Leadership

Individuals influencing the direction of the restaurant industry

First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso wins operator of the year honors from IFMA

By Peter Romeo on May 19, 2024

The full-service veteran was named this year's winner of the Gold Plate award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA).

Leadership

The restaurant business has produced its share of criminals, including these

By Peter Romeo on May 16, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: Here's why several prominent chain CEOs got a firsthand exposure to prison foodservice.

Leadership

Cousins Subs co-founder Bill Specht dies at age 80

By Peter Romeo on May 14, 2024

A one-time East Coast Navy man trained to sink submarines, he found success in the Midwest selling another sort of sub.

Leadership

How Jaguar Bolera creator Robert Thompson is trading on joy

By Lisa Jennings on May 13, 2024

As the first location of the eatertainment concept prepares to open this week, this veteran of the segment is looking to grow his multi-brand portfolio under the umbrella Joy Trade. He's on the hunt for acquisitions.

Leadership

New England chef Jasper White dies at age 69

By Peter Romeo on May 13, 2024

A fan of simply prepared fresh seafood, the CIA grad was a pioneer in the American regional cuisine boom of the 1980s and an early proponent of "casualizing" fine dining.

Leadership

Smoothie King gets a new CFO, Portillo's hires its first CMO and other restaurant executive shifts

By Restaurant Business Staff on May 09, 2024

Executive Summary: Gavin Felder is Smoothie King's new chief financial officer and Nick Scarpino was elevated to marketing chief at Portillo's, plus more restaurant executive news of the week.

Leadership