Protein Bar & Kitchen is a special health food brand that has super fans of nutrition begging for more. This flavor wasn’t originally innate but developed by our leadership team in 2017 when we broke status quo and embarked on a culinary adventure that would forever change the way people think about eating well.
In 2017, when I began serving as president and CEO with a new leadership team at the helm, we took the reins, ushered in a taste revolution for every-BODY. Together we prioritized healthy foods that are good for you, but also taste great for the most important people in our business, our customers.
As we have navigated through the evolving restaurant space, at the forefront of has been prioritizing our customers. Whether that is in our menu offerings or through day-to-day interactions, our super fans are the ones that inspire us to continue onward in our mission for being a premier location for healthy, convenient, and delicious food.
Prior to joining the Protein Bar & Kitchen team I served as president of Le Duff America and its 122 locations throughout North America including airport/licensed locations. Previously to that, I was President and Founding Partner of Go Roma, a privately held chain of fast casual Italian restaurants, and COO of sister-brand Boudin.
My time in the restaurant industry has taught me the invaluable lesson of satisfaction of the people surrounding you and invested in the brand, your employees. People are the key to success in this business, creating authentic relationships with them with help bloom your business. As Protein Bar & Kitchen has launched into franchising, we have seen this first-hand, with our corporate team of inspiring and talented industry professionals setting our business up for success as we begin to become a nationwide brand. We also see it in our new super fans across the country, whose continued support of Protein Bar & Kitchen echoes our mission.
As Protein Bar & Kitchen continues to grow our mission remains the same, providing high quality healthy menu items that help improve the lives of the communities we serve.
What was your first job?
My first job was mowing lawns in my neighborhood.
What’s your favorite menu item at Protein Bar and Kitchen.
My favorite entrée at Protein Bar & Kitchen has to be the best-selling Mexicali bowl. Favorite protein shake is our PB&J with some modifications, I substitute the almond milk for oat milk and remove the agave.
What’s your favorite cuisine aside from Protein Bar and Kitchen.
Aside from Protein Bar & Kitchen my favorite cuisine is anything my wife Stephanie cooks. She is a great cook.
Who inspires you as a leader?
The people who I work with inspire me to be a leader. We are so fortunate to have a great team in our restaurants and the store support center.
What’s the best piece of advice that other restaurant executives should hear?
The best piece of advice is, it’s all about the people. Make sure everyone on your team understands that you see them, hear them, and value them.
What are some of your interests outside of work?
I love to fish—particularly with my family. It’s chance to totally disconnect. I also love dining out, finding that hidden gem whether it a full-service restaurant or a small stand.
