Sponsored By

Le Duff America names Jeff Drake president of three brandsLe Duff America names Jeff Drake president of three brands

Drake will lead the Brioche Dorée North America, Au Pain Doré and Michel's Bakery Café concepts

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 4, 2012

1 Min Read
Nation's Restaurant News logo in a gray background | Nation's Restaurant News

Ron Ruggless

Le Duff America Inc. has named Jeff Drake president of its Brioche Dorée North America, Au Pain Doré and Michel's Bakery Café concepts.

In this newly developed position, Drake, formerly president and chief operating officer of the Chicago-based Go Roma fast-casual Italian chain, will lead development for the three brands, which operate 60 cafés in the United States and Canada, the Dallas-based company said.

Le Duff America, a subsidiary of Rennes, France-based Groupe Le Duff, also owns the Bruegger’s Bagels, Ristorante del Arte and Timothy’s World Coffee brands.

Jim Vinz, co-chief executive of Le Duff America, said in a statement: “Drake’s extensive background in food and beverage management, talent development and operations is a great asset to Le Duff America.”

RELATED
La Madeleine adds new breakfast items, WiFi
Le Duff America names Jim Vinz co-CEO
More restaurant industry executive changes

Drake was a founding partner of Go Roma, which was named a 2007 Nation’s Restaurant News Hot Concept. Prior to Go Roma, Drake served as chief operating officer of Boudin Sourdough Bakery Café in San Francisco.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated with additional information about the position and company.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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

 

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.