Melissa Frielich

Director of Marketing & Brand Experience

With over 26 years of experience in hospitality, operations, and brand marketing, Melissa Frielich brings a dynamic blend of creativity, strategy, and guest-centric thinking to Three Amigos Hospitality. A San Francisco native, Melissa began her dining career at 15, gaining early insight into the power of service, storytelling, and memorable guest moments—foundations that would guide her throughout her career.

Melissa is a graduate of the University of Phoenix and Colorado Technical University, earning a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Her path led through fine dining and hospitality leadership roles before she began specializing in brand development, digital engagement, and experiential programming.

In 2020, Melissa founded Essentials Hospitality Marketing, a boutique South Florida agency focused on elevating restaurant and lifestyle brands. Her work spans concept launches, brand platforms, social media architecture, community partnerships, and experiential activations for concepts throughout South Florida and New York.

As Director of Marketing & Brand Experience for Three Amigos Hospitality, Melissa oversees the creative direction, communications, community engagement, and brand execution for concepts including:

•Papichulo Tacos

•Blackbird Modern Asian

Melissa’s strength lies in connecting stories, visuals, and guest experience into cohesive brand identities that resonate deeply with their communities. Her marketing leadership complements the operational vision of Scott Frielich, the brand craftsmanship of Angelo Abbenante, and the experiential design expertise of Cleve Mash—rounding out the collective force behind Three Amigos Hospitality’s continued success.