WASHINGTON Olive Garden president David Pickens received the Operator of the Year award during the gala banquet that capped the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference at the Gaylord National Hotel & Resort near the nation’s capital last month. —
Nation’s Restaurant News publisher Tom Larranaga presented the honor to Pickens, who was chosen by NRN readers from among the six chain leaders who were selected by NRN’s editors as this year’s recipients of the Golden Chain awards. —
In addition to Pickens, those honorees were Jerry Deitchle, chairman and chief executive of BJ’s Restaurants Inc.; James A. Flynn, chief executive of Wingstop Restaurants Inc.; Kenneth L. Pendery Jr., president and chief executive of First Watch Restaurants; Andrew Puzder, president and chief executive of CKE Restaurants Inc.; and Joseph V. Tortorice Jr., founder and president of Jason’s Deli. —
In accepting the award, Pickens singled out the teams he leads in operating 635 Olive Garden casual Italian restaurants. The chain, a holding of Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc., has generated 55 consecutive quarters of same-store sales increases and has annual sales topping $3.1 billion. —
During the banquet, which was sponsored by American Express, Taco Bell founder Glen Bell was presented with NRN’s 2008 Pioneer Award, a recognition previously bestowed on such industry visionaries as Harland Sanders, Ray Kroc, Dave Thomas and Carl Karcher. —
Bell, 85, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, which limits his mobility and speech, waved from his wheel-chair as he received a standing ovation in recognition of his pioneering role in creating the Mexican fast-food industry. —
Taco Bell president Greg Creed, who spoke on Bell’s behalf, acknowledged the award and the many news articles, television shows and biographies written and produced about Bell. —
“The common theme [among them] is Glen’s innovative spirit, his deep love of God, country, family and community,” Creed said. “He’s an exceptional example of leadership for our brand. We love you so very much. We promise to build your legacy and make you proud in every decision and everything we do.” —
Additionally, Fedele Bauccio of Bon Appétit Management Co. received the 2008 Innovator of the Year award. —
