James Beard House featured chef brings the creativity of Barton G and the reach of The Restaurant People to BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern

SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 3, 2026 — 2BHospitality LLC today announced that Rodion “Rod” Chitikov will join the company as Chief Culinary Officer on August 8, 2026. Chitikov will guide the culinary direction of the company’s five restaurants — three BellaBrava locations and two Stillwaters Tavern locations — working hand in hand with the kitchen teams at each.

Chitikov comes home to Tampa Bay after building his reputation in South Florida with two of the region’s most influential hospitality groups. Trained in Michelin-starred kitchens and recognized as a Featured Chef at the James Beard House, he is known for visionary menus, strong leadership and a talent for delivering consistent excellence across large, multi-concept operations.

For more than 20 years, Barton G has been one of the most creative and innovative names in American dining, famous for theatrical, over-the-top presentations that turn every dish into a moment and widely called one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in the world. From 2016 to 2022, Chitikov led the culinary vision across the brand’s creative outlets, guiding the teams behind its restaurants, its off-premises catering and its corporate event production company. At Barton G, food was only the beginning: menus were imagined hand in hand with design, décor and production, turning dinners, galas and brand activations into fully staged experiences. He brought that showmanship to marquee events for partners such as the PGA, BMW and the NFL, while building the systems that raised quality and profitability across every outlet and helped drive 30% annual revenue growth.

Most recently, Chitikov led culinary innovation at The Restaurant People, the group behind some of Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s most talked-about destinations, including Giselle, Rosa Sky, E11EVEN, Boatyard and YOLO. Across a portfolio of 14 concepts, he collaborated with Michelin-pedigree chefs to create menus that balance creativity with each brand’s identity and elevated the brand across the entire portfolio.

Chitikov now brings that blend of imagination and steady execution to BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside the teams at BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern,” said Chitikov. “There’s a strong foundation here, and a real opportunity to sharpen our culinary identity while continuing to grow.”