Kiplan Welsch is a seasoned restaurant executive with more than two decades of experience in operations, growth strategy, and multi-unit leadership across leading national brands.He began his career with Chili’s Grill & Bar in 2002, where he played a key role in new restaurant openings during a period of rapid expansion across multiple markets. He later served as an Operating Partner with P.F. Chang’s before joining BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse, where he spent over a decade advancing through leadership roles and ultimately serving as Area Vice President.Welsch went on to serve as Vice President of Operations for Bluestone Hospitality Group, where he oversaw 34 restaurants and led a team of five area directors.Currently, Welsch serves as President of Via 313 Detroit Style Pizza, an Austin-based concept founded in 2011 by Detroit-born brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt. Backed by Savory Restaurant Fund, the brand has experienced significant growth under his leadership, expanding by eight locations since he joined in July 2023. Today, Via 313 operates 26 locations across Texas, Utah, and Colorado, with continued expansion plans underway.
