The Nation’s Restaurant News annual Golden Chain Awards celebrate the best in the restaurant business — those that are running industry-leading operations, mentoring top teams and creating opportunities for others.
The 2016 winners will be celebrated during NRN’s annual MUFSO conference, Oct. 23-25, in Dallas.
In a series of exclusive interviews, Nation’s Restaurant News held top-to-top exchanges on leadership, business growth and what’s ahead for the restaurant industry.
Meet the 2016 winners and listen to the interviews below.
Paul Brown, CEO of Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc.
Brown was interviewed by 2011 Golden Chain Award winner Steve Romaniello, chairman of Focus Brands Inc. and managing director of Roark Capital Group.
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Greg Flynn, founder, chairman and CEO of Flynn Restaurant Group LP
Flynn was interviewed by 2015 Golden Chain Award winner and Operator of the Year Julia Stewart, chairman and CEO of DineEquity Inc.
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Gene Lee, CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc.
Lee was interviewed by 2015 Golden Chain Award winner John Miller, president and CEO of Denny’s Corp.
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Kevin Miles, president and CEO of Zoe’s Kitchen Inc.
Miles was interviewed by 2015 Golden Chain Award winner Charlie Morrison, CEO of Wingstop Inc.
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Guillermo Perales, president and CEO of Sun Holdings Inc.
Perales was interviewed by 2012 Golden Chain Award winner and 2015 Norman Award winner Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc.
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Illustrations by David Bleek