Leadership

Union Square exec to lead upstart Bartaco chain

A senior Union Square Hospitality Group executive who oversaw several key operations for the group has left to become president of Bartaco, one of two concepts operated by Barteca Restaurant Group.

Sabato Sagaria had been chief restaurant officer for USHG, a multiconcept fine-dining operation and former parent of Shake Shack. It was not clear when he left that post to become SVP of Union Square Cafe and the new Daily Provisions food shop, the position listed for him on USHG’s website right before his appointment as Bartaco president.

At Bartaco, Sagaria will report to Barteca CEO Jeff Carcara, the former Del Frisco’s and Darden Restaurants executive who was recruited by the much smaller concern in July 2015. He was named CEO in August 2016.

Sagaria succeeds Bartaco co-founder Scott Lawton, who will maintain a relationship to the brand and Barteca as an advisor on special projects.

The company runs two emerging concepts: Barcelona Wine Bar, a tapas restaurant with 12 branches, and Bartaco, a more casual operation specializing in tacos and tequila at 15 locations.

Sagaria had been at USHG for nearly four years. He joined the operation after serving as director of food and beverage for The Little Nell, a celebrated hotel and restaurant in Aspen, Colo.

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