Restaurant Veteran Named GM of Z'Tejas in Costa Mesa

May 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Restaurant veteran Jeffrey Grasso has been named the new general manager of Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill at South Coast Plaza.  The Orange resident will assume the helm from long-time GM Travis Miller who was transferred earlier this month to run one of the company’s Arizona locations.  As GM, Grasso will be responsible for supervising Z’Tejas’ 75 employees, overseeing day-to-day operations, expanding the restaurant’s catering division, working in concert with Executive Chef Daniel Stevens to coordinate seasonal/special event menus and ensuring that the 250-seat restaurant continues to lives up to its reputation as one of Orange County’s most popular dining destinations.      
   
Grasso can trace his roots in the restaurant business to working on the ground floor at Marie Callender’s as a teenager.  His management credentials include stints at Hamburger Hamlet in Los Angeles, Elephant Bar & Restaurant in Santa Barbara, Café del Rey in Marina del Rey and, most recently, David Wilhelm’s Orange County restaurant group.

“We are delighted to welcome aboard a true restaurant pro to serve as the new general manager of our flagship Southern California restaurant,” said Steven A Micheletti, CEO and President of Z’Tejas.  “Thanks to his proven leadership ability, easy-going manner and keen business acumen, we have no doubt that Z’Tejas will continue to thrive under his guidance.”

“Z’Tejas has earned a sterling reputation for its flavorful and varied menu, dynamic atmosphere and top-notch service so it is with great pleasure that I join this team,” added Grasso.  “Together, we look forward to creating memorable dining experiences for our guests that exceed their expectations.”

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill offers a wide array of fresh, flavorful and innovative menu items inspired by culinary influences from Louisiana, Texas, California and Mexico.  The restaurant’s interior features an exhibition kitchen, private dining room, mahogany bar, wrought iron detailing, handcrafted tile work, copper accents, jewel-toned fabric lined booths and flattering amber-colored lighting.  Al fresco dining is available on the restaurant’s 85-seat heated patio.  Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner; half price appetizers and drink specials are offered during happy hour.  Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill is located on the east side of South Coast Plaza (3333 S. Bristol Street, Costa Mesa).  For more information, call (714) 979-7469 or visit www.ztejas.com.

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