Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant has brought in a restaurant industry veteran serve as CEO.
Kim Boerema has been named to the post following the appointment of Kevin Finn to chairman of the board.
Finn, co-founder of the Wilmington-based company that got its start on Main Street, Newark, spent more than 20 years as the CEO of Iron Hill. Under Finn and co-founders Mark Edelson and Kevin Davies, Iron Hill employs more than 1,400 staff members, has operations in 14 locations, with plans for further expansion.
The three founders remain active in all areas of the business.
“I’m honored that our board has entrusted me with the great responsibilities of chairmanship,” said Finn, who will also lead the company’s real estate ventures. “My time as president has been incredibly rewarding, but this is both the next logical step for me, and the right time to take it. Our foundation is strong, our processes and protocols sound, and our staff is the best in the business. I am genuinely proud of them and pleased to turn over day-to-day command to Kim, an outstanding leader whose business acumen, drive and operational knowledge foster success at every turn.”
Boerema comes to Iron Hill from The California Pizza Kitchen where he served as chief operating officer. Prior to his seven years at CPK. Boerema was a vice president of Texas Roadhouse, a regional vice president of Brinker International, and a general manager of Bennigan’s. He has 32 years of leadership experience in the culinary industry. During that time he opened more than 200 restaurants across the country.
“I am privileged to become the CEO of Iron Hill,” said Boerema. “For years I have been a fan of the brewery and restaurant, seeing firsthand the pride, artistry, effort and raw talent of its staff. There is attention to detail in every meal and beer, all made from scratch using the finest ingredients; care and precision with every plating and pour; and an insistence that absolute freshness is not an optional luxury, but a self-imposed demand by the men and women of Iron Hill so that every guest receives the best.
“As we move forward and continue our strategic expansion, I see great things ahead for our guests, staff and this company.”
Iron Hill is now venturing outside the Delaware Valley. The company opened its newest location in Rehoboth Beach on May 24. This followed the opening of a location far to the south in Greenville, SC.
Aiding in the expansion are ties with a private equity partner that added financial heft for the privately held company.
