Chain Leader

Exclusive video interviews with executives from emerging and fast-track restaurant companies that are setting the agenda in the chain restaurant industry and continue to be in the vanguard

Julia Stewart

Julia Stewart Works to Keep IHOP’s Turnaround Spirit Alive
IHOP Chairman and CEO Julia Stewart has been lauded for the family-dining chain's turnaround. But what happens next? Stewart discusses franchisee relationships, stretching the concept, improving customer service and more in an exclusive interview with Editor-in-Chief Mary Boltz Chapman.
Read a transcript of the Julia Stewart interview.

Posted: Jul 1, 2007  |   Permalink  |  

Dick Rivera: Mutual Benefit
The former T.G.I. Friday’s CEO and Red Lobster president, who appeared on Chain Leader ’s January 2001 cover, Dick Rivera is now CEO at his own company, Rubicon Enterprises and chairman of the National Restaurant Association. He shared his opinions on corporate leadership, entrepreneurism, restaurant finance, the state of casual dining and more in an interview with Senior Editor David Farkas at the NRA’s Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in May.
Read a transcript of the Dick Rivera interview.

Posted: Jun 18, 2007  |   Permalink  |  

Michael Kaufman: All the Essentials
Michael Kaufman made it to the cover of Chain Leader in November 2000, when he was president of Metromedia Restaurant Group, helping to breathe new life into its aging brands. Today, Kaufman is using his chain experience to help develop Harry’s Tap Room and its spinoff, Harry’s Essential Grille, into viable chains. He spoke with Senior Editor David Farkas about the new concept at the National Restaurant Association show in May 2006. 
Read a transcript of the Michael Kaufman interview.

Posted: Jul 1, 2006  |   Permalink  |  

David Goronkin: We've Only Just Begun
When David Goronkin was on the cover of Chain Leader in March 2005, the CEO of Famous Dave’s told us the chain was just hitting its stride. Today he likes the pace at the 132-unit casual-dining barbecue chain, crediting brand focus and people development. Goronkin sat down with Chain Leader Editor-in-Chief Mary Boltz Chapman at the 2006 National Restaurant Association Show to discuss what differentiates Famous Dave’s.
Read a transcript of the David Goronkin interview.

Posted: Jun 1, 2006  |   Permalink  |