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The Power List

The annual NRN Power List is the definitive list of industry leaders who are not only setting trends today, but also shaping them for tomorrow.

The Power List 2019: Beth ScottThe Power List 2019: Beth Scott

Localizing a national brand

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

January 24, 2019

1 Min Read
The Power List 2019: The 50 most influential people in foodservice
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

The annual NRN Power List is the definitive list of people setting foodservice trends today and shaping them for tomorrow. See the full list >>

Beth Scott, president, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Bloomin’ Brands appointed Beth Scott as president of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in August 2017. Previously, she led the food and beverage experience planning and integration team at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

Since coming on board, Scott has helped to elevate and localize the Fleming’s brand. New restaurants opened under her leadership were designed to feel like a neighborhood spot instead of a chain, through localized design elements like a mezzanine in the Miami restaurant that can house a DJ and a dance party, and more natural lighting in the Pasadena, Calif., location.

She strongly believes that there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” model for any of the Fleming’s restaurants, and she has worked closely with local chef partners to implement seasonal dishes that reflect that region into the menu.

In addition to making each of the new Fleming’s restaurant designs feel uniquely local, Scott has also worked on elevating the chain’s wine offerings through the addition of new and rare curated selections, and by expanding wine education opportunities for team members. Scott also spearheaded new special events like wine pairing dinners where the team’s wine experts can mingle with guests.

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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