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MUFSO’s Operators of the Year are creative, passionate execs

MUFSO’s Operators of the Year are creative, passionate execs

The foodservice talent pool is full of creative, hardworking individuals who express a true passion for the industry. But among these leaders, there is usually one who, in any particular year, stands out among the rest. To acknowledge this individual, MUFSO presents the annual Operator of the Year award.

Conferred for the first time at MUFSO in 1971, when it was actually called the Man of the Year award, the award honors a chain executive whose participation within the industry has enhanced the image of foodservice and raised efficiency and productivity. The Operator of the Year, who is selected by the readers of Nation’s Restaurant News, is chosen from the group of Golden Chain honorees, outstanding multiunit foodservice executives selected by the editorial board of NRN.

The inaugural winner was Warren Rosenthal, president of Jerrico Inc. He was acknowledged for his efforts in launching the company on a franchise push, taking Jerrico public, and for his activities in the International Franchise Association.

In 1988 the award was presented to Jack W. Goodall Jr., the chairman of Foodmaker Inc. He was honored for successfully repositioning Jack in the Box and the acquisition of Chi-Chi’s. The repositioning transformed the concept from a limited-menu burger operation into a chain with a broader, more upscale menu and remodeled decor that attracted older, more affluent patrons.

The year 1999 saw the award go to William W. McCarten, president and chief executive of Host Marriott Services Corp. for leading the growth of the company into a $1.3 billion concessionaire. He was acknowledged for his integrity and work ethic, and for the strong leadership he exhibited in driving the company to new levels of success.

In 2005, Lloyd Hill, chairman and chief executive of Applebee’s, was named MUFSO Operator of the Year. He was instrumental in growing Applebee’s into the nation’s largest casual-dining chain. From 1998, when Hill became chief executive, through 2004, the company’s stock price quadrupled when adjusted for dividends and stock splits. Hill also was instrumental in putting the chain’s focus more on people—both employees and guests.

While the operators of the year only represent 38 individuals in an industry that employs 13 million, it’s their leadership and vision that has inspired so many others to transform foodservice into an industry full of energy and innovation.

In the next installment of our special MUFSO at 50 retrospective, we will run a complete list of all our Operator of the Year winners.

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