Alan Laughlin

Background

About Alan Laughlin

Geographically flexible as we have lived and worked in Europe and USA.F&B, restaurants, hospitality, food service and food tech is where I live. This industry has it all: People, Passion, Food and Pace. From the boardroom, to back of house, to the front of house with guests. Inspiring, never a dull moment. It motivates me every day in the brands I lead and those that I don’t. “Always be Curious!” I enjoy getting out from behind the desk to see what we do and how we do it in our restaurants and brands, as well as seeing what others in the industry are doing.Whether it is online or brick and mortar restaurants, I can admire, critique, copy, enjoy, engage and discuss what I see. It is amazing what I learn observing and talking to people: host/wait staff, food runners, other guests, chefs, dishwashers, kitchen staff. It grounds my thoughts to help resolve all the daily challenges but also to leverage brand growth ideas and improve operational excellence. As a CEO / COO / CFO I understand that at the end of the day it’s about delivering results. I am known for setting strategic direction and delivering results through operational excellence, culture, team leadership and people development. I get satisfaction leading a team that steps up and fixes what needs fixing and celebrates success. It's hard. Not a cake walk. Resilience is critical with a focus on continuous improvement to get it done and grow. It is like maintaining and fixing a car while you are still driving. Love it! I’ve had the pleasure to hold Executive and Non-Executive positions in QSR, fast casual and casual dining restaurants. Both franchise and equity operations. Both public and private enterprises. I co-led a successful IPO, restructured troubled brands out of bankruptcy, completed equity acquisitions and managed company sale processes with extensive information memorandum. All rewarding with unique challenges. I am passionate about communicating strategy and operating results to employees, investors and boards in private equity backed, JV and corporate ownership models- 22 Years Restaurant Experience (11 USA & 11 Europe)- CEO / CFO / President & Partner / Brand President- Passionate about people as a Leader, Partner, Husband, Father and Friend- I love sports! The competition. As a Participant, Youth Coach and Fan.