Emma's Torch Board of Directors, Michael Stillman, Member, CEO and Founder, Quality Branded

Michael Stillman

Board Member

As the son of one of the country’s leading restauranteurs, Michael Stillman grew up with a special vantage point on the inner workings of the industry. Michael learned from a young age how artful design, quality ingredients, and creative marketing all play a critical role in attracting and retaining a loyal clientele. Michael worked for the acclaimed Union Square Hospitality Group before learning the business of The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group from the ground up. Michael channeled his creative vision and business sense into the concept creation of Quality Meats, which opened in 2006. Michael led the execution of every aspect of the new restaurant, from recruiting acclaimed designers AvroKO and talented young chef Craig Koketsu to negotiating lease terms and working with contractors to keep the job on budget and schedule. After closing the sale of The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group and founding Fourth Wall Restaurants in 2007, Michael created a succession of restaurants that achieved both critical and popular acclaim. His restaurant group, Quality Branded, now includes Smith & Wollensky NYC, Quality Meats, Quality Italian NYC and Denver, Don Angie, Quality Bistro, Zou Zou’s, Kini’s, and Bad Roman, with new restaurants on the horizon.