BarFly Promotes Key Team Members To Top Executive Roles To Spearhead Growth

BarFly, the hospitality group managing HopCat and Stella’s Lounge, has announced two significant C-level appointments. Craig Stage has been named Chief Executive Officer, and Andrew Woodruff has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Both individuals were promoted from vice president positions, where they have served for over two years.

These personnel updates are expected to support BarFly’s ongoing and future growth. The organization has opened three new restaurants in the last 15 months and is actively searching for more opportunities. Craig Stage joined BarFly as an assistant restaurant manager 10 years ago and has steadily climbed the operations leadership ladder.

Stage has previously worked as a General Manager for HopCat locations in Royal Oak, Lincoln, and Kalamazoo. He also served as an Area Director for several years before taking over as VP of Operations. In his new role, Stage will continue to prioritize his time at restaurants, working closely with staff to serve guests.

"I am excited and grateful for this new opportunity," said Stage. "Throughout my career, there has been one constant — being surrounded by great people. Our success will continue to come from a people-focused approach and open-door decision-making. I’m thrilled to be working alongside our incredibly talented teams and provide the best bars and restaurants we possibly can for both employees and guests."

Andrew Woodruff transitioned from public accounting to the BarFly team in May 2018. He rose through the ranks to become Controller before the pandemic. Woodruff returned with the sale of the company to Congruent Investment Partners and Main Street Capital as VP of Finance in 2020.

Over the past four years, Woodruff has guided BarFly to greater financial security and prosperity. "BarFly has always been a special company to be a part of," said Woodruff. "When first moving to Grand Rapids, I always hoped to get an opportunity to work for BarFly and have enjoyed every minute since. We have a tremendous culture — full of bright, hardworking individuals. I’m humbled by the opportunity and eager to continue to foster the growth of our brands."

Former CEO Ned Lidvall will remain with the organization as Executive Chairman. Lidvall is an industry veteran with experience at brands including Old Chicago, Chi-Chi’s, and Rock Bottom.

Continued Leadership

"There is no chance we would be where we are right now without Ned Lidvall’s leadership over the last four years," said Travis Baldwin, Founder of Congruent Investment Partners. "His steady hand helped us navigate a pandemic, multiple restaurant shutdowns, capacity restrictions, an incredibly difficult labour market, and extreme commodity inflation — all handled with calmness and professionalism that radiated across the Company. I can’t say enough about the positive impact Ned has had to get us to this point, and I look forward to continuing to work with him at the Board level."

The new appointments are expected to drive BarFly’s growth strategy forward while maintaining its commitment to quality service and operational excellence.