is the partner in Hank's Oyster Bar Old Town, LLC with Chef/Owner Jamie Leed's who also has the popular Hank's Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle. Lewis also collaborates on future restaurants projects under consideration with Leeds as she has over 20 years experience in the restaurant field, opening and handling the daily operations for highly successful establishments. She has worked the last 15 years in Washington, DC participating in the launch of six restaurants, including the first Hank's Oyster Bar with Jamie Leeds.
Prior to her appointment with Hank's in Old Town, she was the director of special projects with the prestigious restaurant group ThinkFOODGroup (TFG) owned by Jose Andres and Rob Wilder. Lewis worked for TFG over 11 years in the capacity of bar manager, floor manager, general manager and director. Her most recent project in March 2007 for TFG was the reopening of Oyamel, a Mexican small plate concept restaurant, moving the eatery from Crystal City, Virginia into Washington, DC. Lewis oversaw much of the construction of Oyamel and worked with the culinary team to produce one of the most creative beverage programs in the city.
During her tenure, Sandy Lewis served as general manager in three of TFG's five restaurants including Jaleo, DC, Jaleo Crystal City, and Zaytinya. She led her restaurant teams to achieve financial success while remaining involved with the creative process; traveling to Spain and Greece to help create the Wine Spectator award-winning wine lists at Jaleo and Zaytinya. With her law background, Lewis has also worked with ownership on human resources and legal issues, as well as with public relations firms and nonprofit organization to develop marketing strategies.
Lewis assisted Jamie Leeds with the launch of Hank's Oyster Bar at 1624 Q Street, NW, in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, in May 2005. She worked with Leeds to develop the operations strategy for the restaurant, and Lewis served as the opening general manager. Hank's was financially successful in its first year.
Lewis is a graduate of George Mason Law School in Arlington, Va. and practiced law for the Chicago Law Firm of Katten, Mutchin & Zavis. She is also a graduate of the College of William and Mary with majors in political science and theology. Sandy Lewis's first venture in the restaurant business after leaving law practice, was with the Acme Bar & Grill in Annapolis, MD known for its great local musicians.
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