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National Restaurant Association’s research chief, Hudson Riehle, to retireNational Restaurant Association’s research chief, Hudson Riehle, to retire

The group’s head of research and knowledge will step down in April, the association says

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 24, 2025

1 Min Read
Hudson Riehle is to retire in April from the National Restaurant Association.Ron Ruggless

Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the National Restaurant Association’s research and knowledge group, will retire in April after more than 38 years with the group, the association said Friday.

The Washington, D.C.-based restaurant association said Riehle, “has provided the data and thought leadership that defined the restaurant and foodservice industry.“

"Hudson's unparalleled mastery of the economic analysis of the restaurant industry has been instrumental in guiding restaurant operators through the complexities of the business landscape,” Michelle Korsmo, the association’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “His insights and expertise have not only helped our industry navigate challenges but also seize opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Riehle led such projects as the annual State of the Restaurant Industry Report;,

survey research to help better define upcoming economic, consumer, market, human resources, tourism, and operational trends;, and the association's Restaurant Operations Data Abstract, which allows restaurateurs to compare their business' operational characteristics with those of a similar profile.

Riehle also was appointed by the Secretary of Labor to serve as a member of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Business Research Advisory Council and is a former chair of the board of the governors of the Alexandria (Va.) Convention and Visitors Association.

"It has been a distinct privilege to work with a group of extremely talented individuals over the past 38 years," Riehle said. "I have complete confidence that the association's research capabilities and staff will continue to grow and elevate the products and services the industry and our members need to evaluate their opportunities for success and expansion."

Chad Moutray will succeed Riehle as senior vice president of the research and knowledge group and chief economist of the association.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on X/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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