Firebirds CEO Steve Kislow on Menu Innovation: ICR Conference 2026

Exec Edge hosted a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 with Steve Kislow, Chief Executive Officer of Firebirds. The in-person interview was joined by Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks, and they discussed the company’s menu innovation, its growth strategy and what is next in terms of new locations and priority markets, the emerging dining trends and shifts in consumer preferences, among other topics.

About Steve Kislow

After spending 8 years with Morton’s of Chicago Steakhouse from 1995 to 2003 in various roles including Chef and Managing Partner, Steve Kislow joined the Firebirds team in 2003. Kislow opened the third Firebirds location in Richmond, VA as Managing Partner. In November of 2005, he was promoted to Market Partner for the Arizona, Nebraska and Tennessee markets and helped open dozens of locations as the brand grew from 3 locations in 2 states to more than 60 locations in 20 states. He served as Vice President of Operations from 2009 to 2017 and Chief Operating Officer from 2017 to 2021. Today, he leads a tenured and talented team into the future as Chief Executive Officer. He earned his BA degree from Villanova University in 1996.

About Firebirds

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a privately owned, polished casual American restaurant concept with nearly 70 locations across 22 states. Firebirds offers an energetic twist on the traditional grill, featuring a food and beverage menu with bold flavor, served in an elevated, fire-centric atmosphere. Signature menu items include hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood seared over locally sourced hickory, oak or pecan wood on Firebirds’ exposed wood-fired grill. Complementing its inviting dining room, guests will find the award-winning FIREBAR® and a full-service patio with seasonal comforts. Firebirds partners year-round with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and has independently raised nearly $5 million for childhood cancer research.

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