Tom Rush

Chief Operating Officer

Professional Overview
Tom Rush is an experienced hospitality industry executive serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Great American Restaurants. With over 20 years of leadership experience, he has developed a strong track record of driving operational excellence, optimizing business processes, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Operating Officer at Great American Restaurants, Tom is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company's growing portfolio of dining establishments. In this role, he leads a team of regional managers and general managers, ensuring consistent service quality, efficient resource utilization, and continuous process improvements across all locations. Under his leadership, Great American Restaurants has maintained a high customer satisfaction rate and a reputation for operational efficiency.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Tom held several progressive leadership positions within Great American Restaurants. He served as the Vice President of Operations from 2014 to 2017, where he spearheaded the implementation of new operational strategies that resulted in a 12% increase in profit margins. Before that, he served as the Director of Operations from 2008 to 2013, during which he oversaw the successful expansion of the company's footprint into new markets. Tom began his career with Great American Restaurants in 1999 as a Managing Partner, honing his skills in operational management and business development.

Academic Background
Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Florida, where he graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Operational excellence in the hospitality industry

• Strategic planning and business optimization

• Effective leadership and team management

• Process improvement and cost optimization

• Customer experience enhancement

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Tom has been recognized for his ability to drive operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. He has led the implementation of innovative technologies and data-driven decision-making processes that have improved inventory management, labor scheduling, and supply chain logistics. Under his leadership, Great American Restaurants has consistently outperformed industry benchmarks, earning the company several awards for customer service and operational efficiency.

Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and a proven track record of delivering measurable results, Tom Rush is well-positioned to continue driving the operational success of Great American Restaurants. His strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to the organization.