Following a year of unprecedented growth, Central Florida-based Artistry Restaurants has fortified its executive team with new appointments as the company prepares to continue expanding its footprint in the coming year with new market entries, brand expansions and more.
Said Bryan Lockwood, CEO, Artistry Restaurants, “This year began a phase of extraordinary growth for Artistry Restaurants and its portfolio of brands as we celebrated milestone after milestone that took us from five brands to seven, expanded our presence into new markets, and grew our footprint by 75%. We expect that momentum to continue into 2026 and have reinforced our executive team in key areas to help lead the way behind a unified vision.”
Artistry Restaurants kicked off 2025 with the launch of a new concept, The Chapman (pictured), which was soon followed by the acquisition of the 20-unit Hickory Tavern, the expansion of its Boca concept with the opening of a third location, and the adoption of a renewed commitment to authentic, locally sourced seafood for its multi-unit Shrimp Basket brand.
As Artistry enters 2026, the focus is on the expansion of its popular Oak & Stone elevated pub concept with three new locations set to open, including one that adds Texas to the group’s growing list of markets. Also planned is the roll-out of refreshed menus across all seven of its brands which began this month. Throughout, the company is continuing to place an even greater emphasis on its core mission, leading with heartfelt hospitality – a mantra that begins at the top.
Artistry Restaurants attributes its dynamic growth and success to the thoughtful re-imagining of its senior leadership team to drive that vision forward. What began with the addition of Lockwood in September 2024, soon followed with the appointments of Chief Operating Officer Jason Brooks, Chief Innovation Officer Chef Clifford Pleau, Chief Operating Officer/The Artistry Collection Marshall Hamilton, and Brand Presidents Jeff Brooks (Shrimp Basket) and Sam Aquilar (Oak & Stone).
As the company looks ahead to the coming year, they have rounded out the executive team with the following appointments that deepen Artistry’s bench strength in strategic areas:
Michael Rubke, Chief Financial Officer As Artistry’s newly appointed CFO, Rubke will be focused on streamlining and strengthening the company’s financial team and reporting processes, while bridging the gap between the field and home office to ensure the group remains well-positioned for continued growth. Based in the Los Angeles area, Michael previously worked alongside Lockwood as the CFO of Stonefire Grill. With a proven track record of implementing effective operational and financial programs and people development, Rubke has held CFO and COO positions for multiple hospitality groups including Mastro’s, Bottega Louie, Saddle Ranch, The Edison, and Clifton’s Republic.
Melissa Elders, Vice President of Marketing Since joining Artistry Restaurants in May 2023, Elders has been singularly focused on building a powerhouse marketing team committed to elevating the company’s portfolio of brands and strengthening guest connections via an expanded social media presence, enhanced brand storytelling, and the roll out of numerous successful campaigns. Working seamlessly with Operations, Culinary, and Supply Chain, Elders has brought an integrated, strategic, and guest-centric approach to Artistry’s marketing efforts, while her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision continue to raise the bar for how Artistry presents itself both internally and externally.
Will Headley, Vice President of Business Intelligence Headley is transitioning back into the role of VP of Business Intelligence, a position he previously held before stepping into operations services. Will’s deep knowledge of Artistry’s business along with his prior experience will drive the company’s continued success in aligning business intelligence with operational goals. With a focus on leveraging data, analytics, and reporting to drive strategic decisions for all seven Artistry brands, Headley will provide valuable insight that enhances company and brand performance at every level.
Kirsten Terrell¸ Vice President of Operations Excellence With a career focused on developing talent, strengthening operations, and leading new unit growth, Terrell will lead operations and training for Artistry, with a strong emphasis on field support. Most recently, Kirsten oversaw 20+ new store openings annually for Outback Steakhouse, while coordinating with design, construction, facilities, licensing, training, and operations. As a Managing Partner earlier in her career, Terrell became a top performer in sales growth and profitability, which led to the operation of a certified training restaurant that prepared leaders for every level for success. Terrell was honored twice as Managing Partner of the Year and the Home Office Outbacker of the Year.
Artistry Restaurants is currently preparing for the opening of Oak & Stone in Cape Coral, Florida, its eighth location along the state’s Gulf Coast. Slated to open in November 2025, it is the first in a series of openings for the concept which includes the addition of locations in The Villages, Florida and McKinney, Texas, both scheduled for roll-out in 2026.
“The excitement around Artistry’s new leadership team was felt companywide during a recent annual meeting where our talented associates from across each of our brands gathered to rally behind our lead with heart ethos,” said Lockwood. “That singular vision continues to differentiate Artistry and its brands while driving all that we do.”
About Artistry Restaurants is a diverse restaurant platform on a mission to spread joy through immersive experiences centered on heartfelt hospitality. Artistry strives to create value through the acquisition, consolidation, operation, and expansion of attractive restaurant brands. Artistry Restaurants currently operates 51 restaurants in five states across seven brands, including Atlantic Beer & Oyster, Boca, The Chapman, Hickory Tavern, Oak & Stone, Sandbar Amelia Island, and Shrimp Basket. During 2025, the restaurant group has experienced unprecedented growth with the acquisition of the 20-unit Hickory Tavern, which marked Artistry’s entry into the Carolinas; the opening of its third Boca location in Lake Mary, Florida and plans for multiple new Oak & Stone location openings over the next 18 months. For more information, visit www.artistryrestaurants.com.
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