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Former Quaker Steak CEO to lead Penn. restaurant associationFormer Quaker Steak CEO to lead Penn. restaurant association

John Longstreet is next president, CEO of Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

April 3, 2014

1 Min Read
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John Longstreet, former chief executive of Quaker Steak & Lube, has been named president and chief executive of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, effective April 21.

Longstreet has held positions in both hospitality and public service, the Harrisburg, Pa.-based group said. In addition to leading casual-dining chain Quaker Steak, Longstreet served two terms on the City Council of Plano, Texas, as mayor.

Longstreet stepped down in January as chief executive of Sharon, Pa.-based Quaker Steak, which has more than 60 locations. Prior to Quaker Steak, Longstreet served as executive vice president of Dallas-based ClubCorp USA, which operates more than 160 golf and business clubs. He also worked with Bristol Hotels & Resorts and Intercontinental Hotels Group.

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“John’s proven leadership ability in both the restaurant and lodging industries, coupled with his service in elected public office, gives him the ideal background to lead an association like PRLA,” said Rick Sell, chairman of the PRLA’s board.

“The priority he has placed on customer service and building high performing teams throughout his career was also critical in our decision to bring him on board,” Sell said in a statement.

Longstreet added: “It is more important than ever that we provide a strong voice for the industry, as well as outstanding constituent service.”

PRLA, founded in 1937, represents more than 7,500 restaurant and lodging locations in Pennsylvania.

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

 

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