Noble 33 Taps Michelin Vet Lee Bennett to Lead Global Culinary Charge

DALLAS, TX – April 16, 2026 – In a strategic move underscoring its commitment to culinary supremacy amid rapid global expansion, hospitality group Noble 33 has appointed Chef Lee Bennett, a veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens, as its new Vice President of Culinary. Bennett, an alumnus of kitchens run by Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse, will now steer the culinary direction for the group's entire international portfolio, a collection of high-energy dining concepts that includes Toca Madera, Mēdüzā Mediterrania, and the recently launched 1587 Prime.

The appointment comes as Noble 33 embarks on its most ambitious growth phase yet, with plans to open more than ten new restaurants across nine markets. Bennett is tasked not only with elevating the existing culinary programs but also with shaping the identity of new concepts slated for 2027 and beyond, a significant undertaking for the rapidly growing brand.

A Pedigree Forged in Europe's Top Kitchens

Chef Bennett brings to Noble 33 more than two decades of elite experience, a career defined by discipline and excellence at the highest echelons of the culinary world. His journey began in Europe, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of some of modern gastronomy's most formidable figures, including Gordon Ramsay, Pierre Gagnaire, and Alain Ducasse.

His tenure in the United Kingdom was particularly distinguished. As Head Chef at Ramsay's iconic Savoy Grill, Bennett was instrumental in meticulously maintaining the restaurant's coveted Michelin star, a testament to his consistency and leadership. It was during this period that his peers recognized his exceptional talent, with the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs, the UK's leading chef association, naming him "Restaurant Chef of the Year."

Following his success at the Savoy Grill, Bennett took the helm as Executive Chef at another landmark London institution, Le Pont de la Tour. His growing profile led to appearances on popular BBC food programs such as The Great British Menu, MasterChef UK, and Celebrity MasterChef UK, making him a recognizable face in British culinary circles. His career later came full circle with Ramsay, serving as Global Director of Culinary for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, where he was responsible for managing kitchen standards and development across the brand's international portfolio. His expertise extends beyond traditional restaurant settings, having designed and executed luxury dining experiences for high-profile international Formula 1 events.

"Chef Bennett has worked alongside some of the most respected names in the culinary world," said Noble 33 CEO and Co-Founder Mikey Tanha in a statement. "At the helm of our culinary operation, we look forward to how he'll continue to push boundaries for our dining experience and overall guest journey."

Fueling an Ambitious Global Expansion

Bennett's appointment is not merely about prestige; it is a calculated move to install a foundational pillar for Noble 33's aggressive global strategy. The group, co-founded by Tanha and Chairman Tosh Berman, has carved a niche in the "high-energy, high-touch fine dining" segment, and is now scaling that model at an accelerated pace.

Noble 33's current footprint spans major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, and Toronto. The roadmap ahead includes adding new concepts in Beverly Hills, Nashville, Dallas, Austin, and Chicago. This expansion includes confirmed plans for two new restaurants—a Japanese steakhouse and an izakaya concept—at the ultra-luxury Rosewood Residences in Beverly Hills, slated for 2027. The company is also deepening its roots in Miami, relocating its global headquarters to the city and planning four new venues, making it the group's largest market.

This rapid, multi-market growth presents immense operational challenges, particularly in maintaining the quality and consistency that luxury diners expect. Bennett's role is central to navigating this complexity, ensuring that whether a guest is dining at Toca Madera in Scottsdale or a future concept in Dallas, the culinary experience remains impeccable.

"Chef Bennett brings a distinctive culinary approach that complements the philosophies we've been building at Noble 33," noted Co-Founder and Chairman Tosh Berman. "I'm excited to closely collaborate with him to continue bringing the restaurant's vision to life and deliver a memorable experience for our guests."

The Art of Harmonizing a Diverse Portfolio

Perhaps the most intricate aspect of Bennett's new role will be overseeing a remarkably diverse portfolio of restaurant concepts. Unlike groups focused on a single brand, Noble 33's collection spans a wide spectrum of cuisines. This includes the modern Mexican fare of Toca Madera and Casa Madera, the vibrant coastal flavors of Mēdüzā Mediterrania, the classic Italian-inspired steakhouse Sparrow Italia, and the American steakhouse 1587 Prime, a high-profile partnership with NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

Each brand has its own distinct identity, ambiance, and culinary voice. Bennett's challenge is to innovate and elevate each one without diluting its unique character. He must drive creativity, develop new dishes, and inspire kitchen teams across different continents and culinary traditions, all while ensuring a cohesive standard of excellence under the Noble 33 umbrella. This requires a delicate balance of creative vision and operational discipline, a skill set Bennett honed while managing Ramsay's global restaurant empire and leading multi-venue culinary operations for giants like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International.

Chef Bennett himself acknowledged the high bar already set by the group. "Noble 33 has built an incredibly strong portfolio of concepts that truly define what modern hospitality can be, with a rare balance of energy, intention, and creativity in the kitchen," he stated. "It's exciting to step into a group that has already set such a high bar, and my goal is to build on that foundation by continuing to push boundaries, inspire our teams, and evolve our culinary voice across every concept."

Redefining the Modern Dining Experience

The hiring of a chef with Bennett's credentials reflects a broader trend in the luxury hospitality sector. As affluent consumers increasingly prioritize unique, memorable experiences over simple transactions, restaurant groups like Noble 33 are investing heavily in the "experiential dining" model. Their venues are known for their lively ambiance, striking design, and curated entertainment, where the food is a central, but not sole, component of a larger sensory event.

In this competitive landscape, installing world-class culinary leadership is a critical differentiator. It provides the substance to back up the style, ensuring the gastronomic experience lives up to the high-energy atmosphere and premium price point. For a group undergoing rapid international expansion, a leader like Bennett is essential for standardizing quality control, streamlining complex supply chains, and training a global workforce to execute at a Michelin-adjacent level. His appointment is a clear signal to the market, and to competitors, that Noble 33 is fortifying its culinary core as it builds its global empire. The task ahead is immense, but it represents a distinct opportunity for Bennett to leave his mark on the next generation of global hospitality.