About our founder: Ken Hoffman is a restaurant and hospitality expert with over 30 years of experience leading four of the world’s favorite chains. Ken Hoffman and his expert advice are featured in many publications,blogs, textbooks and videos. One textbook, “” features Hoffman’s leadership strategies, cost saving techniques and profit promoting plans, and is used in most master degree programs around the world.
Hoffman was also selected by The Disney Institute as one of three national executives whose leadership abilities were showcased in the training video, “Follow the Leader.” The video follows Ken Hoffman, the CEO of Lockheed Martin and a real estate business owner and is also utilized in college curriculum. Ken Hoffman has great ability to facilitate leadership and training classes and is a certified facilitator in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Though now an established entrepreneur and consultant, Ken Hoffman entered the restaurant and hospitality industry washing dishes in one of Philadelphia’s top catering establishments at the startling age of 12. He was promoted to chef at the age of 16 and catered to thousands of wedding and reception guests. His first guests included corporate audiences, politicians and even the Philadelphia Eagles. Exciting nonetheless, Hoffman traded his cookware and became one of the youngest general managers for Bennigan’s. His establishment was one of the few in the nation with a night club and dance floor, and was frequented by many professional athletes in South Jersey.
Ken Hoffman then in his early 20's created, developed and operated two restaurants. The first Cafe Le Potpourri was located in the Society Hill Section of Philadelphia. The building was a registered historic site and was home to Thomas Jefferson while he was in Philadelphia writing the Declaration of Independence. The building was connected by an alley and courtyard that joined his friends James & Dolly Madison. The courtyard was used for dinners enjoying the great food and view of historic Philadelphia. The second restaurant was The American Cafe, serving good old fashion American food.
Then Ken joined TGI Fridays in the late 1980's. His qualifications and expertise proved invaluable to the growth and success of this now iconic brand and company.
A die-hard music fan, Ken’s next project was near and dear to his heart. Impassioned by his involvement with some of the largest theme chains in the industry, he joined Hard Rock Cafe International. In his first years at Hard Rock, Hoffman was general manager for the
In nearly a decade with Hard Rock, Ken Hoffman became Senior Director of Operations of all establishments in North, Central and
Not one for resting on his laurels,Ken Hoffman joined Sbarro’s as Vice President of Operations where he again saw a challenge to help a tired brand reverse its downward spiral. He was responsible for the quick service division and launched the full-service prototype restaurant, Carmella’s. In three years he opened units, created training standards, influenced menu development and marketing, improved leadership and saw sales increase 18 percent and profits 40 percent. Hoffman was rewarded for his hard work when Sbarro’s sold to the private
Ken Hoffman has industry experience and training in lodging and food service. He has managed, operated and consulted on hundreds of hotels, resorts, inns, gaming, casinos, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and related travel and leisure nationally and internationally.
After leaving Sbarro's Ken Hoffman went back to his young roots and developed, created and operated two new concepts in his home state of Florida
Other restaurateurs began seeking Ken Hoffman’s expertise on how to employ the strategies that worked so well for
Recognized internationally for his ability to articulate exact game plans and roadmaps for operating a successful business, Ken speaks frequently around the world to packed crowds at trade shows, boardrooms, corporate meetings, conventions, universities, concepts and organizations. Hoffman enjoys working with clients of all backgrounds and is equally comfortable engaging with companies on the Fortune 500 list as well as concepts and organizations in their infancy stage.
Ken has earned his FMP credential through NRAEF. The Foodservice Management Professional designation is the highest awarded by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation in recognition of knowledge, experience, leadership and professionalism in the foodservice management industry.
Mr. Hoffman is certified by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, National Restaurant Association, and is a member of the, Foodservice Consultants Society International, Forensic Expert Witness Association and Turnaround Management Association.
khoffman@IRHCgroup.com
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