OUR MISSION
We are visionaries, pioneers, and leaders of hospitality - redefining the style and standard of exceptional experiences in the communities we serve. With our unwavering commitment to excellence and our heartfelt expression of besa, we ignite meaningful transformation for our three stakeholders: our team, our guest, and our business.
THE SPIRIT OF THE PULPO
At The Pulpo Group, our spirit animal is the octopus - a symbol of intelligence, creativity, intuition, adaptability, and emotional depth. These qualities mirror the essence of our work: delivering flavor and character beyond compare. Like the octopus, we thrive in complexity, blending resourcefulness and ingenuity to navigate challenges and create solutions. This shared spirit fuels our success, guiding us to excel and adapt in the ever-evolving currents of business.
OUR VALUES
EXCELLENCE
Our Commitment to Quality
LEADERSHIP
Our Commitment to Service
joy
Our Commitment to Each Other
BESA
Our Commitment to Hospitality
our leadership
SAVA FARAH
Founder & CEO
After 17 years of opening and operating culture-defining restaurants in the Ann Arbor area, restaurateur Sava Farah has established herself as one of the country’s foremost hospitality visionaries. Based on the foundation of her hallmark passion for quality, sustainability, and community engagement; Sava has built a restaurant and hospitality group that makes a deep impact on the food industry in the Great Lakes region and beyond.
Emigrating from communist Albania to the Bronx at five years old, Sava and her family made the daunting nighttime journey on foot, over the mountains to cross the Yugoslavian border. This journey instilled in her the profound belief that we all hold the power to create a better world for ourselves and what is seemingly impossible, can, in fact, be achieved. Guided by her deep cultural roots, Sava began her working journey at the early age of 13 and immediately connected to the transformational power of hospitality which lie at the heart of her heritage, her businesses, and her relentless entrepreneurial spirit.
Sava is a devoted wife and mother, a visionary leader, a writer, and a force in the industry. Her story serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to achieve their dreams through hard work, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.
JANELLE ZINI
COO & Managing Partner
Janelle moved to Ann Arbor in 2012 to pursue her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Michigan. While studying, she worked as a server and bartender at our flagship restaurant, Sava’s, where she quickly fell in love with the vibrant culture and energy of the hospitality industry. Inspired to make a full transition from nonprofit work, she took a leap of faith and became a Manager at Sava’s. Over the past twelve years, Janelle has excelled in various roles, including General Manager, HR Director, and Chief of Staff. In 2023, she was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of The Pulpo Group, showcasing her unwavering commitment to our team and the meaningful work we do.
As COO, Janelle offers strategic leadership and direction, overseeing operational and managerial procedures to boost efficiency and drive growth. She excels in managing daily operations while fostering a positive company culture through impactful HR initiatives and talent development. Janelle collaborates closely with the executive team to achieve our company goals, setting realistic growth targets and implementing effective measurement tools. By motivating employees at all levels, she ensures alignment with our values and strategic objectives, making her an essential pillar of the TPG team.
ADRIENNE BRADY
Marketing Director
Adrienne is a passionate foodie with a unique journey from the biotech industry to the world of hospitality. After graduating from college in 2013, she initially started her career in biotech but soon realized her true passion lay elsewhere. Her love for cooking and food photography inspired her to make a bold career shift, joining The Pulpo Group in 2018 as a marketing coordinator, later becoming a manager.
After taking time off to raise her two children, Adrienne has returned with fresh energy to lead the Marketing department. With her blend of organization and creativity, she inspires our team to reach new heights.
Adrienne elevates our public image and promotes our hospitality ethos through a robust marketing strategy that emphasizes public relations, social media, and community engagement. She manages content creation, coordinates major events, and builds partnerships to position TPG as a leading destination. Renowned for her exceptional project management skills, she maintains consistent messaging while driving innovative campaigns. Her business savvy and collaborative spirit are key to shaping TPG’s impact in the hospitality industry.
SEAN CRENNY
Director of Wine
With a deep passion for wine and hospitality, Sean Crenny has spent over a decade crafting dynamic and thoughtful wine programs in New York City and Michigan. Before relocating to Michigan in 2020, he refined his expertise as a sommelier at Per Se and TAK Room, both part of the acclaimed Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, where he developed a keen eye for precision in service, exceptional wine pairings, and world-class hospitality.
Prior to joining The Pulpo Group, Sean was most recently Beverage Director at Coeur in Ferndale, where his work earned widespread acclaim and national recognition for its thoughtful, boundary-pushing wine program. Before that, he served as Beverage Director at an ever-evolving pop-up space in Hazel Park, where he honed his ability to adapt, experiment, and curate unique guest experiences. Coincidentally, this space was just steps from the former location of The Crew, Sava’s first restaurant venture in Michigan.
As Director of Wine for The Pulpo Group, Sean leads the wine programs at The Dixboro Project, Sava’s, and Aventura, ensuring that each selection aligns with the restaurant’s unique identity while maintaining a cohesive vision across the group. His approach seamlessly blends innovation with tradition, with a strong emphasis on sustainability in the restaurant industry.
Passionate about making wine approachable, engaging, and memorable, Sean is dedicated to education, thoughtful pairings, and sharing the rich stories behind each bottle - transforming every glass into an memorable and joyful experience.
KIM SMISCIK
Controller
Kim Smiscik’s journey in the hospitality industry began at just 14 years old, working as a busser. Her passion for the industry only grew from there. While working full-time across various restaurant roles, Kim put herself through college by attending night classes, demonstrating her dedication and perseverance.
Kim’s extensive experience spans the full spectrum of dining establishments—from fine dining to fast food. As the Controller for 62 Checkers/Rally’s locations in the South and later for renowned establishments like Big Daddy’s Parthenon, The Parthenon House, and the Little Daddy’s chain, she honed her expertise in both the operational and financial aspects of the business. After a brief foray into retail, Kim returned to her true calling in hospitality, bringing a wealth of knowledge with her.
Since joining The Pulpo Group in April 2019, Kim has overseen all accounting operations, including Profit and Loss statements and balance sheets. Her deep understanding of restaurant operations, from front-of-house to financial management, has been instrumental in streamlining accounting practices within the organization. A seasoned Controller, Kim brings a passion for hospitality that drives her daily work and commitment to excellence.
NICOLE ST JOHN HAMBORSKY
Social Media & Marketing Content Specialist
Nicole, a jill-of-all-trades in the creative world, has worn many hats throughout her career. From photographer and social media manager to bartender, server, recipe writer, designer, sign painter, travel advisor, and more, her diverse experiences have shaped her passion for working in the hospitality industry.
A graduate of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Nicole’s focus was on photography and graphic design, with a specialization in food and beverage photography. Her career has taken her across various industries, but she often finds herself drawn back to the food and beverage space.
Beyond the culinary world, Nicole finds solace in the little things in life. She relishes deep belly laughs with friends over glasses of wine, and her travels often inspire her in the kitchen.
AMY REITENGA
HR Specialist
Amy's journey in the hospitality sector began in high school, where she balanced a full-time job at McDonald's with night school studies, eventually earning a managerial role before completing her Bachelor's degree. She then transitioned into the staffing industry, followed by the computer software sector, where she discovered her passion for Human Resources. Committed to continuous learning, she pursued a Master's Degree in HR, strengthening her expertise in the field.
As a Human Resources Specialist, Amy ensures accurate payroll processing, administers benefits programs, and collaborates with leadership to attract and retain top talent. Beyond routine HR tasks, she takes on special projects that expand her knowledge and contribute to the company's strategic goals. Her dedication to professional growth reflects her commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving HR landscape.