Michael Cafarelli has more than twenty years of experience in startup operations, concept development, and live entertainment.

 

As a former partner of Rustic Kitchen, co-founder of Bar Rustic, and co-founder and CEO of The Studio Kitchen, he has successfully opened, operated, and advised on the launch of over a dozen hospitality and entertainment venues across North America.​ 

 

Michael has produced over 3,000 live shows and 50 television episodes earning a regional Emmy Award and 27 nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New England Chapter.

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Michael holds a JD from Loyola Law School, a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University, and completed his undergraduate studies in Management & Organizational Behavior at the Stern School of Business at New York University. He earned a post-baccalaureate certificate in Producing from UCLA's School of Theatre, Film, and Television, and during law school earned a certificate in Real Estate from Loyola Marymount University.

 

He also studied performance at the School of Visual Arts, the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre, The Groundlings, and the Upright Citizens Brigade.  

 

He has practiced law at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP, served on political campaigns, worked as a community manager for WeWork in Soho, and was a longtime camp counselor and assistant camp director at nonprofit youth camps, including over a decade volunteering with the SeriousFun Children's Network.

 

Michael brings a unique creative, business development, and legal lens to every engagement.