Meet the Experts.
Multi-disciplined and multi-talented, our team has the perfect mix for cross-collaboration to ensure a thoughtful, well-rounded result every time.
Leadership Team
David began a career in restaurant management after graduating in 1990 with an honours degree from one of Canada’s leading business universities, Queen’s University. From 1990-1997, David focused on restaurant operations and held various senior management positions within some of Toronto’s top restaurant companies. In 1997, David joined SIR Corp. to head-up the financial/accounting department of one of their most profitable divisions, Signature Restaurants (Al Frisco’s, Alice Fazooli’s!, Far Niente, reds). During his 5 years with SIR Corp., David reconstructed the division’s information processing into a centralized accounting department, and helped the division grow from 4 restaurants to 9, each with sales over $4 million annually. This development included the roll-out of the Alice Fazooli’s! chain.
In 2001, David left Sir Corp to form The Fifteen Group Inc., a consulting company dedicated to maximizing restaurant profits through effective sales generation and disciplined cost control management. The Fifteen Group’s clients range from owner/operated establishments to multi-unit restaurant corporations.
David Hopkins // President
Alex began his career in one of Canada’s leading wine regions, 30 years ago. As a young Chef, Alex worked in one of Canada’s 4 diamond restaurants Escabeche, in the historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake, studying under a 2 Michelin Star Chef. After graduating from Niagara College’s Cook II Apprenticeship Program, and satisfying his penchant for cooking, Alex expanded his focus and development to the front of the house operations and has held the positions of General Manager and Director of Operations with Liberty ITM, representing some of the top corporate branded restaurants in Canada. Alex has facilitated the opening of over 35 restaurants throughout Canada, including with world renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck.
Alex moved from the Toronto office in 2006 to open and lead the 15 Group’s Vancouver Office operations.
Alex Fraser // VP, Concept Development
Jenny started her restaurant career more than twenty years ago with the restaurant group Milestones Grill & Bar. Over the seven years with Milestones she worked her way up in restaurant management and held positions such as bar and training manager, assistant General Manager and General Manager. In 2007 she was the opening GM for the introduction of the brand to the London, Ontario market. In 2010 she joined SIR Corp and the Alice Fazooli’s brand. She worked along-side senior leaders of the company to help develop SIRCorp’s leadership competencies, a labour program and ‘manager in training’ online program. Before leaving SIRCorp to join the fifteen group she was heavily involved in the development of training materials and rebranding of the Alice Fazooli’s chain. Jenny’s love for restaurants and food revolves around the ‘perfect guest experience’. She has a very strong business and operations sense with a love for training perfect guest engagement.
Jenny Companion // VP, Consulting Operations
Misha Kehinde // Manager, Restaurant Accounting
Olivia is an award-winning designer with a passion for how branding can apply across all consumer touchpoints. She believes what a brand looks, acts, and feels like, is as important as what the brand produces, and has spent the last 12+ years building brands in the advertising and design industries with companies big and small to help them realize and achieve their vision.
Her experience includes brands in the hospitality, consumer packaged goods, finance, automotive, fashion, and non-profit industries.
Olivia Harrison // Director, Design + Brand
Senior Project Lead
Executive Chefs
Chris has worked in the hospitality industry for over twenty years. His extensive experience in the field has been put to good use, assisting aspiring restauranteurs to bring their vision to reality as Senior Restaurant Consultant with The Fifteen Group - Hospitality Consulting Agency based in Toronto.
Chris began his career working with Cara Operations, now Recipe, under the Milestones Brand and continued his journey with SIRCorp, Les 3 Brasseur/The 3 Brewers, and independently-owned operations in the GTA. Chris holds a diploma in Hospitality and Food and Beverage Management from George Brown College, and he is currently a Part-Time Professor in the School of Hospitality and Horticulture Science at Durham College.
Chris Knight // Consultant
A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Cuff’s career choice was a product of his environment. Growing up in a small farm town, his family owned a John Deere dealership and sourced much of their food directly from their massive garden & nearby farmers – be it beef, pork, chicken, wild game or organic vegetables. Cuff grew a natural passion for food and wine and an appreciation for the hard work and dedication of small-scale farmers and producers.
After studying culinary arts at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and working in Europe and some of western Canada’s best restaurants, Cuff had the opportunity to serve as the Chef in some of Canada’s most reputable restaurants and hotels. As a testament to his dedication to the culinary profession, in 2006, Cuff was the youngest Chef to receive the prestigious Chef de Cuisine certification with honours by the Canadian Culinary Federation. The designation is one of Canada's highest professional culinary recognitions and accreditations, representing the culmination of one of the highest standards of managerial and administrative responsibilities, culinary skills and dedication to the profession and craft. He accredits his success to working with some of the best and most influential leaders in the Canadian culinary industry. Following this achievement, Cuff was ready to find a new challenge and step away from the day-to-day grind of the kitchen.
Cuff joined The Fifteen Group in 2015 as the West Coast Chef Consultant, working closely with the Concept Development and Operations teams to create unique and outstanding food and beverage experiences through concept, menu development, kitchen design, and strong systems and procedures. With a 25+ year tenure, Cuff continually develops and grows his skillset, driven by a deep-seated passion for the culinary industry.
Tim Cuff, CCC // Executive Chef, West Coast
With over twenty years of culinary experience, Steve brings his strengths of recipe and menu creation, team training, and restaurant openings to the Fifteen Group.
Upon completing the Italian Arts program at George Brown College, Steve moved to Italy and spent two years perfecting his culinary skills at Palace Hotel Villa Cortine on Lago di Garda, and Savini Ristorante in Milano. Upon returning to Toronto Steve trained under Master Chef Giampiero Tondina, eventually becoming the Chef at popular French Bistro Pastis for six years. Steve then joined the Sircorp brand as Executive Chef of Alice Fazooli’s Italian Restaurant. Steve oversaw the brand transition to Scaddabush Italian Kitchen and Bar, and assisted in opening new stores while renovating existing locations.
Steve Silvestro // Executive Chef, East Coast
Full Team
