Executive Team

Vision

Founder

Jeff Gigante, a St Petersburg, Florida native, has been successfully developing a diverse collection of restaurant concepts, for 25 years, steadfastly earning a reputation for hospitality, community involvement, and philanthropy. Jeff started his path to a culinary career at a young age. Inspired by memories of the shared family table, he began working in all areas of hospitality, including, service, management, and operations. During his senior year at Florida State University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Film, Jeff made his foray into the restaurant world, opening Gigamo Bros pizzeria. A few short years later, while pursuing acting and hospitality in NYC, Gigante worked with and befriended the Lanza family, successful entrepreneurs with a passion for restaurants. Rising from food runner to trusted manager, Jeff convinced James Lanza to come to Tampa Bay, a city he saw as bright with potential for food and beverage and entertainment concepts. Lanza was hooked and together the two would co-found, along with Chef Luis Flores, Ciccio Restaurant Group, establishing multiple popular brands over the better part of two decades.

In 2019, with an eye towards his own vision, Jeff opened Forbici Modern Italian, known for Roman style pizza and pastas in a lively, convivial atmosphere, and the foundation of Next Level Brands was laid.

The formation of Next Level Brands is a natural evolution and the culmination of Jeff's life's work. Bringing together a talented and dedicated team built on valued relationships and an unwavering commitment to Next Level hospitality.

Co-Founder

Born in New York City and raised in Tampa, Florida, Joseph Guggino is an attorney and investor with a penchant for the hospitality industry. Joe first moved to Tampa at the age of ten where he eventually went on to earn a degree in Marketing from Florida State University followed by a law degree from Stetson University. After practicing law for several years, Joe began investing in real estate as a side passion project which quickly turned into a full-time occupation. In the early 2000s, he began working with Next Level Brands Founder, Jeff Gigante, to acquire properties for Ciccio Restaurant Group. Eventually, Joe began investing in Jeff's hospitality ventures and even assisted in the curation of Fobici Modern Italian's wine list. Joe became increasingly invested in the process, and eventually joined Next Level Brands full-time in directing food and beverage for all Next Level Brands concepts.

Joe's passion for the hospitality industry has been steadily evolving over the years. Although he never anticipated to be so heavily involved in the development and expansion of Tampa's culinary landscape, he is humbled to be working alongside Jeff and Andrew in the creation and execution of several hospitality ventures. 

Co-Founder

Andrew Wright is a real estate powerhouse and leading force behind Tampa's evolving hospitality landscape. He is the Founder of the successful full-service commercial real estate firm, Franklin Street, and private equity real estate investment firm, Ally Capital Group (ACG). Andrew has managed ACG's strategic growth from a local Tampa firm to a national player in capital markets, insurance, leasing, project management and property management, boasting over $5.5 billion in transaction value with a rapidly expanding presence and reach.

In 2021, Wright brought his strategic mindset and leadership skills to co-found Next Level Brands. He has been recognized as one of Florida's 500 most influential executives by Florida Trend Magazine for four consecutive years, one of the Tampa Bay Business Journal's "25 People to Watch," and has formerly been named a "40 Under 40" honoree by both Florida Trend and the Business Observer. Andrew's influence and mindset continues to be a successful driver in bringing elevated dining concepts to the Tampa Bay area with Next Level Brands.

Director of Operations

Heather Rivas, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, now brings her notable leadership skills and innovative spirit to her role as Director of Operations at Next Level Brands. Her diverse journey through high-volume, casual, and fine-dining restaurants, including prestigious establishments in cities like New York City, Boston, Providence, and Savannah, has earned her recognition as a pivotal figure in the industry. Notable roles include General Manager positions at acclaimed restaurants such as Husk Savannah and Tiger Mama. Her recent success as General Manager at Boulon Brasserie and Bakery in Tampa led to her promotion within Next Level Brands, where she now oversees operational strategy for the company's diverse restaurant portfolio. Heather's vision is to create a synergistic environment across all establishments, empowering teams to deliver unparalleled dining experiences. Beyond operations, Heather is a certified sommelier and has received prestigious Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for her wine lists. Her global travels and appreciation for diverse cultures enrich her approach to hospitality, evident in her contributions to events like the James Beard House Regional Spotlight dinner. Recently nominated for Businesswoman of the Year, Heather's passion for exploration and storytelling continues to inspire excellence in the hospitality industry.

Culinary Director

Jacob Rios, originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, is a chef and culinary leader known for his creativity, integrity, and mentorship. Over the course of his career, he has worked with some of the nation's most respected brands, including Wolfgang Puck, Fulton's Crab House at Disney Springs, and Poogan's Hospitality Group in Charleston SC. He also held a leadership role at the B Resort located in Walt Disney World, where he oversaw multi-concept operations and guided high-performing teams. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Jacob has earned national recognition as a Food Network Chopped Champion and as a two-time winner of the American Culinary Federation's "Next Big Thing" competition. His culinary philosophy blends classic techniques with modern creativity, while honoring his Puerto Rican roots and embracing global influences.

At the heart of Jacob's leadership is a belief in honesty, respect, and integrity. He is dedicated to fostering kitchen cultures where teams feel valued, empowered, and inspired to deliver unforgettable guest experiences. His approach to food is equally thoughtful, emphasizing seasonality, sustainability, and the stories behind each dish. Outside of the kitchen, Jacob draws inspiration from his family, whose sacrifices and support continue to fuel his passion and work ethic. He cherishes time spent with his wife and children, and enjoys exploring new food cultures, traveling, and recalling the flavors of his childhood in Puerto Rico. For Jacob, food is more than sustenance — it is a way to connect people, celebrate heritage, and create lasting memories.

Chief Financial Officer

Will Sadlowski supervises financial reporting, oversees all treasury and banking functions, and ensures audit and tax compliance at Ally Capital Group. He also collaborates with the acquisitions and investment teams on deal terms, structures, and assists with financial due diligence, investor relations, and risk management.

In addition to his role at Ally Capital Group, Will serves as Chief Financial Officer for Next Level Brands, where he plays a key role in managing financial operations and strategic growth. Prior to joining Ally Capital Group, he spent 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Franklin Street, a commercial real estate and insurance company, overseeing substantial growth across six locations and seven business lines. He continues to serve on Franklin Street's Board of Directors and chairs its Finance Committee. Earlier in his career, he spent seven years at Grant Thornton as an audit manager.

Will holds a master's degree from the University of South Florida and a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. He is a Certified Public Accountant.