Firebirds Wood Fired Grill hires restaurant industry veteran Jeff Uttz as Chief Financial Officer

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, an American steakhouse and seafood restaurant chain, has appointed Jeff Uttz as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective 18th May.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Uttz to the Firebirds family,” says Steve Kislow, Chief Executive Officer at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. “His extensive experience guiding high growth restaurant companies through critical expansion phases, combined with his deep expertise in cross-functional collaboration, makes him the perfect addition to our executive team.”

“As we continue to strengthen our leadership position in the polished casual dining segment, Jeff's strategic vision and proven ability to develop and lead high performing finance organisations will be invaluable. We look forward to his contributions as we write the next chapter of growth for Firebirds."

Uttz most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Kura Sushi. He was previously CFO at Shake Shack. And his CV also includes stints at Yard House USA, CKE Restaurants, and KPMG.

“Over the last two decades, Firebirds has built a truly unique guest experience, bringing people together over their signature open wood fired grills to enjoy delicious hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, other wood-fired favourites, and the award winning FIREBAR. Coupled with an elevated level of hospitality typically reserved for fine dining concepts, the Firebirds difference is unmistakable,” says. Uttz.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with several exceptional restaurant concepts during pivotal phases of expansion, and I see that same tremendous opportunity here at Firebirds. I look forward to partnering with Steve and the entire leadership team to build upon the strong foundation they’ve created and help ignite the clear potential ahead to drive long-term, sustainable growth.”

The appointment comes as Firebirds looks to grow its brand across the United States. In addition to its current footprint of nearly 70 restaurants, the company plans to open seven new locations in 2026, which includes its entrance into the Lexington, Kentucky market.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Hospitality technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.