Clasico Chophouse and Taproom adds new General Manager and Executive Chef

BRANDON, Fla. - Oct. 16, 2023 - PRLog -- Clasico Chophouse and Taproom is pleased to announce the addition of Matt Kaess as General Manager and David Locke as Executive Chef. Kaess brings over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry to Clasico while Locke has been a chef for 10 years.

Originally from Alabama, Kaess began his career in New York scooping ice cream. Kaess also worked as an Assistant Wine Buyer, Food and Beverage Manager and Executive Chef throughout his extensive career. He spent eight years as a Culinary Partner with PF Chang's and was selected to be the opening Executive Chef for "international" expansion in Puerto Rico where he opened two restaurants for the brand. Prior to joining Clasico, Kaess was the General Manager for a fine dining establishment in Orlando for the last three years.

Locke hails from Gainesville and began his culinary career by watching cooking shows as a child with his grandmother, replicating the dishes they saw on TV in her kitchen. As he got older his family opened a BBQ restaurant in Auburndale. They participated in Florida's competitive BBQ circuit which yielded numerous accolades, particularly in categories such as pulled pork, ribs, and the quintessential BBQ cut, brisket. Locke's journey continued with time spent as a chef for the esteemed Levy Restaurants as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Walt Disney World.

"Adding Matt and David to the Clasico family is tremendous," said Clasico Director of Operations Matt Goldstein. "The experience and expertise they each bring to the table will be greatly beneficial to the growth and success of our restaurant."

Clasico Chophouse and Taproom is located at 775 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon. It is open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. until the last customer leaves. Discounts for military personnel are available. For more information on Clasico Chophouse and Taproom, please visit clasicobrandon.com or call 813-444-5188.

About Clasico Chophouse and Taproom

Where friends create classic memories. That's Clasico Chophouse and Taproom. Focused on selecting each ingredient to provide an authentic and memorable culinary experience, Clasico Chophouse and Taproom offers a variety of America's favorite foods including Italian-American and Central Texas barbeque. A sophisticated yet approachable dining experience, the atmosphere is also set for fun with a Taproom filled with TVs to enjoy sports, private rooms to celebrate special occasions, a 40-service craft beer tap wall, an outdoor terrace and games for all. Follow Clasico Chophouse and Taproom on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ClasicoBrandon) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clasico_brandon/) for the latest happenings.