Bringing European
Hospitality to the Heart
of South Florida
Gioia Hospitality Group is at the forefront of South Florida's evolving food scene, blending Italian tradition with modern culinary innovation.
Led by Thomas P. Angelo and a team of passionate professionals, Gioia brings unmatched hospitality and world-class dining to the region. From exclusive wine and food events to reimagining how people experience fine dining, Gioia Hospitality Group is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments that celebrate the art of food, culture, and connection.
The Pumo
At Gioia Hospitality, we have chosen the pumo as our emblem—a symbol deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Puglia. Traditionally crafted in ceramic and displayed on entrances, the pumo represents prosperity, renewal, and protection. Its budding form, enclosed by acanthus leaves, reflects the promise of new beginnings and the welcoming spirit of home.
This symbolism mirrors our mission. Just as the pumo has long stood as a guardian and bringer of good fortune, Gioia Hospitality is dedicated to creating spaces where guests feel both protected and embraced—where every stay marks a fresh, enriching experience. Our name, “Gioia,” meaning joy, aligns with the hope and vitality the pumo has come to signify in Puglian tradition.
By choosing the pumo, we honor local heritage while expressing our commitment to heartfelt hospitality, growth, and lasting impressions.
RESTAURANTS
OUR LEADERSHIP
THOMAS ANGELO
FOUNDER & CEO
Thomas Angelo is the Founder and CEO of Gioia Hospitality Group. His roots trace back to the Puglia region of Italy, known for its deep traditions in hospitality and sustainable food practices—a heritage that continues to inspire his work today.
In addition to his role at Gioia, Mr. Angelo is also the Founder and CEO of Angelo & Banta, P.A., a boutique law firm based in Fort Lauderdale, which he established over 25 years ago.
At Gioia Hospitality, he oversees all facets of restaurant operations, including front- and back-of-house management, as well as marketing and social media initiatives. He works closely with team members and vendor partners to ensure a cohesive and high-quality guest experience across the group.
KASSIDY ANGELO
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Kassidy Angelo is the Managing Director of Gioia Hospitality Group, where she collaborates closely with her father and the Gioia team to oversee the day-to-day operations. She also co-manages the group’s importation of high-quality Italian products, such as olive oil, pastas, and nuts.
Kassidy’s passion for hospitality grew naturally as she connected with her Italian heritage from Puglia and witnessed her father’s dedication and success in the restaurant industry. Before joining Gioia Hospitality, she worked as a financial analyst at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, where she developed a strong foundation in business before embarking on her career in hospitality.
John Hart
Chief Operating Officer
John Hart is the Chief Operating Officer at Gioia Hospitality Group, bringing decades of leadership experience in hospitality, operations, and team development. Prior to joining the company, he held key leadership roles at some of Miami’s most notable dining destinations, including the Myles Restaurant Group (Prime Group)—home to iconic concepts such as Prime 112, Prime Italian, and Prime Fish—where he developed a strong foundation in high-volume, luxury hospitality and operational excellence.
He later joined our team as the opening General Manager of Fiola Miami, where he played an instrumental role in launching the restaurant and establishing its standard for service and performance.
After expanding his experience across the industry, John has returned to Gioia Hospitality Group as COO, where he oversees day-to-day operations across the portfolio, drives strategic growth initiatives, and ensures consistency in service, quality, and execution at every level of the organization. With a hands-on leadership style and deep industry expertise, he is focused on scaling the company’s vision, developing talent, and delivering best-in-class hospitality experiences across all concepts.
DANNY GANEM
CULINARY DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Miami, Chef Danny Ganem is a Le Cordon Bleu graduate who developed a passion for cooking at a young age, learning from his Basque grandparents in their family kitchen. With 23 years of experience, he has honed his skills under renowned chefs, including Three Michelin-starred Martin Berasategui in San Sebastián, Spain.
Throughout his career, Chef Ganem has held Executive Chef positions at some of South Florida’s most iconic hotels and restaurants. His resume includes the historic Raleigh Hotel, the one-Michelin-starred and Four Forbes Star Betsy Hotel, the Michelin Guide-recognized Fiola in Coral Gables, the Michelin Guide-recommended Daniel’s A Florida Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale, and the prestigious Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, a Relais & Châteaux property named among the “50 Best” by Condé Nast.
Known for his commitment to local sourcing and sustainability, Chef Ganem brings creative, modern twists to classic dishes, reflecting both his heritage and his innovative approach to contemporary cuisine.
DANIEL BISHOP
WINE AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
Daniel Bishop brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry to Gioia Hospitality Group, where he serves as Wine and Beverage Director. Originally from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Daniel moved to Miami from San Francisco in 2018.
He studied at Johnson & Wales University and later attended culinary school in Europe. His passion for wine began during his time in Sonoma County, where he worked the harvest at Meeker Winery and officially began his wine career. Prior to joining Mr. Angelo and the team in 2018, Daniel served as General Manager of a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco.
Since joining Gioia Hospitality, he has led the wine program at the group’s Miami restaurant, curating an acclaimed selection and elevating the guest experience. Daniel holds several industry recognitions and certifications, including WSET Advanced Certification; Court of Masters Certified Sommelier Certification; French Wine Scholar Certification; International Sommelier Guild Level 2; the North American Sommelier Association’s Italian Wine Specialist certification, and more.