Tampa’s restaurant scene is witnessing a significant leadership evolution as Next Level Brands announces two strategic culinary promotions that underscore the company’s commitment to developing talent from within. In a move that reflects both operational growth and internal investment, the hospitality group has elevated Chef Jacob Rios to Director of Culinary while promoting Chef Casey Alfonso to Executive Chef of Union New American.
These promotions come at a pivotal time for the food and beverage industry, where retaining top talent and fostering internal growth have become critical success factors for restaurant companies navigating an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Strategic Leadership Advancement in Tampa’s Culinary Scene
Next Level Brands’ latest announcements represent more than routine promotions: they signal a deliberate strategy to build sustainable leadership depth across their expanding portfolio. Chef Jacob Rios, formerly Executive Chef of Union New American, now joins the brand’s executive leadership team as Director of Culinary, where he’ll oversee culinary innovation, kitchen operations, and concept development across all Next Level Brands properties.
Simultaneously, Chef Casey Alfonso steps into Rios’ former role as Executive Chef of Union New American, ensuring continuity in the restaurant’s culinary vision while bringing his own leadership perspective to the position.
“These promotions highlight the depth of talent within our team and underscore our commitment to fostering growth from within,” said Jeff Gigante, Founder at Next Level Brands. “Chef Jacob has played a key role in shaping our culinary identity, and we are excited to see him take on a broader leadership role. Chef Casey’s promotion reflects his dedication, skill, and vision, and we look forward to the continued success of Union under his guidance.”
Chef Jacob Rios: From Kitchen Leadership to Executive Vision
Chef Jacob Rios brings impressive credentials to his expanded role, including formal training from Le Cordon Bleu and national recognition as a Food Network “Chopped” winner. During his tenure as Executive Chef of Union, Rios helped define the restaurant’s creative identity through innovative menus that seamlessly blend modern techniques with bold, globally inspired flavors.
His culinary approach has consistently emphasized the intersection of technique and creativity, creating dishes that surprise while maintaining the approachable elegance that has become Union’s signature. This philosophy will now extend across the entire Next Level Brands portfolio as Rios takes on responsibilities for menu innovation, brand-wide culinary standards, and mentoring the next generation of kitchen leadership.
In his new role, Rios will be instrumental in developing culinary strategies that maintain consistency across concepts while allowing each restaurant to retain its unique identity. This balance between standardization and creativity represents one of the key challenges facing multi-concept restaurant groups in today’s market.
Casey Alfonso: Homegrown Talent Takes the Helm
Chef Casey Alfonso’s promotion to Executive Chef of Union New American represents the successful cultivation of local talent within the organization. As a Tampa native and longtime member of the Union team, Alfonso has demonstrated both the technical expertise and leadership qualities necessary to guide one of the area’s premier dining destinations.
His rise through the ranks at Union showcases his ability to create thoughtful, well-executed cuisine while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. These leadership qualities: particularly the ability to mentor kitchen staff and maintain high standards under pressure: have become increasingly valuable in an industry facing ongoing workforce challenges.
Alfonso’s appointment ensures that Union’s culinary identity will continue to evolve while maintaining the core values and creative vision that have established its reputation in Tampa’s competitive dining scene.
Next Level Brands: Building a Culinary Empire
Founded with the mission of enhancing Tampa Bay’s culinary landscape, Next Level Brands has established itself as a significant player in the region’s hospitality sector. The company’s portfolio approach allows for diverse dining experiences while maintaining operational efficiencies across properties.
Grounded in principles of genuine hospitality, each Next Level Brands concept is designed to offer warm, inviting environments complemented by innovative cuisine and exemplary service. The company recognizes that dining experiences serve as meaningful ways to foster connections and create lasting memories: a philosophy that resonates strongly in today’s experience-driven marketplace.
The strategic promotions announced today position Next Level Brands to accelerate its growth plans while maintaining the chef-led innovation and hospitality excellence that have defined the company’s approach to restaurant operations.
Union New American: A Westshore Dining Destination
Located at 1111 N. Westshore Blvd in Tampa’s bustling Westshore Business District, Union New American has established itself as a premier dining destination that exemplifies the concept of “American with a Global Edge.” The restaurant’s approach to modern dining reflects broader industry trends toward globally influenced American cuisine that appeals to increasingly sophisticated diners.
Union’s menu showcases this philosophy through offerings that blend local ingredients with international influences. The restaurant features wood-fired steaks, fresh salads, handcrafted sushi, and shareable small plates: a diverse range that speaks to contemporary dining preferences for variety and shareability.
At the heart of Union’s kitchen operations is a custom Hearth grill that brings bold, layered flavors to dishes, representing the kind of equipment investment that serious restaurant operators make to differentiate their culinary offerings. This commitment to high-quality cooking equipment enables chefs like Alfonso to execute at the level expected by discerning diners.
The restaurant serves as a versatile gathering place, accommodating casual lunch meetings, weekend brunch celebrations, and special evening occasions. With Sunday brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weekday Happy Hour from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and live music every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Union has created multiple touchpoints with its community.
Industry Implications and Future Growth
These leadership promotions come at a time when the food and beverage industry continues to grapple with workforce challenges and the need for sustainable growth strategies. By promoting from within, Next Level Brands demonstrates a commitment to employee development that can serve as a model for other hospitality companies facing similar staffing pressures.
The elevation of both Rios and Alfonso reflects broader industry trends toward recognizing and rewarding internal talent, particularly in specialized roles where institutional knowledge and cultural fit are crucial for success. This approach can help companies maintain consistency in their operations while providing clear career advancement paths for ambitious team members.
With new concepts on the horizon and an expanding leadership team, Next Level Brands appears well-positioned to capitalize on Tampa Bay’s growing dining scene. The combination of experienced leadership, proven concepts, and strategic growth planning positions the company for continued success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, companies that successfully balance innovation with operational excellence: while maintaining strong internal cultures: are likely to emerge as long-term winners. Next Level Brands’ latest leadership appointments suggest a company committed to this balanced approach to growth and development.
For more information about Next Level Brands, visit www.nxtlevelbrands.com, and for Union New American details, visit www.uniontampa.com.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
