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Head honcho (he hates when we call him that), John Kunkel, has been involved in the restaurant industry since he was 15-years-old, and has more than 20-years (don’t do the math) of restaurant operator knowledge. This might explain why he knows a thing or two about successful restaurant concepts.

Although John didn’t originally have plans to pursue a career in the restaurant industry, he just couldn’t seem to stay away. His first big move came in 2001, when John opened his first restaurant concept, Taste Bakery Café. Hip and hungry South Beach patrons loved the sidewalk café feel and healthy, homemade food. The concept not only worked, but thrived.

But John always saw the big picture for his restaurant concepts, and his true directorial debut came three years later, when he sold Taste at its peak to pursue his second restaurant concept, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill®. When Lime opened its doors in September 2004, John knew that it would be the start of a successful venture for him; one that would make an impact on South Beach and South Florida, and eventually, the world.

John’s prediction is now a reality and Lime is currently in the process of opening more than 200 new locations across the Southeast United States. As if that’s not enough to keep John busy, he is also developing various new concepts, the first of which is slated to open in Miami in the Fall of 2011.