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Restaurant industry remembers Norm Brinker

Norm Brinker touched the lives of countless people in the restaurant world. Read what some of them had to say about the passing of an industry legend and share your own memories.

 

Kent Little, joint venture partner with Outback Steakhouse, in Cincinnati: 

"I re-read [Norman Brinker's book] 'On the Brink' this weekend when I heard of Norman's passing. It is truly like the history of casual dining in this country. How lucky so many of us were to be in college in the late '60s and early '70s and work at Steak & Ale with the incredible team of people he assembled. The belief system and most of the phrases I use today came from those special times and this special person.

"I left Steak & Ale after 17 years. Norman called that same day, and we met for lunch to discuss my future. I've often wondered how he knew but never wondered why he cared. He always took the time to call and care and beamed that smile of his with every success."

"It was so meaningful to spend time with Norman and thank him personally at our Outback Conference when he addressed the group."

 

John Richardson, former Bennigan's general manager and current real estate appraiser in Daytona Beach, Fla.

"I will never forget when I was a manager in training (MIT) for Bennigan's, back in the early '80s, when on a crowded Friday night in Addison, Texas, Mr. Brinker came in with some upper-management types. I was working the front of the house in my management role, and, of course, I knew who he and the others were. I thought, 'This won’t be fun.'

"To my amazement, Mr. Brinker called me by my first name (I had met him at the MIT meet-and-greet about four months earlier). I am sure had asked his protégés what my name was, but I was sure … impressed!

"He wanted to know if there was anything that he could do for me, and I said all was good. He walked around for about another 15 to 20 minutes and was leaving and came up to me and put two tickets in my shirt pocket for a polo match that he was hosting on that Sunday and invited me to come. My girlfriend and I went that Sunday. Maybe 300 to 400 people were there, most were celebrities and TV stars. He gave me a day that I will always remember from a man that I will never forget. For the rest of my restaurant career, I always wore the proud badge of working for Bennigan’s when Norm Brinker was CEO, truly an inspiration to those whose path he crossed."

 

Vince Van Brunt Jr. of Houston's Restaurants in Atlanta:

"My father worked for Norman in the early days of Steak & Ale. I was too young to remember being around Norman, but I do remember the great pride my father took of his time with S&A. My father passed away when I was 9, and 25 years later I am still blessed with the relationships he built during his tenure at S&A. After reading [Brinker's biography] "On the Brink," I knew that the restaurant industry was my calling and take great pride in following the legacy that Norman and the S&A team set for our industry."

 

 

Hutch Renk, general manager of the Milwaukee ChopHouse at the Marcus Hotels & Resorts:

"During the 11 years I had the honor and privilege of working for Steak & Ale and during the past 23 years of my restaurant career, there is no question whatsoever about the impact that Norman Brinker has had on my career and the way I live my life today. I'm sure most of us could agree.

"The S&A logo, I believe at one point, simply stated 'Where People Make the Difference.' As others have already commented, it was truly an amazing accomplishment that Norman was able to consistently surround himself with quality people. Many, many of whom went on to accomplish so much in this industry.

"My memories of all those years with all of you and hundreds of others will always remain special, as we got a chance to work with one of the great ones.

"It makes me smile even now to think about when Norman would walk into a room. The way we would all just wait for the next profound thought to spill out. He will be genuinely missed by so many, and I am proud to be one of those people."

Nick Castaldo, partner in Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Fort Lauderdale, Fla:

"We overlapped for a short period of time when he was head of the Pillsbury Restaurant Group and I was VP of advertising/promotion at Burger King in Miami. I had not seen Norman Brinker for at least five years until I bumped into him in the late '80s at a chili cook-off event in Dallas at the Willow Bend Country Club. After saying hi and re-introducing myself, we talked about his beloved Steak & Ale, where I was then head of marketing. After talking for a while and saying goodbye, my wife said, 'I didn't realize you knew Norman Brinker so well.' I told her that I didn't really; that was just his great gift: He had the ability to make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the room."

 

 

B. Mark Paul, senior vice president for investments with UBS Financial Services Inc. and the Carrigan·Paul·Ferguson Group, in Dallas:

"My greatest memory of Norman was when I was roughly 14 years old working with my mother and father in our first franchised/joint ventured Steak & Ale in Maitland, Fla.

 

"There was about to be a major meeting of managers in Dallas. At that time, there were only 13 units in the country. I was sure I wanted to go and basically told my father that I had spoken with Harold Deem, one of Norman's original partners, and he said that I could come.

"For whatever reason, my father took my word for it and said, 'You're going." I had the greatest experience of my young career in those sessions that were scheduled, with Norman mainly leading the charge. That was, until my father and Harold confronted me regarding the scam I had run to get out there. I lived through that and would have done it all over again, if I could have!

"The next thing I know, Norman is in Orlando to visit our restaurant and comes into the unit with a perfectly sized double-breasted red suit coat with the Steak & Ale patch for me to wear while running the floor and said, 'If you are going to do this job, you are going to need to look the part!'

"My parents took some time to bring me down to earth! I will never forget the thoughtfulness that this represented and the impact that had on me. My 17 years with Steak & Ale were certainly some of the best in my life."

 

 

Hala Moddelmog, president and chief executive of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Dallas:

"I had the privilege of benefiting from Norman Brinker's leadership in two venues: as president of Church's Chicken and as president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In the restaurant world, Norman was a legend, known for world-class leadership and courageous innovation. He also was a founding board member of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, faithful for all of our 27 years to our mission to end breast cancer forever. Norman had the ability to see very large and complex issues with great clarity, and had a passion for setting people on the path to accomplish seemingly impossible but great things. He believed deeply in helping those around him, and as a result, many, many people are successful today because of Norman Brinker. We have lost a wonderful man, a great leader and a great philanthropist."

 

 

Woody Berry, retired in Richardson, Texas, after working with Steak & Ale from 1975 to 1987:

"I was 26 years old in 1979 and had just opened the Steak & Ale in southeast Houston down by Clear Lake, and we were facing our first Mother's Day, which was a shot in the dark regarding sales since we had no history. To make a long story short, we blew the doors off that day, doing 996 guests, a national sales record for one day for a Steak & Ale of that small size. 

"When the significance of what we had done set in, I called Norman's office on Monday morning to tell him.  He was on his way out the door, but [his assistant] Margaret Barlow chased him down and he came back to the phone and got as giddy as his  26-year-old GM when I told him what we had done. 

"He told me this phone call reminded him of a similar call he got in 1968 when the GM of the new S&A on Shadybrook Lane in North Dallas called him at home at midnight, yelling and shouting, 'We did it! We did it!  We just broke $1,500 in food sales!' Here we were, 12 years later, breaking $10,000 in one day.  He was so excited for all of us.

"He could have simply hung up after congratulating us and that would have been wonderful, but at 6 p.m. that same Monday evening I looked up and there he was, standing in my hostess area, beaming that smile. He stayed at my restaurant until 8 p.m., personally visiting with and making sure to get to know a little something about each and every one of my employees, all of whom had worked so very hard that day before.

"When he left, we were all just floating.  He followed up the visit with a very nice letter, which I still have framed today. That was the essence of Norman.  He cared.  He deeply, deeply cared about all of us.  I miss him so much, as do all of us."

 

Jennifer Strouse, northeast regional operations director for EmCare, in Horsham, Penn.:

"What a wonderful man with so many contributions. I worked as a restaurant manager, at a Chili's in Plano, Texas.  This was my first 'real' job out of college. What a wonderful organization/company to build the foundation of my management style 18 years later.

"I echo Norman's words that we want those who have worked for us to go on and do bigger and better things, that we do not like to see good people go, but we wish them well.  I learned to care about the people who work for you from this one man's vision.

"Sincerely, past Chili's Manager at Store #544. (Even after 15 years, I still remember my store number!)"

 

Cory Durden, director of development for Primrose School Franchising Co. in Acworth, Ga.:

"I was saddened to hear the news about Norman Brinker. He absolutely was an icon to the industry as well as an individual whose philosophies will live on forever.

"I still have on my desk the laminated note card that reads 'How Norman Brinker Describes Leaders' that I received when I worked for Brinker International.  When certain days get turbulent, it's always nice to glance at the bottom of my computer monitor where I have the philosophies card taped and read one or two.  It helps to put things into perspective.

"Norman was truly a remarkable individual and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone at Brinker International."

 

Robert Davis, western regional director of operations for The Palm Restaurant Group of Washington, D.C.:

"I never had the honor of working directly with or for Mr. Brinker; however, my first job was at Bennigan's in the Military Circle Mall in Norfolk, Va., in 1978 as a busboy. That restaurant and the people there completely changed my life at age 16. I stayed with Bennigan's for over eight years and moved through the ranks up to general manager before leaving my home (Bennigan's). From there I moved over to Houston's restaurant to work for George Biel, who talked about Norm Brinker from time-to-time and the effect Mr. Brinker had on him as well.

"Having never had the opportunity to meet Norm, it amazes me how much of an impact he has had on my personal and professional life. From my first job to my current career, I owe greatly to Mr. Brinker. We are so lucky to have had a great leader jump start what is now 'casual dining.' The careers, lives, experiences he has created and touched, think about it…countless.

"I never had the chance to say it to you personally, but thank you. Thank you for the opportunities you have provided to all of us, the restaurant industry! You are an icon in our industry and arguably the 'true north' of casual dining."

 

Brett Hutchison of Keller, Texas, who works with Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, and was a former area director with Romano's Macaroni Grill:

"He was an inspiration and a class act. Norman was one of the most genuine and warm individuals I have ever had the fortune to have worked for – or as Norman would say, with. His passion for others and his ability to lift individual spirits is why he was so successful. I remember the time when I first met Norman (1996), we were all on a team-building retreat at his home. Norman had set up a challenge course with obstacles to promote trust and team play. As we managers were all gathered, we saw Norman walking up the road to meet us. He introduced himself to every single person and thanked them individually for being part of the team. Wow. I was hooked. Here was the chairman of the board opening his home to us and actually making special effort to personally share his gratitude for our attendance. When you ask anyone in our business about Norman Brinker, a smile always comes to their face. He was one of a kind. God has recruited the finest for heaven's table!

 

Chuck Paul, president of A Closer Look in Norcross, Ga.:

"My father, Chuck Sr., opened the first Steak & Ale in the state of Florida (Maitland) in 1969. It was at that time a quasi franchise/joint venture partnership with Norman Brinker.  Between my father, mother, brother and myself, we logged almost 40 years with Norman and the Steak & Ale family.  These were indeed the 'good ol' days,' but what I remember most about Norman was his innate ability to surround himself with incredibly talented folks like: Carl Hays, George Biel, Vince Van Brunt, Sr., Harold Deem, Gene Knippers, Mike Jenkins, Rick Federico, Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, Dick Rivera, Ned Lidvall and Lane Cardwell.  And those are just a 'few' of the stars that went through Norman's School of Restaurants 101; there were so many more.  Norman's vision was unmatched and his attitude was infectious.  He was a tireless leader who always had time for you regardless of your position in the company.  Norman will be greatly missed, but on the bright side, look at all the stars that he mentored over the years. The restaurant industry is a much better place because of Norman Brinker, and I will miss him too."

 

Michael Kaufman, chairman of the National Restaurant Association in Washington:

"I never worked for Norman directly, but indirectly, I felt I did.

"When I first became president of Ponderosa and Bonanza in 1992, Norman invited me down to speak about advocacy for the industry.  We toured his ranch, saw his polo ponies, checked out the construction of a new restaurant and then ate at Macaroni Grill.  I really couldn't believe he spent so much time with me and reached out so thoughtfully as he gave terrific advice about running two large chains.

"When Bennigan's and Steak and Ale were added to my portfolio, it became more interesting.  We were now direct competitors.  But he always conveyed a sense of care and interest about me, and likely about his legacy in the two brands he created.  So when I would see him at industry meetings or at an airport, he always drilled me with question after question – wanting, I knew, for S&A Restaurant Corp to flourish yet again.  When I told him about Bennigan's growth, he smiled and gave likely the same positive feedback he gave his own team members: 'way to go' and 'good job.' And from time to time, he still ate at Steak & Ale (He had a lifetime corporate card.), and he'd give me meticulous feedback about his experiences.

"When he published 'On the Brink,' he sent me a copy with a kind inscription.  Were we friends, competitors or perhaps colleagues who shared a passion for two hopefully enduring brands?

"Shortly before I left MRG in 2003, I called Norman to ask whether we might have lunch.  He graciously agreed.  I went to his house to pick him up.  He had just purchased a Prius, and he asked whether I'd like to try driving it -- hybrid technology was very new then.  I did and he seemed thrilled about giving me the opportunity to experience it. ('Pretty cool, huh?' he asked several times.)  We drove to a nearby Chili's and had a great lunch.

"Norman was a man who simply cared. Always. About everyone. And always about their success. We all will miss him and hope we have learned his lessons well."

 

Steve Paternoster, owner of Scalo Northern Italian Grill in Albuquerque, N.M.:

"I attended a breakfast with Norm Brinker several years ago, of course he was the featured speaker, and I was a young GM for a restaurant that I now own.  I introduced myself to Mr. Brinker (never Norm to me) and mentioned that he and I had a connection to the New Mexico Military Institute, we are both grads, Although he had many obligations that day, he took the time to become interested in me and followed my career from then on, every mention of me or my company in the trade magazines merited a note or an e-mail from Mr. Brinker.

"Years have passed now, but I will never forget the simple kindness of a king – a king in our industry and a hero to me.  His wisdom, passion and friendship to me are gifts I can never repay, I can only pay them forward. Today, as I work with my summer intern from the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program at New Mexico State University, I will share with him some of the lessons I learned from Mr. Brinker. 

"Rest easy, Mr. Brinker. You have earned it.”

 

David Head, chairman and CEO  of Captain D's Seafood Kitchen in Nashville, Tenn.:

"It was 1980 and I was a waiter at a Steak & Ale in North Miami Beach, Fla. I was going to hotel-restaurant school. Norman was touring the restaurant with some folks. We knew he was coming. It was like a visit from the pope or something.

"He walks up to me and just said, 'Are you David?' I said, 'Yes.' He goes, 'Hi, my name's Norman.' Like I didn't know who he was. He said that the GM had said you are an outstanding member of this team and that you are going into restaurant management as a career. He said he really appreciated us making this restaurant one of the best in the country. He said he hoped I would consider Steak & Ale as a career.

"I was blown away. It's like a high school basketball player being pulled aside by Michael Jordan. I was 22 or 23 at the time. The fact that he took the time made me feel important, like I was the only guy in the room. It was just powerful. That's a small snippet, but it's something that I remember 29 years later.

"That's always in the back of my mind, and I hope I treat our people that way."

 

Reg duDomaine, senior partner for restaurant, foodservice and hotels at the Lucas Group in Atlanta:

"I will always remember when Norman came to Toronto, Canada, when I was the GM of The Three Crowns, otherwise known as Steak & Ale in Canada. We met at the front door of the restaurant and he was so upbeat and friendly. It was the first time I had seen him since training class in Dallas. Within a couple of minutes he was off and introducing himself to every employee in the restaurant, telling them how much he appreciated them and thanking them for a great job in helping to open our second restaurant in Canada. … My employees and customers were just overwhelmed and couldn't stop talking about that visit. They all felt special after they met him. He didn't have a negative thing to say, he loved being there and made everybody else feel the same way. I will always remember him for the example and impact he had on so many people. He was truly a wonderful person."

 

Maroun Daou, operators director, GHIA Holding in Beirut, Lebanon:

"I would say, I am one of those persons who was affected by this person leadership traits. In the way he built this great career, and he was one of the main influences on me to be in this business and to work hard to build in my small country such successful brands in the Lebanese food industry, and be a major player in the whole world, which is my biggest challenge for the future. There is one big truth: that we as humans should approve on, that every life has an end, and only few can last for eternity, only by memory.

"We can say that Mr. Brinker will last for eternity in our memory. We can say he did it; the real question: How can we?"

 

Barbara (Klima) Nouvel, former personal assistant to Norman Brinker:

"For nearly 20 years he was my boss, my confident, my mentor and my friend. We went through divorces, successes and disappointments together. I chauffeured Katherine (his mother), helped Cindy and Brenda [daughters] with homework, and even helped decide what furnishings to buy for his early homes. Because of his confidence, wisdom and support I am a better person today.

"Gosh I learned a lot from that man. Once, when I was just newly into the position of his administrative assistant, I forgot to tell him that a meeting he was to attend in the morning had been cancelled. The next morning he called me from downtown Dallas inquiring as to where the meeting was supposed to be. Horrified, I confessed my mistake at not notifying him. Later that morning I humbly walked into his office to apologize. His response: 'Gee Barbara, I'm glad to know that you're not perfect.' He had my undying admiration and respect from that day forward. 

"Norman was an outstanding example of the true entrepreneur. His idea was to come up with the plan, hire the best people to implement it, give them ample compensation and then let them alone to do their job. He was a strong believer in the idea that if people who did the work had a stake in the success of it, they would work that much harder.

"Norman was not a pretentious person. He came from humble beginnings and talked freely about them. When I first started working for him he drove a pickup truck to work. One day he asked me what my favorite color was and I said, 'Oh I don't know … maybe orange.' The next day he showed up in an orange Volvo. After a week of 'what were you thinkings?' he took it back and I think he got a BMW. But it was only after we assured him that the employees would not resent the president of the company driving to work in a nice car. Instead, we said, it might instill in the employees a sense of confidence that the company was sound financially. 

"Norman always wanted to stay in touch with his people. He would walk down the halls greeting people by name and asking after their health or congratulating them on their newest child. As the company grew, this became more and more difficult so he asked that I be sure to keep him informed of the important events within his Steak & Ale Family."

 

Kerry A. Kramp, president and chief executive of Sizzler USA Inc. in Culver City, Calif.:

"I was very taken by the news today of Norman's passing. I instantly thought of all of the people in my life that were touched because of this one incredible man who just plain cared about people. The incredible thing about Norman was that whenever you shook his hand to say hello, for that instant you were the only person who mattered to Norman and his face lit up like he had been waiting his whole life to meet you. You cannot be any more touched in life than to feel the way that makes you feel. I thought of all of the people in my life who are in my life (my wife, Pam, who I worked with at Steak & Ale in Toledo, Ohio) because of this wonderful man and he not only touched us all with his business savvy and wisdom, but with the biggest heart that could ever be shared.

"The happiest thought of all for all of us should be that today, god was at the pearly gates to shake Norman's hand and to thank him for his great service on Earth. And now Norman can get things organized in heaven and look down on the legacy that he left with all of us and our opportunity to honor him with our actions."

 

Richard Melman, chairman and founder of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises in Chicago:

"He had an amazing effect on the industry. You just have to look at the people who worked under Norman. The test of the leader is how successful his people are. It goes without saying that how successful were the people influenced by Norman.

"I loved Norman. He was one of the most special people that I have ever been around. Every once in a while, he would write me a letter. I would read them 10 times. They were so uplifting and so motivating. He was such a motivating individual that you wanted to do well for him. I loved his letters. I learned a lot from his positivism. He will always be one of my favorite people.

"Norman was never heavy-handed. He was always honest and told you what he thought. I liked his honesty. He would give you gentle guidance."

 

Joseph L. Jackson, vice president of OSI Restaurant Partners LLC of Tampa, Fla.:

"It was just another night at closing for me as general manager at my Steak & Ale in Houston, Texas. 

"Habitually I stand at the front door to say goodnight to all my patrons and to make sure we assure guests who arrive moments before closing, that we will serve them the same way as if they had dined with us hours earlier.

"This night, in 1979, a very distinguished man came in almost 10 minutes after closing while I was at the front door.  He shook my hand, looked briefly around, and asked if he and a friend could still have dinner. Without hesitation I invited him in. 

"This gentleman informed me that two other Steak & Ales closed before the stated time, and he wanted to use my phone in the office. Then he told me he was Norman Brinker.  I asked for an ID, and as he got his wallet out, he stated, 'You and I have never met before,' and then he apologized for interrupting my restaurant duties.  He proceeded to call the area manager about the early closings. 

"As he departed, shaking hands, he told me that he would never forget me for being so gracious and being at the front door to check on our patrons in person. 'That behavior is one I will always remember,' Norman said as he left into the night.

"It seems like yesterday (in 2003) Norman Brinker spoke before our Outback conference and asked a question, 'Who in the audience has worked with me before by a show of hands?' I have worked with two other Brinker-influenced companies: Jack in Box and Bennigan’s Tavern. At least two-thirds others raised their hands too.

"After the speech, Paul Avery, COO, invited me and several others to have lunch with Norman Brinker.  Norman said he remembered me from somewhere.  He thought and within seconds recalled that night in Houston -- and my entire name.

"At The Hilton College at University of Houston, I saw my hero once again as he was being inducted in their Hall of Honor.  Norman still had that famous gleam in his eye as he called me by my name again.

"I will always remember Norman Brinker because he made me feel that our work in the restaurant industry is honorable, important, and compassionate with purpose.  And being a person of color, Norman's handshake, then and especially today, continues to make me feel, even decades later – welcomed and accepted as family."

 

Tom Larranaga, publisher of Nation's Restaurant News:

"Norman Brinker's success as an entrepreneur and executive, extraordinary in itself, is made more strikingly impressive when you look at the man. Norman was a teacher who inspired everyone he touched, and he did it with strong personal values and principles. That is a beautiful thing in business, and our industry will be forever enriched because of Norman Brinker."

 

Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

"Today the restaurant industry mourns the loss of a true industry icon. Norman Brinker was not only a successful restaurateur and businessman, he was a mentor that so many industry leaders have looked to throughout their careers for guidance and leadership.

"His first job was as a busboy, and he rose to become one of the most well-known restaurant CEOs in the industry's history. Norman truly embodied the entrepreneurial spirit, and his innovations in casual dining in many ways changed the way America eats out today.

"Norman received many honors and recognition in his life. Among them, he was the recipient of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation prestigious College of Diplomates Award in 1989 and was named the Ambassador of Hospitality in 1999. 

"The National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation extends deepest condolences to the Brinker family." 

 

Kacy Oden, director of membership relations at People Report in Dallas:

"My first manager position in the restaurant industry was with Chili's. After working there as a server-bartender, graduating with a hotel and restaurant management degree, I put all my eggs in one basket so to speak and ONLY interviewed with Chili's. 

"I started at Chili's in Addison [Texas] in 1992. Norman lived very near that restaurant and was always in there, which might have scared some people but I absolutely loved it and looked forward to it. Reason being: I don't care what position you held with the company, dishwasher or CEO, Norman took the time to say hello, call you by name if he knew you personally, and coach, coach, coach. 

"Guest service was one of his many passions.  I have many memories but one of my favorites was I was running a shift one day, Norman came in, walked the restaurant with me and then asked me to sit down with him at one of the tables in the dining room.  And then he proceeded to ask me a million questions!  Can you hear the music?  Is it too cold or hot in here? How long did it take for us to get greeted by a server? How clean is the table, menu, seats?  I think you get the idea. 

"But it was what he said that stuck with me: 'We can never forget we are here to make sure the guest has a wonderful experience.'  It was just as simple as that.  

"I have been in tears all day. We have lost one of the good ones: He truly changed the industry and will definitely be missed even though in my heart I know he is in a much better place."

 

Lane Cardwell, president and chief executive of Boston Market in Golden, Colo.:

"A sad day for the industry. So many memories of Norman, but they all revolve around his constantly trying to find ways to teach his team to be better leaders.  Stephen Covey [author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People] was a fixture in our offices.  Norman was the consummate storyteller.  He passed on his lessons through stories about events in the restaurants when he was managing or visiting the stores.  He had a story for every lesson and it made it easier to visualize and remember. 

"He treated everyone the same – mailroom to president: everyone's opinion mattered and counted no more than anyone else's.  He loved the industry and the customers could tell.

"He will be missed, and I doubt there will be another one like him."

 

Leslie Christon, vice president for foodservice at Flying J Inc. in Ogden, Utah:

"He was a great example of inspirational leadership to all who had the honor to work with him.  His finest gift was to teach people to believe in themselves, and I am thankful for everything I learned from him about this great industry. What a full and accomplished life he lived; may we all aspire to achieve the same."

 

Alice Elliot, chief executive of The Elliot Group in Tarrytown, N.Y.:

"Norman was one of three recipients of our Elliot award that we give out during our own leadership event. The other two were the late Dave Thomas [founder of Wendy's] and Clarence Otis [chief executive of Darden Restaurants]," she said. He received the Elliot in 2005.

"There is no question that Norman, both as an individual and as a business leader, was clearly in a league of his own.

"This is a man who not only touched so many lives in a very inspirational and motivational and practical way – and always with dignity – but his values transferred into everything he did and every aspect of his business life as well. There was no division of who Norman was in any setting. He was very consistent in the life that he chose to lead.

"There are so many things about Norman that made Norman Norman. They made him an icon and a legend. Everything that I experienced, he was always exceptionally consistent with his values and his life outlook and how he chose to touch people in and out of his professional life.

"There were many times that Norman would call for no other reason than to just get caught up and say 'Hi.'

"He got as much joy seeing other people as he got out of his own success. He was always reaching out to talk with me, synthesizing issues, to see how I was doing. He seemed to relish the fact that I was on my path.

"It was one of the highlights of my life to be able to call him a friend."

 

Jim Doherty, a former publisher of Nation's Restaurant News:

"When you think of Norm Brinker, the dimensions of a many-faceted man almost confuse who Norm was at his core: certainly an industry icon, a good citizen to the industry and the community, a successful executive and much, much more.

"The many honors, awards and recognitions he received attest to the above.

"There were three things that struck me about Norm that made him singularly unique: the first was his energy, focus and drive to be a success through a total dedication of best practices and attention to detail throughout every level of execution to the customer.

"His dedication to and mentoring of management and young people was outstanding. At one time, I counted 15 chief executive officers of restaurant chains that were Brinker-trained. You cannot go anywhere on a foodservice campus and not find a Brinker manager. This is a wonderful legacy in its own right. 

"What I admired and enjoyed most about Norm was his curiosity and interest in every facet of the restaurant business. He was 'Norm of a Thousand Questions.'

"I never met with or had dinner or a phone call with Norm that I was not drilled in depth on some facet of this industry or restaurant operations. When you were with Norm you sat up, paid attention and became very alert.

"He always challenged your thinking and the facts. His bandwidth of thinking was awesome. 

"Those of us who personally knew Norm will miss him but will retain a mountain of memories and learning experiences.

"The foodservice industry is a better industry because of Norman Brinker's many contributions to excellence. The Brinker people who had the rare opportunity to work and learn from Norm have much to be thankful for.

"Yes, Norm will be missed greatly but his impact and the fact that he was a change agent for the industry lives on."

 

Chris Lowe, president of Coca-Cola Foodservice Division:

"Norm Brinker's lasting legacy is the mentoring of so many of today's great restaurant industry leaders who are already passing on what they learned from Norm to the next generation of leaders. Norm Brinker will live forever through each one of them. We are all more enriched for having known him."

 

Wallace B. Doolin, chairman and founder of BlackBoxIntelligence in Dallas:

"Norman Brinker has had a profound affect on my life. I had the good fortune to work with him early in my career. I have found myself in every leadership job I've had, using the leadership lessons I learned from Norman.

"Norman had passion for people and their success above all. It was my first exposure to the practice of investing in hiring great people, give them the development they deserve and the freedom to do their job. He was fully confident that great things would happen for the guest and shareholders utilizing this formula. And his track record of success validates the principles.

"Additionally, anyone that ever worked for Norman or in his organizations, at all levels, knew he held you to high standards, but did not micro-manage or demean people in any way. He celebrated the success of his staff and employees in a way that always made you want to do more to improve the business results.

"Norman was a fierce and passionate competitor and built the original Steak & Ale organization on a leadership style that mirrored his style. But, when Norman realized that at some point the competition was becoming cutthroat internally and a potential roadblock to performance, he introduced us to Stephen Covey [author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"] before anyone knew who he was. In one meeting he changed our paradigm to work cooperatively and competitively in the spirit of win-win. That meeting literally changed my life in how I deal with friends, family and business associates.

"Those of us who knew [Brinker] had an opportunity to receive a doctorate from the master, in how to run a business, contribute to your community and treat everyone with respect and genuine caring interest.

"Norman the man may have passed from this world but his legacy of leadership lives on in the hearts and minds of anyone that had the privilege to know him and work with him."

 

Joni Thomas Doolin, chief executive and founder of the People Report in Dallas:

"My first chance to meet Norman Brinker personally was when I was a management recruiter for Steak & Ale. He would talk to everyone who would come to Dallas for training or meetings. 

"I remember being terrified. He had a huge office – at least it seemed huge.  He had stacks and stacks of books and magazines, and he told me that someone would read a lot of them for him so he wouldn't miss anything. I was so nervous, but it didn't last, because Norman had the gift of making anyone and everyone feel as though they were important and that they mattered.

"He asked my about my goals. I still remember that I told him I wanted to run a company, which was fairly audacious, and he didn't laugh. He told me that I would have to work really hard, harder than the next person, that I should always keep learning, that I should follow my dreams and not lose them along the way. 

"Years later I was giving an industry presentation to a pretty big audience, and I realized shortly after I started speaking that Norman was in one of the front rows. And when I finished I looked at him, and he grinned and gave me a huge thumbs up. We spoke afterward, and he told me that he was proud of me and what I had accomplished. It's a memory I will treasure forever. 

"He will be missed by so many for so many reasons, but I will always treasure his humanity, his spirit, his kindness and the imprint of true hospitality that he left on our industry.  I suspect that anyone who was lucky enough to have been even on the periphery of his orbit, will still always try not to let him down."

 

Chris Kauffman of www.RestaurantAllStars.com of Atlanta: 

"As a member of the management team for the very first Bennigan's, which opened in Atlanta in April of 1976, I was forever inspired by the leadership and commitment to quality that Norman Brinker preached to Eric Gonglach and Fred Delawalla, the former Steak & Ale operations directors Norman selected to develop the original Bennigan's concept. Norman's insistence on quality people, quality staff and a quality dining experience for our guests made for a lifetime of positive influence for thousands of Bennigan's employees in the ensuing 33-year run of that concept.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Norman's natural family and his legendary extended family which has Brinker alumni in every aspect of the foodservice industry."

 

Steve Moody, merchandising manager for Food Lion LLC in Charlotte, N.C.:

Moody remembered working for Grady's in Addison, Texas, which Brinker International once owned. Moody said no detail was beneath Brinker. On a busy, windy Saturday afternoon, Moody recalled, Brinker made one of his many visits to the store. Trash had blown into the parking lot, and Brinker came into the unit with his arms brimming with trash. He told Moody: "I see how busy you are, and it's so windy this stuff all blew into your parking lot." Moody added: "He didn't need to say anything more than that."

 

Scott Nietschmann, owner of SNL Restaurant Ventures of Austin, Texas, a Fish City Grill operator:

"Norman touched so many people with his outlook on life. You would have never known if it was good times or tough times. They were all the same to him. He loved a challenge and couldn't wait for the next one. I spent 26 years with Norman and the companies that he always made great with his leadership. He will be missed, but we are all better for being able to share this time with Norman."

 

David Bloom of the Capital Idea Group in Sarasota, Fla.: 

"I worked for Norman Brinker and the Bennigan's division of S&A Corp. upon graduating from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 1983. Norman would often stop by the restaurant I was training in. He was always gracious and fun, a great inspiration and very approachable. He certainly inspired many of us to go on and build careers beyond our time with him. Years later I had the opportunity to thank him for the opportunity he provided to me very early in life. He was just as gracious a gentleman as anyone could ever hope to be. People like Norman Brinker are very rare indeed in this world. He inspired many more of us then he could ever have known. I will forever be thankful for having had the blessing of working for such a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

 

If you would like to share favorite memories of Norman Brinker, send them along with your contact information to Ron Ruggless at [email protected].

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