About

WHAT WE DO

The Restaurant Law Center is an independent public policy organization affiliated with the National Restaurant Association, the largest foodservice trade association in the world. The Association officially established the Law Center in 2016 to enhance the industry’s voice in the judicial system. Nationally, the industry comprises over one million restaurant and foodservice outlets employing over 14 million people – approximately ten percent of the American workforce. Restaurants and other foodservice providers are the nation’s second-largest private sector employers.

Through its initiatives, the Restaurant Law Center works to protect and advance the restaurant industry, and promote pro-business laws and regulations that allow restaurants to continue to grow, create jobs and contribute to a robust American economy. The Law Center offers courts and regulatory agencies with the industry’s perspective on legal and regulatory issues significantly impacting it.

Who We Are

The Restaurant Law Center gets involved with many cases brought to its attention by its Board of Directors, accepting only those cases that would best advance the policy interests of the entire industry. The Law Center Board meets regularly to discuss ongoing litigation and issues that are pertinent to our industry.

Board of Directors

Lisa V. Gressel

Officer

Chair | General Counsel, P.F. Changs China Bistro

Horace G. Dawson III

Officer

Secretary | EVP, General Counsel, Red Lobster Seafood Company

Daniel Fuller

Officer

Treasurer | SVP, General Counsel and Secretary, Brinker International

Chappell Phillips

Officer

Immediate Past Chair | EVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Golden Corral Corporation

Jay L. Stieber

Officer

Founding Chair | EVP, General Counsel, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Kerry T. Boyle

VP & General Counsel, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Scott Catlett

Chief Legal and Franchise Officer, Corporate Secretary, Yum! Brands

Michael Feinman

General Counsel & CFO, Cohn Restaurant Group

Jill M. Granat

General Counsel, Restaurant Brands International

Kelly Lefferts

EVP, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, Bloomin' Brands

Sarah Mussetter

EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Red Robin International

Roger Theodoredis

EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Chipotle Mexican Grill

Angelo I. Amador

Executive Director | SVP, Regulatory Counsel, National Restaurant Association

Law Firm Partners

Each year, the Restaurant Law Center partners with law firms that distinguish themselves as leading advocates for the restaurant industry who are committed to advancing the mission of the Law Center. Law Firm Partners receive primary consideration to work on cases and regulations as outside counsel to the Law Center.