Nicole & Georges Bitar
www.viamaestra42.com
Award Sponsor: Cox Business
Nicole and Georges Bitar, owners of the Bitar Restaurant Group, are restaurant industry veterans, having worked at eateries in the United States and Europe over many years. Georges is an accredited and accomplished sommelier, while Nicole has long enjoyed a reputation for effective dining management.
As the couple saved money to purchase a home, they were approached with offers to acquire local restaurants with potential and personality. They quickly discovered that they enjoyed upgrading menus and serving good food at affordable prices.
Soon they were offered opportunities to purchase other restaurants and went on to form the Bitar Restaurant Group to manage their growing portfolio. Currently, the Bitar Restaurant Group consists of Via Maestra 42, the Chase Restaurant and Lounge, Milk and Honey, Via Maestra Enoteca, and the Palace Grill.
Nicole and Georges pride themselves on paying fair wages to their valued employees and are committed to maximizing the physical appeal of their restaurants.
Longtime residents of Santa Barbara, the Bitars have three sons and generously support the Santa Barbara City College Football Team and local high school athletic programs.
“On behalf of our family and patrons, we thank you for this honor,” they said in a statement. “We know that there are many talented people who are deserving, and we salute them as we continue to earn your respect.”