Just hearing the name "Elkhay" sends the Providence restaurant scene abuzz! Since he first burst into the Rhode Island market in the early 1980's, people have been chanting his name. John Elkhay is considered one of the industry's top chefs and is also a well respected Rhode Island restaurateur, who has received local, regional and national accolades.

Upon completing his culinary studies at Johnson & Wales University, Chef Elkhay honed his skills at several acclaimed restaurants including the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and the famed Jared Coffin House. Finding his way back to Rhode Island, John spread his magic all over Providence turning local hot spots like Inprov, Catering Collaborative and Atomic Grill into gold. He pushed the culinary envelope in 1997 when he opened his first restaurant - the sexy, romantic and artistically inspired - XO Steakhouse which recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary.

In addition to his ownership in XO Steakhouse, John is the ever present, creative genius and culinary Maestro of Chow Fun Food Group, which owns and operates four of RI's most acclaimed dining locations: 10 Prime Steak & Sushi, Big Fish, Citron Wine Bar & Bistro, and of course, XO Steakhouse. Continually challenging himself and the industry, John and his team plan to open two new concepts this fall. The much anticipated Chinese Laundry promises the City a swanky new Asian noodle bar sure to rival any found in NYC. Rick's Roadhouse will offer Elkhay's restaurant fans a unique steakhouse experience that will offer family friendly dining with a twist that only Elkhay could inspire.

When John is not dreaming up new restaurant concepts, crafting menus, or raising money for needy children in honor of his beloved late son Ross, he can usually be found hosting dinner parties for friends and enjoying time with his wife of 24 years, Suzanne, his two grown children, Harrison and Laura, and his dog Daisy who served as inspiration for the popular Daisy & Buster's Al fresco Doggie Menu at Citron Wine Bar & Bistro.

Teddy Newcomer, Vice President of Operations / Corporate Beverage Manager

Theodore Martin Newcomer, Jr. grew up in Bradley Beach, NJ where he was raised in the hospitality industry. While working in kitchens and in the front of the house in restaurants throughout New Jersey, Teddy knew that this was the industry in which he wanted to excel. Teddy chose to attend Johnson & Wales University, where he obtained an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelors of Science in Foodservice Management.

In his efforts to further his career and continue to grow, Teddy joined XO Steakhouse in 1998. Over the last eight years Teddy has worked as a cook, a server and a bartender at XO Café. In addition, Teddy spent summers in New Jersey as a sous chef and enhanced his skills in the kitchen. Teddy was then named Assistant Manager at XO in 2001 and began working as Bar Manager at 10 Prime Steak & Sushi in 2002.

In 2003, with the opening of Big Fish, Teddy was named Corporate Beverage Manager for all four restaurants. Today, Teddy is responsible for managing the overall beverage program and managing restaurant operations.

Benjamin Lloyd, Chef De Cuisine

Beginning his career in professional kitchens after college, Ben Llyod's first cooking jobs were in Boston. After moving up through the kitchen at The Pillar House in Newton, Chef Lloyd decided that the New England Culinary Institute would be the perfect place to encourage his learning and give him a broad base of knowledge to work from.

Before moving to Providence, Ben held the position of Executive Sous Chef at Fins Restaurant in Raleigh, NC. Prior to taking over the kitchen at XO in July of 2003, Ben made a name for himself in Providence working at such restaurants as Neath's, Empire and 10 Prime Steak & Sushi where he was Sous Chef.