2018 RH 25: CH Projects

The 2018 class of Restaurant Hospitality's annual RH 25 looks at bold moves made by multiconcept operators — the companies that are crossing segments, shifting operations, building big or pivoting in some way. There is no ranking. These are companies to watch. See all concepts >>

HQ: San Diego

Leadership: Founded by Arsalun Tafazoli, Marshall Stanton and Nate Stanton in 2007. Nate Stanton is no longer with the company. Tafazoli, Marshall Stanton and chef Jason McLeod run day-to-day operations.

Systemwide sales FY2017: Not disclosed

Concepts: Neighborhood, Raised by Wolves, Born & Raised, False Idol, Ironside Fish & Oyster, Noble Experiment, El Dorado, Dover Honing Co., Craft & Commerce, Soda & Swine (2), Underbelly (2) and Polite Provisions

There’s nothing cookie-cutter about CH Projects’ 14 restaurant and bar concepts. If there’s a common thread, it’s the over-the-top decor and surprising themes. One concept is a tiki bar hidden inside a gastropub. A primal-themed restaurant, Craft & Commerce, is decorated with century-old taxidermy animals. Neighborhood, a burger joint, offers all manner of toppings, but never, ever ketchup. Next up is a brunch concept, yet to be disclosed.

The group’s latest project, however, is an unusual step for a bar operator: Opening in a mall.

Raised by Wolves (both photos) is a dual concept — an ornate 19th Century-inspired bottle shop selling premium and rare spirits, and a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, accessible by rotating platform disguised as a fireplace.

It opened this year inside a remodeled Westfield mall.

The founders say opening in a high-end retail center, instead of their usual edgy street locations, could be a bad idea. But that’s what CH Projects is all about: Taking risks and going against the norm.

Next: Zingerman’s

Previous: Rise & Shine Restaurant Group