Chris Harter, the new COO of Southern Prosper Hospitality Group.Christopher Harter joins the Southern Proper Hospitality Group (SPHG) leadership team as the new chief operating officer. Harter has experience as both a restaurateur and a hospitality industry corporate executive, most recently serving as president for Patina Restaurant Group in Buffalo, New York.
Harter also previously worked as the vice president of Phillips Foods in Baltimore. There, he oversaw all financial, operational, and developmental growth tactics for 21 restaurants. During his time with Phillips Foods, Harter improved profitability by over 50% and added six new properties to their portfolio.
Besides Patina Restaurant Group and Phillips Foods, Harter served in president and chief executive officer roles at Restaurants Unlimited in Seattle, Legacy Restaurants in Houston, and Levy Restaurants in Chicago. He began his career in the industry at age 16, working his way up from a cook to executive chef and eventually owner of four restaurants in California and Arizona.
As the new chief operations officer for SPH, Harter oversees all restaurant operations, which includes eight concepts and 18 restaurant locations. He will work with SPH ownership to grow the company through strategic planning and a focus on Tin Lizzy’s and Gypsy Kitchen.
