HM Restaurant Group promotes Chas Tatigian to culinary director for Doc Ford’s, Dixie Fish Company
HM Restaurant Group has promoted Chas Tatigian to culinary director. The newly created position is new to company, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Dixie Fish Company and the planned Bonita Fish Company.
“During his time as our executive chef, Chas has demonstrated incredible leadership and a passion for exceptional food and customer service,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group. “Since 2018, he’s been a driving force in elevating our kitchen operations and mentoring teams across the group. His commitment to excellence, innovation and consistency is matched by his appreciation for HM’s mission, vision and people-first culture.”
Tatigian, a 50-year culinary veteran, is a certified executive chef, certified culinary administrator and a member of the American Academy of Chefs. His humble beginnings date back to rolling hot dogs and working in a pastry shop at just 14-years-old, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for food and hospitality.
“I’m honored by the trust HM Restaurant Group has placed in me and proud to call this company home,” said Tatigian. “I’m committed to continually shaping the culinary identity of HM’s restaurants with authenticity, care and expertise.”
During his tenure with HM Restaurant Group, Tatigian has overseen Doc Ford’s expansion to St. Petersburg with locations in Jungle Terrace and on the St. Petersburg Pier. As culinary director, Tatigian will oversee and collaborate with new Executive Chef Brian O’Brien, monitor team staffing, develop and maintain vendor reltionships and lead purchasing at Doc Ford’s four locations, Dixie Fish Company and the new waterfront Bonita Fish Company, opening later this year.
Beloved for legendary guest experiences and great food, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company are open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Inspired by the title character of Southwest Florida author Randy Wayne White’s novels, Doc Ford’s is known for mouth-watering sauces, spices and fresh seafood featuring Caribbean Rim flavors, including its signature Yucatan shrimp. A local favorite for residents and visitors alike, Doc Ford’s offers four locations, including Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Jungle Terrace and the St. Petersburg Pier. A perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner, the pier restaurant was named the No. 1 restaurant in the country on the global travel site’s Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats for 2023.
Visit docfords.com for menus and locations.
Recognized as a 2023 Yelp Top 100 Florida Restaurant and ranked Tripadvisor’s No. 1 of 73 Fort Myers Beach restaurants, Dixie Fish Company is revered for delicious fresh fish in an ideal waterfront location complemented by a beach atmosphere, complete with live music and picturesque views overlooking scenic Matanzas Pass. An original Florida fishhouse, the restaurant’s origins date back to 1937 when it was primarily a fish market.
Visit dixiefishfmb.com for menus.