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The Story
Stone Hearth Pizza Co. debuted in August 2005 in Belmont, Mass., when longtime friends Christopher Robbins and Jonathan Schwarz leveraged a combined 30 years of entrepreneurial experience to open an upscale neighborhood dining spot based on their shared core values: friendship, good food and family. The company’s commitment to sourcing sustainable, organic and, whenever possible, local ingredients ensures a superior product, supports family farming, protects natural resources and strengthens local economies. Chef and manager Michael Ehlenfeldt’s menu offers both classic and unexpected varieties of Neapolitan-style, oven-fired pizzas, as well as a regional beer and wine list. A second location in Sudbury, Mass., opened in May of 2006, and plans for more suburban locations are in the works.
The Team
Christopher Robbins - Co-founder/Co-owner
Christopher Robbins brings over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience to Stone Hearth Pizza Co., with prior work in corporate sales, marketing and business development for the hospitality, commodity, consulting, technology and fashion industries, in addition to experience in the purchase and management of franchise concepts. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and a MBA from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. Robbins is responsible for restaurant development initiatives, financing and investor relations.
Jonathan Schwarz - Co-founder/Co-owner
Over the past 15 years, Jonathan Schwarz has built business experience by developing brands in food service, retail and technology markets. He previously held management positions in marketing, product management and sales with Allied Domecq's QSR division, which operates Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin Robbins and Togo's, as well as with the Timberland Company, Corex Technologies and VeriSign. Schwarz earned an undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and attended Boston University's MBA program. Schwarz is responsible for managing restaurant operations and marketing.
Michael Ehlenfeldt - Chef/General Manager
Before joining the Stone Hearth Pizza Co. team, Michael Ehlenfeldt worked for 14 years as chef de cuisine at Hamersley’s Bistro, one of Boston’s top fine dining establishments. Ehlenfeldt possesses a depth of knowledge that allows him to consistently serve quality food, while his unsurpassed attention to detail helps him build restaurant operations and train employees. He is responsible for developing pizza dough and salad recipes and serves as general manager and director of employee training. Ehlenfeldt has wide-ranging restaurant experience and always aims to combine a sense of whimsy with his rigorous standards and integrity.
Melissa Klein - Operations Manager/Finance Director
Melissa Klein has over 15 years of restaurant industry and financial experience at the Four Seasons Hotel, The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, and The Century Café in New York City. At Stone Hearth Pizza, she is responsible for recruiting, training and managing front-of-the-house employees and handling all cash controls, accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting. Klein works with Stone Hearth’s staff to ensure that its team members are knowledgeable and empowered with creativity, as she is dedicated to making Stone Hearth Pizza one of the area’s best places to work.
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