Ryan Handel
A native to Los Angeles, Ryan Handel has indulged in the area’s dining scene his entire life. Earlier career experiences at Spago in Beverly Hills, the corporate offices of Baja Fresh, and nearly six years with various Daily Grill locations prepared Ryan for the creation of his own restaurant company, beginning with simplethings sandwich & pie shop. One of the many reasons he loves what he does is the instant gratification when a guest leaves simplethings will a big smile on their face. A smile means his work is done!

Andy Paxson
With over 20 years devoted to the restaurant industry, Andy Paxson credits his first job as a busser at the Hopkins Inn in his home state of Connecticut as having taught him valuable lessons of the restaurant business. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Andy gained experience from Jonathon’s Catering, Fabled Foods and The Bistro before relocating to Los Angeles in 1998 where he grew from server to General Manager with Daily Grill for over 11 years. Now, values that he learned long ago of teamwork and attention to detail create a warm (and yummy!) atmosphere at simplethings.