A seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years in New York City Food and Beverage Operations. Allen achieved his Bachelor’s in Science for Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence.  In his previous roles, he was the Director of Food & Beverage at HUDSON with Morgan Hotel Group as well as Food & Beverage Operations at the New York Hilton Midtown.

He joined Backal Hospitality Group in 2016 as Director of Operations, with a vision to rebrand the now popular midtown rooftop, VERSA.  His hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail successfully modernized the local culture and mentored his management team to full potential. 

Prior to being made COO in 2023, he oversaw CNVS events in his role as VP of Operations where he developed the catering program, design, execution of events for all of Backal Hospitality. 

He loves stepping into hidden gems; from a jazzy piano bar to a dusty local shop, either to add to his personal collection of rare books and typewriters or as a quirky addition to the décor of one of the locations he curates.