Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Rob Sopkin is an accomplished Chief Development Officer with extensive experience in driving strategic growth and expansion initiatives across the retail, hospitality, and food and beverage industries. He is currently serving as the Chief Development Officer at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants, where he is responsible for overseeing the company's real estate, site selection, and new market development strategies.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Chief Development Officer at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants, Rob is responsible for leading the company's real estate and site selection strategies, as well as spearheading new market expansion efforts. He works closely with the executive team to identify and evaluate potential growth opportunities, negotiate favorable lease terms, and oversee the development and construction of new restaurant locations.

Career Progression

Rob Sopkin brings a wealth of experience to his current role, having held several high-profile development and real estate leadership positions throughout his career. Prior to joining Cooper's Hawk, he served as the SVP and Chief Development Officer at Panera Bread, where he played a pivotal role in the company's strategic expansion across the United States. He has also held development leadership roles at Starbucks, Planet Fitness, and Dean & DeLuca, demonstrating his ability to drive growth and optimize operational efficiencies in diverse business environments.

Academic Background

Rob holds a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he specialized in real estate and development. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in the principles of commercial real estate, site selection, and project management, which he has consistently applied to drive successful outcomes for the organizations he has served.

Areas of Expertise

• Retail and restaurant real estate development

• Site selection and market expansion strategy

• Lease negotiation and contract management

• Construction and project management

• Strategic planning and business development

• Operational optimization and process improvement

Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Rob Sopkin has demonstrated a proven track record of successfully executing complex real estate and development initiatives. He has played a pivotal role in driving the growth and expansion of several leading brands, contributing to their increased market share and improved operational efficiency. His expertise and strategic vision have consistently positioned him as a valuable asset to the organizations he has served.

Conclusion

With his extensive experience, proven leadership skills, and deep understanding of the retail and hospitality industries, Rob Sopkin is well-positioned to continue driving impactful results as the Chief Development Officer at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants. His ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities, coupled with his expertise in operational optimization, make him a valuable asset to the company and its continued success.