General Manager

Originally from Michigan, Eric attended Florida State University, where he earned degrees in Sociology and Psychology. His career in hospitality took off as he managed and grew private country clubs and city clubs across Florida before settling in Naples. There, he built a successful career opening and expanding high-end Italian restaurants and steakhouses!

Outside of work, Eric is an adventurer at heart. He has completed six Ironman Triathlons and logged over 300 dives across six countries in just three years. His passions include photography, skiing, sailing, diving, traveling, and anything that gets him outdoors.

Now newly based in Connecticut, Eric is excited to embrace everything the area has to offer while continuing to bring his expertise and passion to the restaurant industry.

Assistant General Manager

Kristi’s journey in the restaurant industry began 22 years ago when she started as a busser at a neighborhood restaurant at just 16 years old. By 18, she was serving and bartending, and five years ago, she took on a management role with a large restaurant group in Connecticut!

Her favorite part of the industry? The people and the food—nothing beats the connections made over a great meal. Though she earned her LPN in nursing school, her love for restaurants brought her back after just a few months.

Outside of work, Kristi is a proud mom of four, spending as much time as possible with her kids. When she’s not with them, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach. She’s passionate about the Doro Restaurant Group’s dedication to hospitality and is thrilled to be part of the team.

The Vodka Pasta — hands down — is her favorite dish at Casadoro!

Assistant General Manager

With 14 years in the industry, Dan Forcier started as a bar cook, worked his way through pantry and grill, and eventually stepped behind the bar. Within three months, he was promoted to bar manager, a role he thrived in for over five years. From there, he took on an AGM position and never looked back. 

He loves the fast-paced chaos of the hospitality world—there's nothing quite like it.

In his free time, Dan enjoys cooking for others, hosting BBQs, and exploring new restaurants. He's thrilled to be part of Casadoro from the ground up and can't wait to see it grow and evolve (& he loves the Short Ribs)!

Bar Chef

With 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Derek’s journey began at just 14 years old in his hometown pizza shop, working the to-go counter and washing dishes. From there, he quickly moved up—bussing tables, managing the salad bar, and eventually serving. While he enjoyed the front-of-house experience, his true passion was in the kitchen.

Determined to hone his craft, Derek attended The French Culinary Institute in New York City, immersing himself in the heart of the culinary world. During his studies, he apprenticed at Blue Hill, The James Beard House, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, gaining invaluable experience in some of the most prestigious kitchens.

After graduating, he worked as a chef at several highly regarded restaurants in Connecticut before deciding to expand his expertise. He returned to school for a college degree while continuing to thrive in the hospitality industry, transitioning into bartending. His creativity and dedication earned him the title of Best Bartender in Connecticut at the CRA Awards in 2014.

Outside of work, Derek is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, skiing, golfing, boating, and camping. He also loves exploring new restaurants and spending time with his dog, Buddy.

At Casadoro, his favorite menu item is the Italian Chopped Salad with Meatballs—a perfect balance of bold flavors and classic Italian tradition.

Executive Chef

With 24 years in the industry, Chef Tommy Crawford’s journey began as a bus boy in a popular hometown restaurant, where he quickly worked his way up through the front of house before making the leap into the kitchen.

His career has been marked by high-profile leadership roles, including running one of the busiest restaurants in the state, Viron Rondo, and previously leading Bricco Glastonbury for nearly three years. Now, as part of the Doro Group at Casadoro, he brings his expertise and passion for high-quality cuisine to this exciting new venture.

For Chef Tommy, the restaurant industry is all about the rush, the intensity, and the teamwork required to execute at the highest level. He thrives on the drive, hard work, and precision that go into running a top-tier kitchen.

Outside of the restaurant, he enjoys watching his son excel in premier soccer, especially as he prepares to attend Xavier High School. He also values his yearly family trips to Martha’s Vineyard, where he can unwind and recharge.

Joining Casadoro was an opportunity to be part of something new and dynamic, collaborating with a talented team within one of the fastest-growing restaurant groups. He is excited to help establish Casadoro’s reputation for excellence and build something truly special.

Favorite Casadoro Menu Item? Zuppa Di Pesce!

Sous Chef

With over 20 years in the industry, Brandon's passion for cooking started in the kitchen with his grandmother, where he fell in love with the craft at a young age. He graduated from the CT Culinary Institute in 2006 and has since honed his skills at esteemed establishments such as Trumbull Kitchen (part of the Max Group), Sauce Restaurant in Glastonbury, Rizzutos Wood Fired Grill and Pizza, and most recently, Le Mazet in West Hartford. Beyond the kitchen, he has owned his own catering business and gained valuable experience bartending and managing the front of house.

For Brandon, food is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together and creates lasting memories!

In his free time, he enjoys scuba diving, traveling with his wife Michelle, and indulging in as many culinary adventures as possible.

Being part of the opening team at Casadoro with the Doro Group has been an incredible experience, reinforcing what true guest hospitality should feel like.  As for the menu? He may or may not have a slight addiction to the lemon cheesecake—but when it comes to delicious dishes, the Penne Vodka is a standout, and he firmly believes it’s the best in the area!