Alec Gropman

Alec Gropman is a Senior Partner and the Director of Culinary Operations for Uptown Hospitality Group (UHG), where he leads the food and beverage programs across the group’s growing portfolio of venues, including Uptown Social, Share House, Bodega (Downtown and Mount Pleasant), By The Way, and The Waverly. From kitchen design to menu innovation, Alec plays a key role in shaping the guest experience, ensuring each concept is both operationally efficient and uniquely inspired.

Originally from Long Island and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, Alec was drawn to the hospitality world from a young age, nurtured by parents who fostered a love for culture and cuisine. While attending the Culinary Institute of America, he developed a curiosity for the “how” and the “why” behind restaurant operations. This mindset carried through early roles across the back-of-house, from dishwasher to deli slicer to lead Grill Cook at The Patterson Club, before advancing to Sous Chef at Fish and Executive Chef at Tomato & Basil.

Alec moved to Charleston to join the Uptown Hospitality Group team as a Sous Chef at Uptown Social. His operational acumen, creative drive, and leadership quickly earned him a larger role overseeing UHG’s culinary programs. Today, he is responsible for everything from BOH hiring and training to kitchen layout, pricing strategy, menu development, and profitability—ensuring UHG’s culinary identity evolves alongside guest expectations and market trends. In 2020, Alec launched Bodega as a pandemic-era pop-up inspired by the classic New York-style sandwich shops he grew up with. The concept’s runaway success led to two permanent locations, which remain a core focus for him.

Alec lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife and UHG colleague Lindsey, Director of Events and part owner of The Waverly. Alec spends his spare time gardening, enjoying craft beers, and hanging out with their two Australian Shepherds, Sullivan and Roux.