The Bartolotta Restaurants Names Kai Speth Chief Operating Officer

Kai Speth. Photo provided.

MILWAUKEE, WI –The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant and catering venue in the Greater Milwaukee region, has named Kai Speth as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Speth, a 30-year hospitality veteran with global experience leading five-star hotels and award-winning restaurants, will oversee the continued evolution of the current food and beverage operations within The Bartolotta Restaurants’ growing portfolio. Additionally, Mr. Speth will focus on the investment of The Bartolotta team member engagement and development, guest experience and accelerating new business concepts on the near horizon.

“Kai’s record of accomplishments and his reputation for being a transformational and innovative leader proved to be exactly what we have been looking for in a Chief Operating Officer,” says The Bartolotta Restaurants Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner Keith Trafton. “His background in restaurant concept development, guest journey and experience aligns perfectly with our goals for growth and continuous improvement of dining across all of our venues.”

“Our organization has incredible momentum and Kai will play an integral role in accelerating growth and challenging our team to new heights, both within the organization and in the way we elevate the social fabric our communities in doing so,” says The Bartolotta Restaurants Chef, Owner and Co-Founder Chef Paul Bartolotta. “Kai shares our values and our commitment to excellence. He will ensure that we continue to live The Bartolotta Promise.”

Mr. Speth’s career journey originates from a seasoned hospitality family, and he began his career as a trained chef in his hometown of Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Prior to joining The Bartolotta Restaurants, he most recently served as Vice President of Hospitality during the pre-opening for Durango Casino & Resort in Las Vegas. He previously served as Gaw Capital’s Owner’s Representative and asset manager for the Standard High Line Hotel in New York City, The Hollywood Rosevelt in Los Angeles, the Ambassador Chicago, and Hotel G in San Francisco.

In Asia, Mr. Speth was awarded Global General Manager of the Year honors for the Sofitel Legend brand launch as General Manager of Metropole Hanoi; he was then promoted to the role of Country General Manager for all Sofitel signature properties in Vietnam, overseeing three Sofitel five-star Hotels in Vietnam. During his time at Metropole Hanoi, Mr. Speth was the recipient of numerous awards highlighting the renovation and launch of the iconic Bamboo Bar and the opening of Angelina, an Italian restaurant and club concept. The hotel was also recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the Top Hotels in the World from 2009 through 2013.

Mr. Speth also served as General Manager at the Grand Hyatt Incheon in South Korea, the Park Hyatt Los Angeles, and the Grand Hyatt Taipei. Additionally, he served as the Vice President of Operations and Business Performance for the Windsor Property Management Group Corporation in Ho Chi Minh City where he oversaw the award-winning Reverie Saigon, a member of The Leading Hotels Of The World.

Throughout his career, Mr. Speth has sharpened his operational expertise in culinary and front-of-house
roles, at renowned Michelin-starred establishments such as Landhaus Scherrer in Hamburg, Germany, and Le Regence at the Plaza Athenee in Paris, France, among other prestigious venues.

Mr. Speth also held key concept development and operations positions in food and beverage leadership roles at Grand Hyatt Bali, Grand Hyatt Seoul, The Regent Hong Kong, and New York City’s Four Seasons, Millennium Hotel, and Hotel Westbury.

During his decades of experience, Mr. Speth has collaborated with renowned architects such as Tony Chi and Super Potato in restaurant concept development.

“Throughout my career, I have always looked for opportunities to join a company that is founded in family, and that’s what makes The Bartolotta Restaurants so special,” Mr. Speth says. “What Paul, his sister Maria, and their late brother Joe and his team have done for this community is remarkable, and I hope to build on the company’s reputation as visionaries and business leaders that have made Milwaukee one of the world’s most respected culinary destinations.”

Mr. Speth joins The Bartolotta Restaurants during a period of tremendous growth, as the company debuts its newest dining and group event venue, The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant, on Nagawicka Lake. More information about The Bartolotta Restaurants can be found at

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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