Sponsored By
Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 25, 2018

1 Min Read
Kelli Valdade Power List 2018
Chili’s

power_list_bug_200x200_33.jpgThe annual NRN Power List is the definitive list of people setting foodservice trends today and shaping them for tomorrow. See the full list >>

The Smooth Operator

Kelli Valade joined Chili’s parent company, Dallas-based Brinker International Inc., in 1996, leading human resources and operations at many brand and capacities. Brinker named her Chili’s president in 2016 after she had served as the brand’s chief operating officer. In addition to her leadership role at Chili’s, she has served on the founders’ board of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance and on the board of the National Restaurant Association.

Known for: Valade’s tenure in operations and staffing give her insights into the challenges faced by casual dining, which has been losing traffic and sales to other segments. Among the struggles are speed of service and complexity of operations. Her leadership at the 1,630-unit Chili’s brand makes that brand one to watch.

Power move: Valade, working with Chili’s marketing team, helped pioneer a growing trend for casual-dining brands to simplify their menus and operations by reducing the number of food offerings. Chili’s in early September slashed its menu by 40 percent to focus on the core areas of burgers, ribs and fajitas. Executives cited increased speed of service as one reason for the menu reduction.

What’s next: As the casual-dining segment continues to face challenges, such as the growing Millennial market’s move to segments like fast-casual, competitors will be eyeing Valade and Chili’s moves closely.

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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