Since 1987, Giorgio Bakatsias has been the creative force behind more than thirty fine dining restaurants, food venues, and gourmet markets. His incredible gift of vision for the customer experience – along with his intuitive sense of cutting-edge trends in dining, and his international talent for menu composition- has resulted in legendary praise both from local and national food critics.

Now, a world renowned Restauranteur, Giorgios acquired his love of cooking at his mother´s stove in the quiet village of Karista, Greece. At the age of 12, George immigrated to the United States with his family to pursue the American Dream of success. His parents’ enterprise, a small diner above which they lived, was his introduction to Durham and the American way-of-life.

Giorgio´s culinary education has been a world-wide learning experience, from Paris to the Mediterranean to New York. By the age of 23, he already owned several restaurant properties and has conceived numerous more. His passion, talent and enthusiasm for life have lead to some remarkable experiences... from carrying the Olympic torch during his brief career as an athlete, to catering an event for 10,000 guests on the White House lawn.

George Bakatsias is known for his boundless energy, unmistakable laugh and eternal optimism- proving that if you embrace life, it will give you untold experiences and pleasures.

Andrew Dodd, or Drew, is a Nashville, Tennessee native who came to Charlotte to pursue his culinary career.  Drew was formally educated at Johnson & Wales University but his passion for cooking began at a very young age while cooking meals for his family.  Drew has been in a professional kitchen since the age of 15.  Through his cooking journey, Drew has served as Sous Chef for Dalt’s Diner and Bosco’s Restaurant and Brewery in Nashville, and Sous Chef for Lava Bistro here in Charlotte.  Immediately prior to joining Georges Brasserie, Drew was an integral member of the highly regarded team at Ratcliffe on the Green, a farm to fork concept in Downtown Charlotte, where he worked closely with local farmers and unique ingredients to support the slow food efforts in Charlotte while providing memorable meals for their guests.  “I am excited and honored to represent Georges Brasserie as Executive Chef.  I am here to serve.”

Native Charlottean, Sharon Balas, has lived her life on Park Road from Dilworth to Pineville and back. Her restaurant career began at age 17 when she discovered the joys of serving opposed to working other retail positions. As she pursued her degree in English she was offered a position in management with Eli´s on East Boulevard and never turned back. Other operational management positions followed at Barley & Rye, Hayden´s, Providence Cafe and The Palm Restaurant. While at The Palm an opportunity arose to explore a catering sales manager position to which Sharon could apply her more creative client oriented side. After a successful five years with The Palm she joined the passionate and talented team at Noble´s Restaurant in the same position and enjoyed seven years with Chef Jim Noble and his staff coordinating private dining, wine and charitable events as well as assisting in operational management. She is tremendously excited to bring her experience and enthusiastic approach to the Georges Brasserie team.

Peter is native New Yorker, graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Business Management, priding himself on a tradition of warm hospitality, teamwork and adding an impeccable attention to detail to every aspect of his work. Peter’s diverse Hospitality Management career includes Director of Catering for Hilton Hotels, manager of acclaimed Armani’s Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Westshore on Tampa Bay, 13 years on “Miami’s Gold Coast”, South Beach as Food and Beverage Director of The Tides hotel on Ocean Drive, General Manager of Tantra Restaurant, Touch Restaurant and Manager of Chef Douglas Rodriguez’s OLA Restaurant. Relocating to Charlotte two and a half years ago, He was General Manager of Lava Bistro & Bar in University Area and is now honored to be part of the Management Team for Georges Brasserie.