David Howard
Founder
David Howard (DH), a James Beard Awards Semi-Finalist for Best Restaurateur, is the founder of The Neighborhood Dining Group (NDG). With a rich background as a hospitality industry veteran and a chef by trade, his culinary journey began on his family’s farm in rural England. DH’s creativity and passion led him to pursue formal culinary education followed by positions in various countries, including Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, and Bermuda. Throughout his travels and interactions with diverse culinary professionals, DH was deeply influenced by the importance of treating people with respect and decency. Armed with these experiences, DH set out to establish a restaurant group based on integrity, which he has steadfastly followed since the inception of NDG. In 1991, as he established his first restaurant, DH handwrote an outline of the guiding principles he would adhere to. Almost three decades and seven restaurant concepts later, this vision remains at the core of the company’s culture. As NDG continues to grow and flourish, his commitment to treating others with respect and providing a nurturing work environment has created a culture where talent thrives, loyalty is rewarded, and everyone can contribute to the collective success of the entire company.
Kenny Lyons
Vice President of Operations
Kenny Lyons is the Vice President of Operations of The Neighborhood Dining Group, where he oversees the success of the company’s seven restaurants across the Southeast. Joining Husk Nashville and The Neighborhood Dining Group in 2013, Lyons opened and helped Husk achieve national acclaim including GQ’s “Most Outstanding Restaurants” and Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants” in 2014. Lyons worked closely with his team to develop Husk Nashville’s acclaimed bourbon list and wine program before moving up the ranks of the Neighborhood Dining Group and relocating to Charleston. Now based in the Lowcountry, Lyons has his hand in all facets of NDG. He works closely with both the business and creative sides of the company, conceptualizing new restaurants and improving the infrastructure and sustainability of the current restaurants and brands.
Brittany Link
Human Resources Director
Born in Charleston and now residing in the Atlanta area, Brittany Link is the Human Resources Director for NDG. Her love for the restaurant industry began early on when she began working as a hostess as a teenager and continued to grow as she attended the University of Tennessee and studied hotel, restaurant, and tourism management. While in college, she worked at Blackberry Farm and learned the true meaning of hospitality, the importance of attention to detail, and creating an unforgettable experience for guests. Link continued to learn the ins and outs of the event and restaurant industry and became part of The Neighborhood Dining Group when she joined the management team for the Atlanta location of Minero. In 2019, she transitioned into her current role as Human Resources Director. Link is passionate about the people in this industry, and her experience allows her to approach scenarios with positivity while making employees feel cared for.
Rory O'Connell
Director of Operations
Rory O’Connell, Director of Operations for the Neighborhood Dining Group, brings nearly 20 years of industry expertise to his role, having worked in renowned restaurants across the United States. Originally hailing from Northampton, MA, his fascination with the world behind the restaurant curtain ignited his journey. O’Connell’s career saw him rise through the ranks from a server at Husk in Nashville to General Manager, leading the team for six years before becoming the Director of Operations. In his current position, he is committed to upholding top-notch hospitality and guest satisfaction, fostering a positive, educational, and safe work environment, and preserving the unique essence of each restaurant within the Neighborhood Dining Group.
Katy Powers
Culinary Director
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Katy Powers is the Culinary Director of NDG, overseeing menu development and chef teams across the concept. Originally starting her career as a pastry chef, she earned a degree at the Culinary Institute of America after playing college volleyball at the University of Mississippi. Following her time working on pastry teams across New York City, she joined the NDG team at McCrady’s as a Pastry Chef before joining the executive team in 2020. Knowing the ins and outs of kitchens, she takes a solution-oriented approach and values the importance of listening first, in order to positively impact all of The Neighborhood Dining Group teams.
Chase Elliott
Finance Director
Growing up in Salisbury, North Carolina, Chase Elliott developed an appreciation for the hospitality industry at a young age and later discovered his appreciation for the joy that the industry brings to customers. As a graduate of The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting, Elliott began his career in public accounting and later an accounting manager for a start-up alcohol beverage company. In 2017, Elliott moved to Charleston and began his role as Finance Director for The Neighborhood Dining Group. In his role, Elliott enjoys discovering ways to improve the lives of the restaurant managers, staff, and other executive team members. Elliott finds his work rewarding and seeks to improve operational efficiency with the wellbeing of his colleagues at the top of mind.
Kevin King
Project Development
A Seattle native, Kevin King leads the Neighborhood Dining Group’s Project Development, priding himself on his passion for hospitality and values in leadership. King moved to Nashville, Tennessee when he was 21 years-old, where he immersed himself in the fast-paced, hospitality-focused Music City, and quickly found his passion in restaurants and bars. In 2013, he joined The Neighborhood Dining Group as a bartender at Husk Nashville, where he excelled at roles leading beverage programs and managing operations. He returned to Charleston in 2019 to helm the opening of Delaney Oyster House, where he served as General Manager. King accepted a position as General Manager of Husk Charleston in 2021, then helped the group open their two newest concepts, Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina and The James. Today, King is responsible for overseeing and managing new restaurant openings and overseeing initial operations.
Tammi Brown
Accounting and Administrative Assistant
Originally from Albuquerque, NM, Tammi Brown is NDG’s Accounting and Administrative Assistant. Brown’s broad range of work experience ranges from owning several of her own food-related businesses to working over ten years at a wholesale food distribution company as an accounting and inventory controller. After a move to Charleston, Brown joined The Neighborhood Dining Group in 2022 where her dependability and support ensures the success of the group as a whole.