Apres Cru
Natalie Grindstaff-McDade currently serves as the Senior Director of East Coast Operations at Apres Cru since October 2023. With a robust background in the hospitality industry, Natalie previously held various leadership positions at Crafted Hospitality, including Director of Restaurants and Director of Beverage Programs from October 2016 to December 2023. Prior experience includes roles such as Beverage Director at Craft, Wine Director/Assistant General Manager at Kevin Rathbun Steak, and Sommelier at Babbo. Natalie's career also includes management and sales roles at Gotham Bar & Grill, Empire Distributors, Feast Restaurant, and Piebar. An alumnus of The University of Georgia, Natalie earned a BA in Anthropology between 2000 and 2003.
Apres Cru
Founded in 2020 by seasoned industry veterans, Apres Cru is a reimagined hospitality investment and operations company that seeks out exciting and established restaurant concepts with a desire to grow. Apres Cru values a culture driven by hospitality, brand equity built on integrity, and a willingness to look at operations and growth differently. The group partners with hospitality brands, providing strategic support as they embark on future growth. The Apres Cru team, including founding partners Sabato Sagaria, Dustin Wilson and Eric Engler, has a proven history of building and scaling profitable businesses. Hospitality is in their DNA. Collectively they have opened more than 40 restaurants, helped earn 15 Michelin stars, and overseen 6 Wine Spectator Grand Award Wine Programs. They have also led teams at a variety of operations, spanning 5 five-star hotels to quick service and full service multi-unit concepts, across the country. Apres Cru's growing portfolio includes P.D.T. (Please Don’t Tell), Crif Dogs, Pig & Khao, Piggyback by Pig & Khao, One Fifth, Peasant, Restaurant Marc Forgione, and Glaze Teriyaki, with more in the pipeline. For more information, visit www.aprescru.com.