Eric Leitstein envisioned the development of a hospitality group founded upon key principles of passion, integrity, innovation and individuality, and dedicated to building up and supporting local communities. Eric’s extensive industry background and bulldog determination helped pave the way for the establishment of OMG Hospitality Group in 2008 (named after his children, Olivia, Mason, and Gavin), and its significant expansion since. OMG now encompasses 7 restaurants – Union Kitchen & Tap in Pacific Beach, Encinitas & Gaslamp, PB AleHouse, Waterbar, Moe’s and Molly’s in Mission Beach. Eric is also in affiliation with Sandbar, and The Fish Shops. Eric’s original vision has been successfully translated into locations marked by excellent customer service, dynamic menus, signature craft beverages, and a thriving corporate culture with a strong focus on giving back. Eric resides locally with his wife Teresa and three children in Encinitas, California.

Taylor is a 20+ year culinary executive that brings intense passion and a playful sense of tradition to the table.  Taylor has always worked hard to streamline restaurant operations and uphold high standards of delicious, affordable food with an amazing guest experience.  He is committed to locally sourcing fresh, natural ingredients and creating healthy, craveable dining options.

Taylor has worked with notable restaurant groups including Mastro’s, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Fox Studios, Tavistock Restaurants and most recently Stonefire Grill.  He has challenged his culinary skills preparing menus for after-party Emmy and Golden Globe celebrations.  He has catered numerous movie premiers and exclusive private parties for many of Hollywood’s elite, including several heads of State. He has also had the honor of winning the Santa Clara Professional Wine Society Purple Foot Award and the Sante Award of Excellence in Wine Hospitality. 

His love of cooking was deeply influenced by his family’s Cajun background. His father’s career in the Navy tempered that passion with a dollop of tradition and discipline. As a Navy brat, Taylor moved to different locales every three years or so which exposed his inquisitive palate to an ever-changing world of regional flavors. He is excited to return to San Diego where he spent his childhood on the very beaches OMG's restaurants now adorn.

 When he’s not mixing things up in the kitchen, Taylor spends his time at his home with wife Sunita, son Liam, two daughters Sila and Iyla, and their dog Harley. There he can be found working outside in his edible garden or in the garage turning a wrench on his VW Bus.  You can be sure that there’s country music playing in the background.

Johnny began his career in construction working alongside his father starting 12 years old and although he became qualified as a journeyman drywall taper by the age of 16, he quickly discovered it wasn't for him. He applied for a job at a local deli, which was a welcome change from the construction business. His parents immigrated from the Azores Islands in Portugal, so he grew up eating authentic Portuguese foods. His love for delicious and authentic food grew over the years, and he formed a passion for the hospitality industry. After growing up in Northern California, moving to Colorado, and then eventually settling in San Diego in 1997, Johnny officially started his restaurant career here as a cook and worked his way through the ranks in the kitchen before ever working in the front of the house.

Now, Johnny has been in the business for 20 years and has developed a well-rounded F&B operational skill set, from operating kitchens, night clubs, bars, food forward establishments, breakfast establishments, to amusement parks, sports and entertainment venues, and concert venues. He has played an integral role in opening numerous San Diego hot spots over the years, including Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp, Backyard Kitchen & Tap, and re-opening Pacific Beach AleHouse after the fire on President’s Day in 2015. He left the company in 2018 and moved up to Northern California, returning in 2022 with the sole intention of working with OMG Hospitality Group again. When he’s not working, you can find Johnny off-roading and cheering on the Raiders.

Jamie Southerland, originally from Overland Park, Kansas, graduated from the University of Kansas before moving to San Diego in 2019. With over 5 years of brand development and marketing experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to OMG Hospitality Group. Jamie's background includes working as a Brand Manager for an award-winning beverage company, where she excelled in planning community events, executing marketing plans, and managing social and digital marketing. Starting her career in the hospitality industry at age 15, Jamie has a deep understanding of the field. As our Business Development & Marketing Manager, she explores and streamlines marketing efforts, leads community outreach, plans and executes public events, and oversees social media and PR. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys cooking and baking, attending concerts, dining out, traveling, running, collecting records, and making playlists.