Richard L. "Rick" Federico, chief executive of P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., won the 2012 Nation's Restaurant News Norman Award. Named for the late Norman Brinker, who founded Steak and Ale, as well as Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy parent Brinker International Inc., among other accomplishments, the award recognizes extraordinary leadership in a restaurant executive who consistently mentors and inspires future industry leaders.
During his acceptance speech at the MUFSO 2012 conference in Dallas, Federico shared the story of how Brinker treated him as he prepared to leave the industry legend's company for another. It is a recollection that illustrates why Brinker was so highly regarded by many of the people who worked for him and others acquainted with him in different settings.
View the two-minute video of Federico's remarks by clicking the link below:
http://video.nrn.com/video/Richard-L-Federico-on-mentoring