Joe Ritchie

Director of Operations, ELM Restaurant Group

Austin

Born and raised in Stamford, CT, Joe moved to Austin in December 2016 after a decade in Brooklyn, N.Y. Prior to obtaining his bachelor’s in Business Admin with a focus on Philosophy from the University of Connecticut, Joe attended the University of Rhode Island where he was a member of the D1 Men’s Soccer Program. He spent his last few years in NYC with Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) before joining the ELM team.

At 16 years old, Joe got his start in an old school Italian red sauce joint. From there, he continued gaining experience as he moved from working as a server and manager in fine dining, to Regional Training & New Restaurant Openings for National Fast Casual Brands, to becoming the Director of Retail and Restaurant Operations at Union Square Events with USHG. There Joe lead a very diverse portfolio of brands and event spaces within some of New York’s finest cultural institutions such as Citi Field, The Public Theatre, JFK, The 911 Memorial & Museum and Bryant Park Winter Village.

As a practitioner in the theory of Enlightened Hospitality, Joe works tirelessly to support his Team first. Providing all the stakeholders involved at Fareground & ELM the highest level of Hospitality to allow them a great environment to succeed. The joy of making people feel something unforgettable is what inspired him to get into the hospitality profession.

Joe chose Austin due to its "progressive nature," the food and drink scene, as well as the desire to raise his family and build community here. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kayla, his two kids, George and Davis, and his giant mutt, Phife.