Dan Chaustit
Executive Chef & Co-owner, Crush

Chef Dan Chaustit remains true to his ideals creating exquisite dishes from the finest local ingredients, in a manner befitting a fine dining restaurant. In 2008, Dan’s creations were named in the Top Ten Memorable Dishes by the Baltimore Sun food critic, Elizabeth Large. As one of Maryland’s top chef’s, Dan prepares everything in house using all the freshest ingredients and sustainable seafood creating his own original recipes. Consistently experimenting with both his recipes and presentation, Dan continues to serve beautifully presented dishes known for there bold flavors. Prior to Crush, Daniel was the Executive Chef and owner of Christopher Daniel’s where he built a large following of loyal customers. Dan is a graduate of the esteemed Baltimore Culinary College.

John Corsi
Bar Manager & Co-owner, Crush

Business minded entrepreneur John Corsi is the Bar Manager at Crush. John’s focus on business management, personnel training, and driving revenue has made him a valuable asset throughout his career. John has created a creative and exciting atmosphere at Crush that provides a casual dining experience coupled with Dan Chaustit’s fine dining cuisine. With over 29 years experience, Timonium born Corsi has always loved the business management side of foodservice. John started his career as a busboy and room service waiter when he was just 15 years old. After receiving his degree in Hotel Management John acquired hands on experience with both Marriott and Embassy Suites. Prior to Crush John was the Bar Manager at Christopher Daniel’s where he paired with Chaustit. Always the entrepreneur, John also owns and operates JCtickets.net, a VIP ticket broker agency.

Terry Woods
Major Equity Investor

Woods is a native of Baltimore who has owned and operated several businesses in the Baltimore and surrounding communities in addition to restaurants he owns in Florida. Terry has consistently been successful and has demonstrated great value contributiing his skills and money to start up companies.
Together with Dan, John and his brother Jerry, they form an effective management team to ensure Crush remains a positive experience for our patrons and the Belvedere Square area.

Michelle Chaustit
Co-owner, Manager

A 17 year veteran of the food service industry, Michelle "loves the vibe at Crush". The staff, the teamwork, the atmosphere, and most importantly the patrons make Crush a wonderful experience for all. "The neighborhood has been very welcoming to us and I love my regulars" states Chaustit. Michelle genuinely enjoys seeing how happy the people are that frequent her business. Married to Chef Dan Chaustit, Michelle shares both business and parenting responsibilities with him. Michelle and Dan have two sons, Cole and Jack, who can be found at Crush most weekends. Prior to Crush, she worked at Linwoods and was co-owner of Christopher Daniels.

Jerry & Katie Woods
Co-owners, Crush

Entrepreneurs Jerry & Katie look for value, fun and being a part of something special in every investment they make. That’s why when the opportunity to own a part of Crush came their way they jumped on it! The Woods' immediately recognized the value of Crush. "Crushing the grapes of exquisite food, friendly staff, exceptional service and a relaxed atmosphere seemed vintage to me", recalled Katie. While Katie works full time as a contract specialist for John Hopkins, Jerry (aka "Sealtest") manages and monitors their other investments, which include real estate, a sports bar and a general fitness gym chain. Acquiring expertise at operations and sale management throughout his 25 plus years in the wagering industry, Jerry helps glue the Crush operation together from behind the scenes by ensuring everything remains efficient through business and operations analysis. Not the sexiest part of the business, but required to ensure Crush delivers an exceptional experience every time you enter their door.

Kim Turek
General Manger

Kim has always had a love of the restaurant business because of all the new people she meets. Her 34 year career in the food service industry includes serving, bar tendering, and management. Kim is heralded as a "great leader" by her colleagues and she takes pride in assuring that every patron feels comfortable in her dining room. Kim speaks of Crush as her second home, stating: "I treat my guests as I do in my own home and I love the great teamwork with my co-workers at Crush".
Kim is married with two wonderful sons and two adorable grandchildren. Prior to Crush, Kim worked with Chef Daniel at two other restaurants, most recently, Linwoods and Christopher Daniel’s.