddie Nahlawi

Chef Juan Luis Gonzalez, inspired by his grandmother Paula’s cooking in Mexico, blends rich heritage with innovation.

Early in his career in the U.S., he refined his skills at top Italian restaurants, mastering both Italian and Mexican cuisines. His relentless pursuit of flavor, dedication to excellence, and creative vision have earned him multiple awards, establishing him as a celebrated force in the culinary world.

FOUNDER CO-OWNER

Eddie is passionate about creating exceptional experiences while building meaningful relationships.

His true love for connecting with others enhances every aspect of his work. As an engineering graduate, he applies his meticulous attention to detail and visionary approach to every project he undertakes. He is a seasoned veteran of renowned hospitality groups across the Chicagoland area before founding FoodWorks.

Ric Muñoz

FOUNDER CO-OWNER

A partnership between Chef Juan and Ric was inevitable since the two chefs worked together in the past. Ric’s experience as an executive chef includes positions at a number of high-quality establishments including Swissotel, Maggiano’s, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Capri dining Group, and Guckenheimer corporate dining. Ric brings years of experience and a true love of great food and guest experience to the table.

Corporate Team

Daniela Carrera Luis Ortiz

STRATEGY & INNOVATION

CHIEF MIXOLOGIST

Mark Tassani

Daniela blends over a decade of industry expertise with an unwavering curiosity for innovation. A Marketing Communications graduate with a deep passion for experience-driven hospitality, she honed her strategic acumen at Nielsen and contributed to foresight insights and venture strategy at Constellation Brands. Today, she brings her growth mindset and leadership to FoodWorks, driving impactful, forward-thinking growth initiatives.

Luis has over two decades of experience in Chicago’s restaurant industry. His genuine love for agave spirits and passion for continuous learning have elevated his expertise in the field. His creations are a masterful blend of traditional cocktails and modern, sophisticated presentation. Luis’s passion extends beyond the bar to his team. He thrives on training and mentoring, sharing his knowledge with others—a role he finds truly fulfilling.

SUCCESS MANAGER

Mark is a seasoned hospitality professional with 25 years of experience in the industry.

Over the course of his career, Mark has managed food service and hospitality operations at iconic venues like Wrigley Field, Comiskey Park, Navy Pier, McCormick Place, Ravinia, and various stadiums across the country. From Entretainement, full service and quick casual, showcasing his versatility and expertise across the hospitality spectrum.

what we believe...

Great things in business are never done by a single person, they are always done by a group of people.

-Steve Jobs

Restaurant Leadership Team

LOYALTY

Average 7 years of our leaders working with us.

EXPERIENCE

Over 100 years combined, and a strong portfolio of experience from industry veterans. GUEST-CENTRICITY

Yelp and Open Table Guest experience Awards received in 2024

Portfolio Expansion

We are actively working against and ambitious growth plan, with several key openings and expansions slated for 2025 and 2026

Planned Portfolio Growth

Bolingbrook Expansion Mar 2025

de Paula

Downers Grove

Fonda Mexicana Apr 2025

TOP

DOG

Woodfield American Aug 2025

Italia

Bolingbrook Italian Feb 2026

o’Hare Mediterranean Aug 2026

Orland Park Expansion Aug 2026

FONDA

MEDIA & AWARDS

ByLauraBianchi

ByMarkLoehrke

“Anytime Juan Luis Gonzalez gets near Mexican food, I want to be there, and so do a lot of other people.”

Congrats! The reviews are in—OpenTable diners voted several of your restaurant locations as one of the best around.

“Given the enthusiastic overflow crowd we encountered, however, it seems more or less assured that Gonzalez will be thriving in Bolingbrook long enough for us to sample the rest on future return visits – if we can find room after another encounter with the guacamole cart, that is.”