José Andrés Group CEO Sam Bakhshandehpour is stepping away from the top role in the company’s hospitality and media empire. Andrés tells Washingtonian his longtime friend and board member David Strasser—a managing director in venture capital firm Swan & Legend and former board member of Cava—will become the next CEO. The change is a “good next phase for all!,” Andrés says in a text message.
Andrés relinquished the title of CEO in May 2024, more than three decades after he opened his pioneering Spanish restaurant Jaleo in downtown DC. At the time, Andrés said he was “stepping up!,” not stepping down, and he’s continue to be involved with the company as its founder, executive chairman, and creative force. “My friend, I need a break. I’m not disappearing,” Andrés said back then.
Bakhshandehpour had already been serving as the company’s president when he took the CEO title. Under his leadership, José Andrés Group has focused its growth in hotels, including a luxury property with a private penthouse club that’s set to open in Georgetown in 2027. The group currently operates more than 50 restaurants in the US and internationally, including Jaleo, Zaytinya, Minibar, Bazaar, and others in the DC area. Over the past year, new restaurants have opened in Nashville, Palo Alto, Miami, Las Vegas, and beyond.
Bakhshandehpour is leaving for Bilt—best known for letting members earn points on rent—to help grow the company’s merchant platform, which partners with restaurant groups, hotels, and other lifestyle brands.
“I thank him for his friendship and the momentum he helped create, and wish him continued success ahead,” Andrés says.
Strasser is also very familiar with the corporate hospitality world. He’s invested in and served on the board of multiple restaurant companies and advised them on improving and scaling their businesses. Strasser previously spent nearly two decades as an equity research analyst focused on the consumer and retail industries for various financial institutions.
Andrés also notes that Nestor Nova will continue as the company’s CFO, and now president. He adds that his oldest daughter Carlota Andrés—who previously worked for Wonder—is also on the board of directors and “is actively involved in operations.”
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind DC’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
