Haven Hot Chicken, which brings NashvilleHot Chicken and “Not Chicken” to the area as one of the first fully dedicated Nashville Hot Chicken concepts in New England, announced the appointment of Steven Rivera as District Manager.  In this newly created role, Rivera will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations at the brand’s Connecticut locations, working with store leadership to deliver Haven’s Standards of Excellence for guests.

“We are committed to hiring passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic leaders that help deliver the best possible guest experience as well as the BEST Hot Chicken and Not Chicken anyone has ever had,” says Gretchen Bartkus, chief operating officer, Haven Hot Chicken.  “Steve brings more than 25 years of experience in entertainment, hospitality, operations and sales to our expanding team, and his role will be essential as Haven Hot Chicken continues its rapid growth in Connecticut and beyond!”

Prior to joining Haven Hot Chicken, Rivera served as District Manager with Bowlero Corporation, overseeing their Connecticut locations and earning their Eagle award for achieving Top 5% overall performance nationwide.  Prior to working with Bowlero, he served as a Senior Manager, Operations and Sales for Circuit City Stores in New York and Connecticut.  While in this multi-unit role, he launched a new services division, innovated store operations, hired and trained staff, oversaw operations and served as a brand champion.

“The innovation, passion and excitement of the entire Haven Hot Chicken team is infectious, and I’m thrilled to join this team,” adds Rivera.  “As we work to quickly open three new locations this Spring, I’m jumping in to help open these new stores, as well as meeting the team members and our guests at our open locations.  Our product is clearly loved, the team members are hard-working, and the management teams are highly engaged, leading by example!”