Foodservice Monthly
(FSM) enters 2010 having completed its eighth year of service to the
foodservice community. We are ready to embark with boundless enthusiasm on a
continuing reporting and editorial journey with volume nine this month. Since
2007, FSM has renewed its commitment to excellence in reporting about the
foodservice industry of the Mid-Atlantic by honoring the leaders who make a
difference in our hospitality world.
In 2007, Marcia Harris was honored as our first Foodservice
Leader of the Year. In establishing the criteria, Foodservice Monthly wanted to
make sure the award went to a person (or persons) who are actively engaged in
the industry … this is not a lifetime achievement award although these
fast-track leaders have great accomplishments that create long lists when
measuring success.
The use of the word leader came about from a 1980’s ad the
United Technology Corporation (UTC) ran using succinct messages of corporate and
personal keys to success. One in particular moved me and I framed it and used
it as a constant reminder as I managed food and beverage departments in my
hotel operations days. The full-page ad headline declared, “Let’s Get Rid of
Management.” It began, “People don’t want to be managed. They want to be led.
Whoever heard of a world manager? World leader, yes.” Down the page the point
was reiterated, “They lead, They don’t manage.”
Then it hit home hard with, “You can lead your horse to water, but you can’t manage it to drink.” The home run came with, “If you want to
manage somebody, manage yourself.” As the idea of the annual recognition of a
Foodservice Leader of the Year became clear, I could only think of the message
so boldly revealed in the motivational message.
In 2008, Tom Meyer, executive vice president of Clyde’s Restaurant Group, received the award. A leader and innovator, Tom Meyer continues on the same progressive that he has since he joined Clyde's in 1983. Tom Meyer has made a career out of fine-tuning the great American saloon. Last year the 2009 honor went to a trio of individuals David Wizenberg, Gus DiMillo and Jeff Tunks who have made the restaurants of Passion Food Hospitality a model for hospitality success and expansion.
Today, as we work through the ravages of a recession that has behaved more like a depression … tough times call for extraordinary leaders. Lynne Breaux, president of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is that person, that very special leader.You can see the complete article here with fotos: Download FSM Lynne Breaux 0110
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