Giancarlo Pagani is a Los Angeles–based restaurateur, Managing Partner of Mother Wolf Group, and founder of Pagani Projects—a premier brand development and management firm specializing in high-impact hospitality concepts. Renowned for his expertise in luxury and lifestyle-driven hospitality, Pagani has played a pivotal role in launching acclaimed restaurants and nightlife destinations across the United States.

Named to Zagat’s 30 Under 30, Pagani continues to shape the hospitality industry through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and innovative brand development. He also serves on the board of the Hollywood Vinyl District, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to the cultural and economic revitalization of Hollywood.

ABOUT

Raised in a hospitality family, Pagani began his career with the Michael Mina Group, quickly rising through the ranks to leadership positions supporting the national expansion of the StripSteak and Bourbon Steak brands. He later joined SBE, where he contributed to the openings of XIV and The Bazaar by José Andrés in Los Angeles, eventually overseeing the Bazaar brand’s expansion to Miami and supporting SBE Restaurant Group’s broader growth on the East Coast.

 In 2015, Pagani founded Pagani Projects, a company focused on accelerating the growth of chef-driven, design-forward hospitality ventures. His portfolio includes celebrated collaborations with chefs such as Evan Funke, Wes Avila, and Lincoln Carson on standout concepts including Mother Wolf, Ka’Teen, Mes Amis, and Bar Lis. In 2022, he partnered with Wes Avila, hospitality icon Sam Nazarian, and global entertainer Marc Anthony to launch two full-service Mexican brands: MXO Mexican Steakhouse, which debuted in Summer 2024, and Hecho Libre, a fast-casual concept with locations across the U.S. launching in 2026.

As Managing Partner of Mother Wolf Group, Pagani oversees the flagship Mother Wolf location in Los Angeles and leads the brand’s strategic expansion into new markets through licensing and joint ventures.

 In 2025, driven by a passion to reinforce Los Angeles as a premier global dining destination, Pagani announced a partnership with Malcolm Wood and his award-winning Maximal Concepts Group to bring the world-renowned Chinese restaurant Mott 32 to Hollywood. He also teamed up with Chef Eyal Shani and Shahar Segal of The Good People Group to introduce their celebrated portfolio of Israeli restaurant brands to California. Their first outpost, the fast-casual Miznon, opened in Los Angeles’ historic Grand Central Market in Summer 2025, with three more locations planned for 2026. Full-service brands HaSalon and Malka are also set to launch in Los Angeles in the near future.