St George’s Club outsources restaurants to HMS Ltd
The St George’s Club has announced it has outsourced and leased its two restaurants to the newly formed company, HMS Limited.Griffin’s Bistro and The Beach House will operate under a new ownership structure from 2013 onwards and offer two distinct experiences in the UNESCO World Heritage old Towne.“The St. George’s Club is delighted that we have found someone of the calibre of Piero Casalicchio to operate our two restaurant operations and inject some new investment into tourism” said Sally-Ann Kyle, general manager of The St George’s Club.“In true historic fashion he did in fact land on the island after a storm like Sir George Somers, a little less dramatically, in late 2011 and fell in love with the island and the people.HMS Limited is a new restaurant management company set up by several Bermuda partners with Mr Casalicchio as managing director.Mr Casalicchio has most recently owned and operated a successful chain of 14 family-owned restaurants in the East coast of the United States, called Pomodorino offering fine regional Italian cuisine.“We see this as an opportunity for everyone to win with this new arrangement, continued Mrs Kyle. “The members of The Club will win as this is the one area that has not been able to operate successfully within club operations since it was reopened at their request in about 1997.“It will also of course benefit guests of the hotel operation and most importantly the other residents of the island by giving them an excellent on-site food and beverage operation that was lacking. His drive and dedication to deliver a quality culinary experience is well worth the trip to the East end of the Island.”“Having owned and operated a few restaurants throughout the east coast of the US, I decided that retirement was not in my near future,” said Mr Casalicchio.“When the yacht I was travelling south on had to put in to St George’s for repairs in 2011, I was lucky to meet the people that were destined to be my partners in a new venture.“I see St George’s as a great opportunity with over 400 years of history and incredible people that have allowed me to stay for a little while and indulge my passion to offer great food and great service.“Look out for some new things happening soon but as a sampler we are doing a gala event on December 31 that will launch the New Year!”