Boardroom Media (CEO News)
At CEO (Boardroom Media) we track over 1,000,000 startups and over 5,000,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top Illinois based CEO’ operating in the Restaurants space. If you think a CEO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on [email protected]
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Chris Kempczinski
President and CEO of McDonald’s
With an eye toward delivering a modern, progressive customer experience, Chris Kempczinski oversees strategy, planning and new concept innovation for McDonald’s. His role is to serve the business units and franchisees by identifying new ideas and best practices to accelerate their growth and grow the overall value of the system. Kempczinski has significant experience in strategy and operations with some of the world’s leading consumer companies, including Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo and most recently, Kraft Heinz. He has a proven track record of driving transformative change, which is invaluable as McDonald’s evolves its restaurant experience and business model to consistently deliver top-tier shareholder returns. Most recently, Kempczinski was Executive Vice President of Growth Initiatives and President of Kraft International, where he oversaw Kraft’s global corporate growth agenda and was responsible for driving the business in 80 countries outside of the United States, making up roughly $3 billion in net revenue. Kempczinski has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in public policy and economics from Duke University.
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About McDonald’s: McDonald’s is a global foodservice retailer generating revenue through company-owned restaurants, franchise royalties, and licensing pacts.
Taylor Katzman
Founder & CEO of Provi
Taylor Katzman is the Founder and CEO of Provi.
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About Provi: Provi is a communication platform that simplifies the operations for bars, restaurants, and retailers in ordering booze.
Pat Vihtelic
Founder and CEO of Home Chef
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About Home Chef: Home Chef is a provider of subscription-based meal kit delivery services to help people to save time while enjoying home cooking.
Nick Wernimont
CEO/Founder & Chief Health & Wellness Strategist of Factor_
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About Factor_, Factor_: Factor is a subscription-based prepared meal delivery service that delivers dietitian-designed, chef-crafted meals.
Orazio Buzza
Founder & CEO of Fooda
Orazio Buzza is a Co-Founder at Fooda, Inc. He served as President & Chief Operating Officer of Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECHO), from May 2005 until August 2010. From October 2003 to May 2005, he was the CFO and COO of InnerWorkings, Inc. (Nasdaq: INWK). From July 2001 to September 2003, Orazio was Vice President of Finance and Operations at Bus Bank, an online provider of charter bus services. He received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Supply Chain Management from the University of Illinois, and he is also a CPA.
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About Fooda: Fooda is a food technology platform that connects restaurants to people while at work.
Luke Saunders
Founder and CEO of Farmer’s Fridge
Luke Saunders is the founder and CEO of Farmer’s Fridge.
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About Farmer’s Fridge, Food Foundry: Farmer’s Fridge provides an automated smart fridge that serves salads, bowls, snacks, and more.
Daniel Estrada
Co-Founder and CEO of 86 Repairs
Daniel Estrada is the co-founder and CEO of 86 Repairs, the repair and maintenance management platform built for the restaurant industry. He has over 20 years of experience in technical and leadership roles, including as a software engineer, project manager, consultant to startups and Fortune 500 companies, and as the practice head in a global digital consultancy. Daniel is a first generation American, multi-citizen, and speaks 3 languages.
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About 86 Repairs: 86 Repairs is a subscription service that optimizes and manages end-to-end equipment repair and maintenance for restaurant groups.
Nick Kokonas
CEO of Tock
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About Alinea Restaurant, Tock: Tock is a cloud-based platform with flexible data structures that provide comprehensive restaurant and event booking services.
Andrew J. Lansing
President and Chief Executive Officer of Levy Restaurants
Andy Lansing is President and Chief Executive Officer of Levy. Under his leadership, Levy has topped over 200 locations in North America and around the world, with more than 35,000 team members delivering Levy’s signature hospitality to guests. Andy began his career with Levy in 1988 as Vice President and General Counsel, overseeing and directing legal affairs for the Company. He was promoted to Executive Vice President for Levy in 1991, and President and Chief Operating Officer in 1995. In his tenure, Andy has directed, managed and actively recruited the industry’s top specialists to become part of Levy’s team and foster the Company’s strategic growth. In 2004, Andy was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer.
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About Levy Restaurants: Levy Restaurants is a hospitality company that runs restaurants and vending machines in entertainment and sporting venues.
Cary Chessick
CEO & Co-Founder of Rewards21
Cary Chessick is chief revenue officer at Goodbay Technologies.
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About Goodbay Technologies, Rewards21: Rewards21 is an easy and convenient rewards program that gives cashback and reward points for dining at favorite restaurants.
Sterling Douglass
Co-Founder and CEO of Chowly
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About Chowly, Chowly: Chowly provides innovative tech solutions to connect restaurant POS platforms with third-party online ordering solutions.
KK Kotapati
Founder and CEO of Instabids
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About 1871, Instabids, The Real Reputation: Instabids is a mobile app that allows the restaurants to bid, select the best instant discount expercience for diners.
Ryan Mattison
Founder and CEO of Nomwell
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About Nomwell: Nomwell makes it easy to find restaurants you’ll love. Remember recommendations, share favorites, and find spots loved by your inner circle.
Josh Katt
CEO of Kitchfix
Josh Katt is the CEO and Founder at Kitchfix.
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About Kitchfix, Kitchfix: Kitchfix creates healthy prepared meals for amazing people in Chicago and surrounding suburb
Phil LaColla
Founder & CEO of Alocito, Inc.
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About Alocito, Inc.: Dine-In Mobile Ordering platform that allows you to enjoy your favorite restaurants in under 30-minutes.
