Richard is a top-performing hospitality executive credited with combining brand operations and marketing expertise to deliver substantial revenue growth in highly competitive business markets. He currently serves as the CDO of Areas USA responsible for the company’s growth, government affairs, community affairs, brands/concept development, and construction.
While Richard is a highly competent mechanic of day-to-day execution, at his core he is a true culinarian and has helped redefine our culinary culture and strategy. Richard has developed many strong culinary relationships across the country in multiple verticals to help design award-winning concepts.
Richard also serves as a member of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors and as a member of the Board of Trustees for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. In 2024, Richard will assume the position of Vice Chair of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Board of Directors, and the FRLA Education Foundation as a Trustee. Additionally, Richard also serves as a member of the Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation Board of Trustees.
He assisted in creating the Areas Cares program to support the communities we serve and led a community education program in supporting local high school culinary programs through culinary and financial support to help students gain experience and opportunities.
Richard joined us from Spectra where he served as Executive Vice President/COO and Head of Foodservice for Spectra responsible for day-to-day food-related operations across 243 Spectra food venues and the operations of Brulee Catering. Previously, he was also COO of Delaware North’s Sportservice, COO of Delaware North’s airport food and retail business, and Vice President of Hospitality and Guest Services, Gaming and Entertainment.
His background also includes leadership positions with Midwest Gaming and Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Entertainment. In service to his community, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Dexsta Federal Credit Union and as a Member of the New Castle County Financial Advisory Council. He has previously served on the Boards of the Buffalo Boys and Girls Club, New England Ronald McDonald House, Detroit Ronald McDonald House, and Career Opportunity Development Inc. in Southern New Jersey amongst many others.
