Team

Mark is a founding partner in the TyMark restaurant group, and he started in the business at a young age. He attended the University of Connecticut where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and entrepreneurship. After college, he worked as a restaurant manager for Illiano’s in Middletown, CT and then studied as a chef at David Burke’s steakhouse for 2 years. At the age 25, he opened Casa Della Luce in Westerly, RI. He expanded with the acquisition of Vetrano’s Retaurant and Vittoria’s Pizzeria with his brother Michael and best friend Tyler Carlson. It was the start of TyMark restaurant group and a beginning of something great. In 2018 the group partnered with Craig Marr at the Breachway Grill in Charlestown, RI. Mark and Tyler re-opened the historic Fisherman Restaurant located at Groton Long Point in 2020.  They are excited to launch TyMark Catering and their new partnership with Grey Sail brewery.

Mark is a generous supporter of the community through his donations of gift certificates and fundraising efforts in partnership with the Frank Olean Center, both the Westerly and Chariho Rotary Clubs, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, the Westerly Land Trust, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and the Westerly Lions Club to name a few. He donates cooking oil to local middle school students as part of their Turn Grease Into Fuel project, providing heating assistance for needy families in the area. In 2012 Mark won the 40 under 40 award for from the United Chambers of Commerce in Southern Rhode Island at the age 27, and in 2021 Mark won 40 under 40 for Providence Business News. He also was nominated as one of the 50 under 50 honorees for the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce. He served on the culinary advisory board at the Westerly High School, also served as an advisor for the Westerly Yacht Club’s finance committee, and is always donating his time for the community.

What Mark is most proud of though is his family. He and his lovely wife Vanessa are the proud parents of Austin, Savannah, Vienna and their dog Arlo. The Lacz’s reside in Westerly, RI. 

When you cannot find Mark at one of the restaurants or home with his family, there’s a good chance he’s out on the boat fishing at Block Island or spending time hunting in the outdoors. Mark is an avid sportsman, and he is grateful to be able to pair that with his passion for cooking. He is a licensed Coast Guard Charter Captain and runs TyMark’s commercial fishing program. He often takes out employees to fish the local waters where they add a sea to table element to all of TyMark’s locations. His motivation is the satisfaction of his happy customers and being able to provide a fun and opportunity filled environment for all of his terrific employees.

Tyler is a native of Connecticut having grown up in Chester, CT. He attended Xavier High School in Middletown, CT where he met his “blond-haired brothers” and now business partners, Mark and Mike Lacz. Tyler graduated from Babson College in 2007 with a BS in Business Management and a double concentration in Entrepreneurship & Marketing.

Tyler’s restaurant career started at 14 years old as a sandwich maker and dishwasher in a neighborhood sandwich shop. He has worked in a variety of concepts throughout his career from casual to fine dining, privately-owned small business to national corporate chains. He takes pride in having worked every restaurant position throughout his time in the industry. Prior to forming TyMark Restaurant Group he oversaw the food and beverage department of the Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, CT.

As a founding partner of TyMark, Tyler takes great pride and interest in the personal and professional development of the TyMark team members. TyMark was created with the vision of creating internal growth opportunities and empowering team members to grow personally and professionally on their own terms. Over the last few years TyMark has been able to train and development both management and support positions almost exclusively with internal candidates. TyMark locations have also established a reputation of being outstanding community members that donate generously to charitable organizations, outreach groups, schools, local youth sports leagues and area first responders. Offering rewarding career opportunities and being great community members are aspects of the group that Tyler and his partners take great pride in.

Tyler somehow managed to marry far beyond his pay grade; he and his beautiful wife Jaclyn live in East Lyme, CT. They are the proud parents of sons Jackson and Jordan, daughter Madeline and yellow lab Brady. There is nothing Tyler is more grateful for or cherishes more dearly than his beloved family.

Tyler is a 4th degree black belt and former member of the Pyong Hwa Kunin Tang Soo Do Team USA competition team. He enjoys teaching martial arts and coaches a variety of youth lacrosse and soccer teams. He is an avid sportsman, snowboarder and golfer; passions he is now blessed to share with his babies.

Michael began his restaurant career working at Illiano’s in Middletown, Connecticut. Shortly after graduating from Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA in History, Michael put his career plans on hold to help his brother Mark open up Casa Della Luce in 2010. Michael played in integral part in the restaurant starting with the build out, menu creation and execution. Thousands of pizzas later, he had found his calling.

Three short years later, Michael decided it was time to open a pizzeria of his own. He and brother Mark started Casa Pizza in Narragansett, Rhode Island in June of 2013. After building up a solid local following, Michael felt it was time to sell when a new opportunity presented itself. In 2016, Michael, Mark, and their longtime friend Tyler Carlson bought Vittoria’s Pizzeria and the three formed TyMark Restaurant Group.  Mike has since joined the Breachway Grill as a managing partner and oversees day-to-day operation of this location.

Michael’s approach to hospitality has produced extraordinary results.  He is known around town for his genuine customer service, selfless personality and excellent food. Michael lives in Charlestown with his beautiful wife Tegwyn and adorable Daughter Tessa.  The Lacz’s love cooking and enjoying the outdoors as a family.  Michael is also an avid golfer and likes to spend his free time out on the links.

After a successful career working in direct marketing and business development in New York City, Craig Marr decided it was time for his next challenge. He moved out of his native state of Connecticut and into his vacation home in Rhode Island. Craig was already very familiar with Rhode Island shoreline restaurants and he realized a need for something other than fried seafood.

His dream of creating a fresher alternative to the clam shack options came to fruition on May 5th, 2011. Craig and his two lifelong friends Rick and Bob Harris made an immediate impact on the community. They weathered hurricane Sandy, many cold winters and affirmed that the Breachway Grill was there to stay.

As dine in and take out business began to grow, outdoor dining was added and in 2016, Craig expanded the operations next door with the Breachway Gourmet Deli. Two years later Craig decided to partner up with TyMark and both the Breachway Grill and the Breachway Gourmet have been continuing to grow at a rapid pace. The Breachway Gourmet was transformed into its current status of a Gourmet sandwich shop and catering company.

Over the past 9 years, Craig has become one of the most notable faces in the Charlestown community. He currently serves as the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Charlestown and is a huge supporter of local schools and organizations. He is a devoted restaurant owner and spends countless hours serving his patrons; until political debate sidetracks him. In the rare event that Craig isn’t at the Breachway Grill he’s either hacking it up on the golf course or relaxing at home with a good book and nice glass of red wine.

Russ serves as a Managing Partner for TRG and assists multiple locations in all aspects of operations. He brings over 30 years of experience and has worked in a variety of concepts. Russ’ early career saw him emerge as one of the most well-known and sought-after bartenders throughout the RI and CT shoreline communities. He has spent the last 15 years serving in a variety of management roles including several years as the General Manager at Vetrano’s Restaurant in Westerly.

Russ’ impact spreads across all areas of restaurant operations. His areas of expertise include labor development and management, purchasing, building and equipment and special projects.

Russ is recognized by his staff and customers for his empathetic “lead from the front” management style. He is an ideal culture builder and a hands-on coach that will always put in the work required to put his team members in a position to be successful.

In his free time Russ is an avid fisherman and can often be found on the water bringing in fresh fish for the TRG guests.

Kate is the Operations Manager for TyMark Restaurant Group, bringing over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Her background spans restaurant operations, sales, and multiple areas of customer service, giving her a well-rounded perspective and a deep understanding of how all parts of the business work together.

After spending some time in Colorado, Kate returned home to join TyMark Restaurant Group, where she applies her diverse experience to support teams across a wide range of operational and strategic needs. She thrives in roles that require adaptability and cross-functional collaboration, with a focus on streamlining operations and strengthening internal systems. A key part of her role also includes supporting and developing the company’s marketing efforts, helping to ensure brand consistency, clarity, and growth across all concepts.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband Sean, their one-year-old son Cameron, and their two dogs. In her spare time, she also enjoys yoga and hiking.

Nicole is the Finance and Human Resource Manager for TyMark Restaurant Group, where she oversees financial operations and leads HR initiatives that support team growth and company development. She brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to her work, helping foster a positive internal culture across a young and expanding hospitality group.

Nicole has deep family ties to the Westerly area and a strong appreciation for the surrounding community. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Business and spent a decade in southwestern Colorado working in a variety of administrative and financial roles.

During that time, she helped open a brewery and restaurant and coordinated the renowned Ouray Ice Festival.
Her broad experience and passion for team development make her a key part of the TyMark leadership team. Outside of work, she enjoys being on the water, spending time at the beach, and relaxing with her husband, their beloved pup, and her large extended family.