OUR TEAM
SAVA FARAH
Founder & CEO
After 18 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.
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.
ADRIENNE BRADY
Director of Marketing
Adrienne is a passionate foodie whose journey from the biotech industry to hospitality brings a unique perspective to her work. After graduating from college, she launched her career in biotech but quickly realized her true passion was in food and storytelling. In 2018, she made a bold career shift, joining The Pulpo Group as a marketing coordinator and growing into a leadership role.
Today, Adrienne leads the Marketing department with a fresh, creative vision and a sharp eye for detail. She elevates TPG’s public image and champions its commitment to hospitality through a dynamic marketing strategy focused on public relations, social media, and community engagement. She has a deep understanding of the unique voice and character of each of TPG’s exceptional restaurants — Sava’s, Aventura, and The Dixboro Project — and brings each brand to life through a thoughtful and creative lens.
Adrienne also helps builds key partnerships that help position TPG as a leading destination in the hospitality space. Known for her exceptional project management skills and collaborative spirit, she brings energy, creativity, and focus to everything she touches — helping TPG connect meaningfully with guests, partners, and the wider community.
GORDON MAKIN
Human Resources Manager
Gordon discovered his love for food and hospitality early on, growing up around the dinner table in a European household. He started his career in fast food as a teenager and worked his way up through both back- and front-of-house roles, eventually serving as General Manager at Sava’s.
Today, Gordon is the Human Resources Manager for the Pulpo Group, where he thrives on building systems, supporting his team, and fostering meaningful connections with both staff and guests. A dedicated family man with two young children, he spends his free time with his wife watching sports, and enjoying books, films, games, and all forms of art and media.
MEGAN KOTLYAR
Design Coordinator
A Michigan native, Megan began her hospitality career in Chicago after graduating from the University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design in 2021. There, she honed a deep appreciation for hospitality through design and marketing, opening restaurants across the country as the Creative Director for the group.
After four years in the Windy City, Megan returned to Ann Arbor to get married at The Dixboro Project in 2025 - where she fell in love with the warmth, care, and unmistakable hospitality of The Pulpo Group. Shortly after, the opportunity to join the team as Design Coordinator presented itself, bringing her personal journey beautifully full circle.
As Design Coordinator, Megan brings creativity and a thoughtful eye for detail to every touchpoint of the business from marketing and social media to menu development and the evolution of The Pulpo Group's physical spaces. Outside of work, she can often be found cooking for loved ones, flowing through a yoga class, or finding inspiration in the little details that make spaces feel like home.
LAURA WALLACE
Accounting Specialist
Laura Wallace is a restaurant industry veteran who rose from dishwasher to sales leader and entrepreneur after earning top honors in Hospitality & Tourism Management at Grand Valley State University. Laura is incredibly proud to work for a women-owned business, finding inspiration in TPG’s commitment to diversity and empowerment. She is motivated by leadership’s vision and dedication, which not only drive the company’s success but also pave the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.
As an Accounting Specialist for TPG, Laura pairs hands-on restaurant experience with exceptional organizational rigor, using her deep industry knowledge to streamline vendor processes, improve financial controls, and strengthen partner relationships that drive business results.
SHELBY ROBINSON
Social Media Manager
Shelby’s journey in hospitality began at 17, working in restaurants and witnessing firsthand the power of food and care in bringing people together. After earning her BA in Creative Advertising from Michigan State University, she sought a new perspective and moved to South Korea to teach English, deepening her belief that food is a universal connector across people and places.
Returning home, Shelby built her career in marketing with various restaurant, beverage, and lifestyle brands, seamlessly marrying her love of storytelling and photography with hospitality. At The Pulpo Group, she brings a human-centered, visually-driven approach to her work.
As Social Media & Content Manager, Shelby leads photography, video, content strategy, and campaign development, transforming hospitality into storytelling that connects people beyond the table. Outside of work, you can find her with a film camera in hand, at a yoga class, or hosting intimate backyard dinners with friends.