In an attempt to revitalize and refocus, Metzger Family Restaurants has introduced a new locally based management team to head both Jackson Tavern, located at 2900 N. Swan, and Poppy Kitchen, at 3770 E. Sunrise Drive.

MFR, who recently closed Gio Taco on Congress, announced Josh Proctor will take over as Director of Operations, overseeing human resources, restaurant operations, finance, and marketing duties. Before joining Metzger, Proctor managed McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse and held positions with Fox Restaurant Concepts, a Phoenix-based business owning Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar, North Italia, and Wildflower American Cuisine.

Leading the new culinary direction is chef Gary Hickey, also previously with McMahon’s as executive chef. Hickey will be given primary responsibility of chef oversight, menu development, food vendor relations and inventory purchasing.

C.J. Hamm will take over as Jackson Tavern manager. Hamm, who in the past worked both front and back-of-the-house for notable but now closed Tucson restaurants including the Cottonwood Cafe, City Grill, Fioritos, and Cafe Terra Cotta, developed and writes the Nine On The Line column for Tucson Foodie (previously with the Tucson Weekly), and discusses food regularly on local radio shows such as On The Menu… Live with Matt Russell, The Frank Show, and WakeUp Tucson.

“I’m extremely excited to get back into an industry that I love so much on a full time basis,” said Hamm. “It’s an honor to do so with Jackson Tavern and the MFR team, as I’ve always admired their drive. I look forward to adding some of my fresh ideas to the already great core of people and standards present at Jackson.”

The transition to new management for Jackson Tavern and Poppy Kitchen is set to begin immediately.

“We will continue to build on the successes of our two local restaurants,” said Proctor. “Each of our team members bring a fresh and unique perspective to our work and to the idea of hospitality.”

For more information, visit Jacksontavern.com and Poppykitchentucson.com.