About Gemini Hospitality & Advisory Group

Gemini Hospitality & Advisory Group is a dynamic force in the hospitality industry, blending expert advisory services with hands-on restaurant ownership and operations. Led by Founding Partners Jim Saunders and Jimmy Loup—each with over 30 years of proven leadership—we specialize in turnaround initiatives, brand development from concept to launch, leadership team enhancement, and strategic planning. Our advisory arm empowers clients with insights drawn from our extensive operational experience, including financial planning, P&L management, franchise relations, and innovative menu development. Meanwhile, Gemini Hospitality owns and operates a growing portfolio of concepts, including the acclaimed Bella, Raven Steakhouse and Lounge, and The Armory, a state-of-the-art family entertainment center. By leveraging our past successes in scaling national chains, navigating mergers, and driving revenue growth during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, we deliver synergistic solutions that optimize efficiencies, boost guest satisfaction, and foster long-term success for our investments and partners.

Our Founders

Jim Saunders

Founding Partner

With a career spanning more than three decades in restaurant operations and hospitality, Jim Saunders is an accomplished EOS Integrator and strategic leader. As Co-founder of both Gemini Hospitality Group and Gemini Advisory, he oversees operations, marketing, and the development of new concepts, drawing on his expertise in revenue growth, brand transitions, and team building. Jim's notable roles include President and COO of Brain Storm Shelter and Grub Burger Bar, where he guided multi-state expansions and achieved record sales amid the pandemic, leading to a successful merger with Hopdoddy. His earlier executive positions at Hi Bar Hospitality Group, Twin Peaks, and brands like On The Border refined his skills in large-scale operations and profitability. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Truman State University, Jim excels at building cohesive teams and communicating visions that propel organizations forward.

Jimmy Loup

Founding Partner

Jimmy Loup brings over 30 years of hospitality expertise as a Founding Partner of Gemini Hospitality Group, where he mentors clients in brand launches and spearheads innovative concepts. In 2012, he founded Grub Burger Bar, scaling it from one location to a national chain of 25 restaurants before orchestrating a 2022 merger with Hopdoddy Burger Bar, backed by L Catterton. Starting his career at Outback Steakhouse as a high school cook, Jimmy rose to Joint Venture Partner, overseeing operations across Atlanta, South Georgia, and Alabama while earning his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University. Today, he serves on multiple boards in hospitality and beyond, applying his track record in business scaling, high-stakes transactions, and operational excellence to drive Gemini's portfolio and advisory services.

Our Team

Joe Palermo

COO

Adam Boyer

Beverage Director

Cory Giaquinta

Chef

Angela Saunders

VP of Human Resources and Training