Managers step into new roles

Charlottetown restaurant owner Steve Barber is taking a step back with his business interests.

He announced Thursday that there’s been a change in leadership in his company’s restaurants.

In a deal led by Charlottetownbased mergers and acquisitions firm Confederation M&A, Red Island Hospitality Group (RIHG) announced that long-time managers Chad MacDonald and Jeff Sinnott have moved into ownership roles in the company.

Red Island Hospitality Group is the operations company of Hunters Ale House, John Brown Richmond Street Grille, Charlottetown Beer Garden and Seafood Patio and The Factory Cookhouse and Dancehall.

Barber, who founded the company, will continue to have involvement in the partnership and will play an important role in supporting MacDonald and Sinnott as they transition into their ownership roles.

Barber and business partner Jacob Hiemstra founded Hunter’s Ale House in 2005 where business has steadily grown and the business portfolio now includes four other restaurants.

Barber credits the success of RIHG to great staff and loyal customers.

“I’m passionate about a lot of things and am proud of what we’ve created since we first opened our doors,’’ Barber said. “Chad and Jeff have been with us since day one and have helped build this business. It’s an honour to be able to take a step back and allow them to take on a new role for businesses they know so well.’’

MacDonald, with Hunter’s Ale House since 2005, currently works as general manager of Hunter’s and The Factory. Sinnott, also with Hunter’s since 2005, was previously a manager at Hunter’s and The Factory, and is the current operations manager of RIHG, as well as the general manager at John Brown Richmond Street Grille.

“I’m proud to be a part of Red Island Hospitality Group and I look forward to many more years to come,’’ MacDonald said.

“This is a great opportunity for Jeff and I, and we’re excited to build on the vision that Barber started well over a decade ago.’’

Sinnott added that they’ve got great products and a great team in place.

“So, we plan on continuing to deliver the great food, great drinks and atmosphere that Islanders and visitors have come to know and love,’’ Sinnott said.