Michael Pruitt

Michael Pruitt founded Avenel Financial Group in 1999, a boutique merchant banking firm concentrating on value-oriented investments both public and private on behalf of 40 families. Mr. Pruitt formed Amergent Hospitality Group, Inc (formerly Chanticleer Holdings, Inc), which commenced operations in June 2005 with him as Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, roles he continues to serve today. In January 2011, Mr. Pruitt became a director of the board of Hooters of America, LLC and was early investor/board member in Appalachian Mountain Brewery which was sold to Craft Brew Alliance (Nasdaq:BREW) in 2018. Mr. Pruitt received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, where he played on the 1982 and 83 World Series Baseball teams. Today he sits on the Board of Visitors of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, the Coastal Education Foundation Board (Endowment Investment Committee), and the Athletic Committee of the Board of Trustees.