John Plew

CEO/Founder at Thirsty Lion Scratch Kitchen & Craft Cocktails

Speaker

John Plew is the CEO and Founder of Concept Entertainment Group, the parent company of Thirsty Lion Scratch Kitchen & Craft Cocktails and Grand Central Bowl & Arcade. Under John’s leadership, the company has grown into a multi-state restaurant and entertainment organization known for delivering high-quality food, craft beverages, and elevated guest experiences.

With more than 30 years of experience across the restaurant, hospitality, and commercial real estate industries, John has led the development, growth, and repositioning of multiple concepts. John is recognized for combining strong operational execution with strategic vision, successfully scaling brands while maintaining a culture focused on people, service, and performance.

Today, John continues to drive expansion of Thirsty Lion across key markets in the United States while advancing innovation in guest experience, technology, and operations. Areas of expertise include brand development, restaurant operations, real estate strategy, capital planning, and mergers and acquisitions.

As a speaker, John shares a practical operator’s perspective on leadership, scaling hospitality brands, market expansion, and building long-term value.John resides in Scottsdale, Arizona where their headquarters are located and remains actively engaged in guiding the company’s continued growth and evolution.