OUR TEAM
JOEL BROWN
General Manager
Joel caught his love for hospitality in college, where he initially worked in the kitchen. Staying on after graduation to master proper cooking techniques, Joel made the switch to the front-of-the-house ten years later and has not looked back. He sees his work as an opportunity to create a relaxing, enjoyable environment where guests can put aside their daily stresses for a little while.
Joel enjoys working with passionate people with equal talent for creating and eating good food. He strives to provide exceptional ambience and service, exceeding diners’ expectations and elevating ABC from other burger concept restaurants. When he isn’t working, Joel loves a good, grilled ribeye steak paired with a light, low ABV Amber Ale.
LISI ROKA
Executive Chef
Chef Lisi was born and raised in Kosovo. He moved to the US in 2017 and started his restaurant career at Hilltop Restaurant. After working in various positions, he learned his love for cooking and being in the restaurant industry. He narrowed his passion down specifically for burgers while working at Park and Oak in West Hartford. In 2020, Lisi joined the team at Artisanal Burger Company in Manchester. As Executive Chef, he loves spreading his knowledge and love for food with his team. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife Dhurata and daughter Ami, trying new recipes, and reading.
JORDAN KRIZENOSKY
Assistant General Manager
Jordan began his journey at a small cafe and banquet hall in West Hartford where he worked the takeout window, making hot dogs and ice cream cones. There, he eventually worked his way through the positions of busser, food runner, banquet server, and finally banquet captain. Four years later, and ready for a new challenge, Jordan took a chance and applied to ABC – intermittently working a year at Zohara upon its opening.
Jordan has developed immensely during his tenure, lending his thirst for knowledge to the bar program. He notes his biggest influence for constant self improvement is ABC General Manager Joel Brown.