John Speelman

Chief Operating Officer

With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, John Speelman brings a strategic, operations-driven perspective to Three Amigos Hospitality. A Florida native, John began his career on the ground floor as a busing server, gaining firsthand understanding of service, teamwork, and the guest experience. This early start shaped a leadership style rooted in empathy, discipline, and operational clarity.

John is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, where he earned a degree in Hospitality Management. He advanced through front-of-house leadership roles before moving into multi-unit oversight, developing a strong foundation in systems building, team development, and performance optimization. His ability to connect service execution with scalable operational strategy became a defining strength throughout his career.

Since joining Three Amigos Hospitality, John has played a critical role in advancing the company’s operational framework. He oversees the systems, structure, and processes that uphold the group’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, brand consistency, and accountability across all locations. From daily operations to long-term growth strategies, John ensures each concept reflects the company's core values while staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.

John’s operational expertise complements the culinary vision of Executive Chef Tim Nickey, the brand-driven leadership of Angelo Abbenante, the experiential design of Cleve Mash, and the marketing foundation led by Melissa Frielich—strengthening the collaborative leadership approach that defines Three Amigos Hospitality.