Trellis Hospitality offers full-spectrum restaurant consulting in the Twin Cities area. Trellis Hospitality creates successful new restaurant concepts, progresses existing operations and extends the life span of established restaurants.
Our cooperative approach was shaped over decades creating and operating highly successful restaurant concepts. Your bottom-line benefits from our decades of hands-on operating experience.
Our recommendations are practical, immediately actionable and measurably effective. From management/employee training to menu design and costing. There is nothing operationally we cannot help you adjust and improve.
Our experts’ partner with owners and developers to work through the economic fundamentals spanning financial modeling, operations, contract negotiations and marketing that ultimately determine success. Trellis Hospitality refines your investment narrative with P&L analysis and pro forma development.
Meet the Team
Bob Kinsella, Chief Financial Officer
Bob Kinsella boasts invaluable leadership experience in the areas of financial accounting and reporting with over 30 years of food and beverage experience and success. Mr. Kinsella works diligently to track statistical data, identifying both positive and negative trends that need immediate operator attention. One of his greatest strong suits involves putting that data into a format that is both understandable and efficient for restaurant operations teams. Ensuring asset security by setting up accounting and bookkeeping systems, Mr. Kinsella uniquely designs solutions to identify when a problem occurs in cash flow, inventories, fixed assets, or more, so that immediate corrective action may be taken to get the property back on track.
After graduating from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Mr. Kinsella began his career with International Multifoods in 1982 which lead him into his position at Tri-City in 1986. He was the company’s first controller, and 28 years later, he remains with Tri-City/Trellis Management as CFO and part owner, creating accounting management solutions to benefit the restaurant environment. Working through numerous sales tax audits with the State of Minnesota, an IRS audit, and other reporting reviews done with year-end taxes, Mr. Kinsella ensures that Tri-City/Trellis always performs well in all areas of financial security.
Justin Neubauer, Managing Partner | Culinary Director | Hospitality Consultant
With over 20 years in the restaurant industry and more than a decade serving as an Executive Chef, Justin Neubauer brings operational insight, culinary creativity, and business acumen to every venture he touches. As Managing Partner at Trellis Hospitality, where he has been a driving force for over 10 years, Justin has played a critical role in shaping new restaurant concepts, optimizing kitchen design, and ensuring profitability at every level.
Justin's expertise spans everything from menu development and recipe creation to kitchen blueprinting and equipment sourcing, making him a key partner for both new builds and operational overhauls. He has also served as a trusted consultant to outside companies, helping clients align culinary vision with business strategy.
His approach combines culinary innovation with a deep understanding of cost control, staffing, and systems management—ensuring not just great food, but sustainable success.
Ben Berry, Operations & Business Development Director
Ben Berry has a strong track record of conceptualizing and launching successful restaurants across the state. He is the director of new business and oversees operations for Trellis Hospitality restaurants and consulting.
Ben’s specialties include spearheading projects for the company related to new restaurant openings, cost containment, departmental efficiencies, training, human resources, and guest experience. He especially enjoys keeping the mission of giving back in mind and he created a staff volunteer program as well as a funding and awareness programs for multiple local non-profits and charities. He is also one of the only dually Certified Sommeliers and Certified Cicerones in Minnesota.
When he is not working, Ben trains for endurance events and spends quality time with his wife and two daughters.
Jessica Bernard, Director of Marketing
Jessica Bernard brings over two decades of experience in hospitality marketing, operations, and sales to her role as Marketing Director at Trellis Hospitality. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Throughout her career, Jessica has worked extensively in the hospitality industry, gaining expertise in event management, graphic and web design, social media marketing, and menu development, with specialized training in revenue management and sales.
Jessica is dedicated to bringing fresh, innovative ideas to marketing that are focused on driving revenue. She takes great pride in her ability to connect with people, understanding their needs, and delivering exceptional results. Her creativity, balanced with an analytical mindset, allows her to keep up with the latest industry trends and understand the importance of quick adaptation in a fast-changing market.
In her role at Trellis Hospitality, Jessica continues to blend her artistic vision with her deep industry knowledge, ensuring that every marketing initiative not only captivates but also converts. Her passion for creativity and connection, combined with her strategic approach, makes her an invaluable asset to the team, consistently driving measurable success for the brands she manages.
Paul Wright,
Director of Operations
Paul Wright brings 30 years of hospitality experience, driven by a passion for working with people. His service-oriented approach enables him to collaborate effectively with management and staff to optimize processes and enhance profitability. With a comprehensive understanding of policy implementation and training systems, Paul has successfully supported both owner-operated and multi-unit restaurants in maintaining consistent standards while cultivating a positive, productive workplace culture.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys gardening, renovating his 140-year-old home, and playing fetch with his dogs.
Lacey McDonald, Marketing Manager
Lacey McDonald recently graduated from Augsburg University with a degree in Marketing and is a distinguished member of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. Her academic achievements have provided her with a solid foundation in marketing principles and strategic thinking.
Eager to launch her career, Lacey is excited to apply her fresh knowledge and enthusiasm to the marketing industry. Her academic background, combined with her vibrant energy, positions her as a promising candidate ready to make an impact.
Outside of her professional interests, Lacey enjoys spending time with friends and family, reflecting her balanced and sociable nature. Her collaborative spirit and passion for marketing make her a valuable asset to any team.
Lacey McDonald is looking forward to embracing new challenges and contributing innovative ideas to the marketing field.