A hospitality group rooted in craft, care, and community.
We’re Georges and Nicole Bitar—partners in life and in hospitality. Our story started at Via Maestra 42 back in 2000, when Nicole helped open the beloved trattoria as its first manager. Years later, we came full circle as owners, and our family’s passion for genuine Italian cooking, warm service, and great wine became the heart of The Bitar Group.
Today, we steward a small, local collection—Via Maestra 42, Via Maestra Enoteca, Chase, Milk & Honey, and The Palace Grill—each with its own personality and long‑time regulars. Our promise is simple: welcome everyone like family, protect what locals love, and elevate the details that make a meal memorable.
President
Nicole helped launch Via Maestra 42 in 2000 as its first manager and later returned as co‑owner. Today she leads day‑to‑day operations across the group with a benvenuto‑first approach and deep respect for beloved neighborhood institutions.
CEO and Founder
Georges arrived in the U.S. from Rome and is a wine & spirits specialist. He curates the group’s lists and opened Via Maestra Enoteca to share favorite bottles with the community.
Via Maestra 42 opens; Nicole helps launch it as the first manager.
We become owners of Via Maestra 42.
We welcome The Chase Restaurant & Lounge into the family.
Via Maestra Enoteca opens as our neighborhood wine bar.
We take stewardship of Milk & Honey.
The Palace Grill joins the group, carrying its Mardi Gras spirit forward.
