Our Founders, Our Guidance, Our Love and Our Life!
Gerald T. Attee (Father) & Nihad Attee (Mother)
About Us
Picasso Restaurant Group is a Michigan-based, family-owned company, that has been in business since 1989. We know that our livelihood and success depends on making sure customers are completely satisfied each and every time they dine at one of our locations.
Although we have grown in size, we have never and will never stray from the core family values that have made us successful over the years.
History
Over 30 years ago, Founders Gerald Attee and his wife Nihad opened their first deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Although the deli was only 500 square feet, what it lacked in size was trumped by the owners’ passion for great food and a personal connection with their patrons. To this day, the lessons they learned in that small deli are engrained into the fabric of each and every location.
Since our humble beginnings, PRG has grown into a restaurant group that operates 16 eateries in some of the most prestigious office buildings, hospitals, and universities in Metro Detroit. We continue to exceed expectations by delivering higher-quality offerings than our competitors and giving our customers the service and attention one can only receive from a family-owned company.
Allen A. Attee Owner and Chief Executive Officer
Allen graduated from The University of Michigan where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with a minor in Finance. After graduation, Allen decided to immerse himself in the restaurant business and hasn’t looked back since. Today, Allen oversees the finances of the company as well as spearheading business growth and development. But don’t think he forgot his roots; often enough you will see him behind the lines making sandwiches and chatting with customers.
Allen also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Farmington Foundation for Youth Assistance, a group dedicated to helping underprivileged children in the Metro-Detroit area. Allen plays quite a bit of hockey, but he also enjoys more thoughtful hobbies like a painting. Although his golf skills are below par, he plays once a week hoping one day he will “find his swing” so he can enjoy the game when he retires.
Nina Brinker Executive Vice President
Nina Brinker joined Picasso Restaurant Group with over 18 years of foodservice experience. She brings innovation from a wide range of foodservice formats. Nina’s vision for PRG is to bring it to the forefront of industry excellence by listening and understanding guests’ needs and trends. Her goal is to not just introduce new food to guests but creating an experience that they will truly enjoy.
Nina’s management style promotes an environment where associates are empowered to make decisions, ensuring that guest needs come first. She believes that the best associates are the result of continuous personal mentorship, training, and professional development. Team pride and associate loyalty is the key to successfully supporting PRG leaders. She believes that each and every associate has an important role and should be encouraged to do their best for our customers every day.
Nina started her foodservice career in Ann Arbor and worked her way through the ranks. Nina has been a part of all facets of Management in the food industry in Michigan, including exclusive country clubs, major hotels, corporate food services, and premier restaurants. She continues to uphold her professionalism with her team, clients, and community.
Michael J. Attee Owner and Chief Operations Officer
Michael attended college classes at Oakland Community College and the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Michael worked at our first deli inside of the Domino’s Farms Office Park. He helped grow the business and was instrumental in landing our first major contract with Domino’s Farms.
Today, Michael oversees the day-to-day operations of all locations and focuses on technologies that streamline and integrates all of PRG’s locations. His knowledge of our systems and his knack for motivating and inspiring staff members is the oil that keeps our engine running so smoothly. When he is not working, he is probably playing ice hockey or on the links playing golf.