Joe Essa

Joe Essa is a seasoned hospitality executive with extensive experience in the restaurant industry, currently serving as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MKM Hospitality Group since July 2021. Essa has a diverse portfolio, including roles as a General Board Member at Fransmart, a Board Member at GOOD PLANeT Foods, and an Executive Board Member for the National Restaurant Association. Recent significant leadership positions include President and CEO of the Yardbird Group and a Partner at Blau and Associates. Previously, Essa held executive roles with prominent companies such as Wolfgang Puck Worldwide and Gordon Ramsay North America, emphasizing operational improvement and strategic development. Essa holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Boston College.