Management

John Cooper: President

As president of Bonefish Grill, John Cooper joined founders, Tim Curci and Chris Parker, in taking their vision to the next level. After a 15-year career with Outback Steakhouse Inc. (OSI), he has been instrumental in the evolution of Bonefish Grill, which has flourished through its partnership with OSI. Cooper has worked with the founders in growing the successful concept from two restaurants three years ago to over 40 today.

From 1989 to 2000 Cooper developed 13 Outback Steakhouse restaurants in Orlando, FL as a joint venture partner. His restaurant and management career began with Steak ‘n Ale in 1974. He later joined Bennigan’s in 1978 where he was responsible for the operations of Bennigan’s Restaurants in West Central Florida.

A native Floridian, Cooper and his wife Trudy reside in Clearwater with their two children.

Founders

Tim Curci and Chris Parker founded Bonefish Grill in St. Petersburg, Florida in January 2000.

Tim Curci: Co-Founder

Curci is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, New York, and has over 20 years of extensive culinary experience, having apprenticed with many well-respected and renowned chefs.

Prior to the founding of Bonefish Grill, Curci served as Senior Vice-President of Operations for Hops Restaurant Bar & Brewery, a proprietary concept of Avado Brands, a national restaurant group. Under his guidance, and as one of the original partners in 1989, he was responsible for Hops’ menu and concept development as well as overall operational systems of over 60 restaurants in 10 states. While he was overseeing 10 years of successful growth and development, Hops was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as one of its 1997 “Hot Concepts”.

Curci and his wife, Jen, reside in Clearwater, Florida with their four children.

Chris Parker (1966-2004): Co-Founder

Chris Parker was also a restaurant industry veteran, having spent 19 years in the business, most notably as Vice President of Operations for Hops Restaurant Bar & Brewery prior to opening the Bonefish Grill.

As co-founder of the Bonefish Grill, Chris Parker’s entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, commitment to people and absolute passion for restaurant operations were the foundation for Bonefish Grill’s success and rapid growth. The vision for Bonefish Grill that Chris Parker and Tim Curci shared with their partnership serves as the inspiration for the future growth of the concept. As Bonefish continues to grow, Chris’ spirit and legacy will live on in all of us.