HM Restaurant Group Announces Team Updates

HM Restau­rant Group has promoted Chas Ta­tigian to culinary director. The posi­tion is new to the company, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Di­xie Fish Company and the planned Bonita Fish Company.

Tatigian, a 50-year culinary veteran, is a certified executive chef, certified culinary administrator and a member of the American Academy of Chefs. His humble beginnings date back to rolling hot dogs and working in a pastry shop at just 14 years old, laying the founda­tion for a lifelong passion for food and hospitality.

During his tenure with HM Restau­rant Group, Tatigian has overseen Doc Ford’s expansion to St. Petersburg with locations in Jungle Terrace and on the St. Petersburg Pier. As culinary director, Tatigian will monitor team staffing, de­velop and maintain vendor relationships and lead purchasing at Doc Ford’s four locations, Dixie Fish Company and the new waterfront Bo­nita Fish Company, opening later this year. He will also oversee and collab­orate with new Ex­ecutive Chef Brian O’Brien.

O’Brien has joined HM Res­taurant Group as executive chef. With more than 40 years of culinary experience, O’Brien will over­see the kitchen operations across all loca­tions of the award-winning restaurants to ensure quality, flavor and consistency.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, O’Brien worked for Doc Ford’s in 2010. He has since owned and operated several restaurants specializing in fresh fish, earning a reputation for bold flavors and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Beloved for legendary guest experi­ences and great food, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company are open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. To learn more, visit DocFords.com or DixieFishFMB.com.