Matthew A. Fox is a seasoned veteran in the hospitality industry, whose career spans over 23 years. Armed with a degree in Political Science, Public Communications, and Pre-Law, Fox started at the bottom and worked his way through the ranks, with a fervent spirit and a commitment to excellence. His journey has been marked by the creation and operation of corporate, franchised, and independent restaurant concepts, where his innovative approach and hands-on leadership have earned him acclaim as a trailblazer in the field. Additionally, Fox expanded his entrepreneurial horizons into the fitness sector, owning a gym that aimed to foster community and promote wellness.

Throughout his career, Fox has served in various executive roles and on boards, leveraging his expertise to contribute to the growth and success of numerous organizations within the industry. Outside the realm of business, Fox finds his greatest fulfillment in his role as a devoted husband to Ellen and father of two, Evan and Madelyn. He cherishes the love and support of his family, which serves as a constant source of inspiration in both his personal and professional endeavors. With a blend of passion, resilience, and a commitment to family values, Matthew A. Fox continues to make strides in entrepreneurship while nurturing the bonds that matter most.

With a career in the food and beverage industry spanning almost 30 years, Michael has experience and expertise in operations, culinary and procurement/purchasing. Michael started his career in up-scale and fine dining kitchens and worked his way up to the Executive Chef role. Michael worked in various sectors of the industry including hotels, independent restaurants and contract food service (College/Universities/Hospitals) before settling in with national brand restaurants, with a focus for many years on emerging brands. Michael has held the titles of Corporate Chef, Vice President of Culinary and Purchasing, Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer. With a hands-on approach and a focus on team building, Michael has been part of several successful and growing brands within the casual dining, upscale breakfast and brunch and bar focused brands.

Michael’s outside interest and passion for sports has led him to becoming a full time sports official where he referees and umpires high school and college basketball and softball.

AJ Baird brings 25 years of dedicated service in the restaurant industry, with a focus on quick casual dining. As an adept strategist, AJ is renowned for optimizing operational efficiency, ensuring consistent quality across multiple locations, and driving exponential growth in the quick casual space.

AJ fosters a culture of empowerment and teamwork, leveraging his extensive experience to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the dynamic restaurant landscape. Beyond his professional endeavors, AJ actively contributes to industry associations and community initiatives, embodying his commitment to excellence both within and beyond the boardroom.

With over a 40 years career in the restaurant industry, Jan has demonstrated her ability to innovate and lead. Jan has served as CMO for national brands in the full-service segment with a focus in the breakfast and brunch category.

Jan has been instrumental in driving brand growth, guest satisfaction and profitability through dynamic marketing strategies and execution. Jan, along with her husband, are avid classic car collectors with over 20 vintage muscle cars.

Michael Fandel is an accomplished marketing professional with nearly 30 years of experience in franchise marketing. With a keen understanding of market trends, digital strategy, and creative promotions, Michael has successfully led campaigns that boost brand visibility, increase foot traffic, and maximize customer lifetime value and loyalty. As an agency owner, he is known for his innovative and consultative approach. He has helped several emerging brands grow and succeed through developing strong consumer marketing and franchise development marketing programs. His deep understanding of marketing and technology helps brands navigate the ever-changing landscape and makes marketing and tech work together effectively.