Francesco co-founded Grove Bay Hospitality Group in 2010 with a vision to build an industry-leading portfolio of innovative and profitable restaurant concepts. As Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, he has guided the company to launch eight street-side, celebrity chef–driven restaurants across Miami and secure contracts for more than 24 restaurants in four major international airports nationwide.

Francesco also played a pivotal role in securing an 80-year lease with the City of Miami for a landmark 7-acre waterfront property in Coconut Grove, formerly home to Charthouse and Scotty’s Landing. The development includes three restaurants, a 300-boat marina, and 60,000 square feet of retail space, and is now home to Grove Bay’s Bayshore Club restaurant and private event venue, The Hangar.

His leadership and impact have earned widespread recognition. Francesco was named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2018 Florida Awards, which honors entrepreneurs demonstrating exceptional success in financial performance, innovation, and community engagement. In 2020, Nation’s Restaurant News recognized him as one of the most influential restaurant CEOs in the country. Most recently, in 2024, the South Florida Business Journal honored Francesco with both the Ultimate CEO Award and inclusion among its Power Leaders in Hospitality.

In 2022, Grove Bay Hospitality Group launched the Grove Bay Foundation in partnership with Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Established to support the next generation of hospitality leaders, the foundation will donate $280,000 over five years to provide scholarships to at least 40 students pursuing degrees in hospitality management. Through this initiative and future efforts, Grove Bay continues its commitment to developing talent in Miami and fostering future leaders within the hospitality industry.