General Manager Christian Holmes

When he was 14 years old washing dishes in the Italian restaurant down the road from his home in rural upstate New York, Christian Holmes had no idea he’d already found his calling. While he pursued his love for history in undergraduate and graduate schools, Christian worked in bars and restaurants to help pay the bills. When the opportunity to manage a popular, college-town restaurant became available, where he would be working in a fast-paced and fun environment, he was lured him away from his plans to teach history and deeper into the restaurant industry.

Learning the restaurant business first hand from a small business owner excited Christian and took him from Virginia to Vermont, where he fine-tuned his attention to quality and detailed service. Christian returned to Virginia in 2002 and began a successful career with Brinker International, becoming the General Manager of Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chevy Chase, Md. He then moved to the Tyson’s Galleria location in Tyson’s Corner, Va., which became the #1 restaurant in annual sales for all of Brinker International’s 1,400 restaurants. Christian’s skill set grew with Maggiano’s by managing a high-volume restaurant that served high-quality food with exceptional guest service.

When the opportunity to join the Founding Farmers team came Christian’s way it was the perfect fit for his experience—small town values; a fun, high-energy environment; upscale-casual dining; attention to detail; and a multi-million dollar operational knowledge. Christian is excited to bring his love of history, his appreciation of the contribution of family-run agricultural businesses, and his operational expertise to Founding Farmer’s Farm-to-Table spirit.

I hope you’ll visit us soon, and ask for me when you stop by—whether for a flight of bourbon at our bar, or a full meal at a comfy table, I’d be honored to say hi and serve you.
- Christian Holmes