Danny Meyer
remains Executive Chairman; Chip
Wade, current President and COO of USHG, becomes CEO
effective September 6, 2022
NEW
YORK, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Square
Hospitality Group (USHG) today announced that, effective
September 6, 2022, Chip Wade, current President & COO of USHG,
will become Chief Executive Officer, and will join the USHG Board
of Directors. Danny Meyer, Founder
and current Chief Executive Officer, will continue as Executive
Chairman of USHG.
Chip Wade joined USHG as
President and COO in May of 2019. Since then, Chip and Danny have
established and begun implementing a long-term growth plan for the
company, including the assembly of an industry-leading senior
leadership team. Following business closures and a 90% reduction in
staff in 2020, Chip and Danny worked together to reopen and rebuild
USHG's restaurants. Stronger than ever, the company is now
surpassing pre-pandemic performance levels, paving the way for
future growth. Last year, USHG launched their newest restaurant, Ci
Siamo, to critical acclaim and financial success, while
simultaneously doubling the footprint of the emerging Daily
Provisions brand. In the past year, Chip has also led Union Square
Events and its expansion and relocation to Brooklyn's Industry City, as well as the
growth of Hospitality Quotient, the company's leadership, learning
and development consultancy.
"Starting this company 37 years ago – with aspirations to open
just one successful restaurant – and seeing the outstanding and
inspirational role our colleagues have come to play in our industry
- has been the personal and professional joy of a lifetime," says
USHG Founder Danny Meyer. "When Chip
joined us three years ago, our hope was that he'd one day be
prepared to succeed me as USHG's leader, and that day has
unquestionably arrived. He is an exemplary operational leader,
wholly dedicated to our team members and committed to their
professional and personal growth. We've partnered together and
navigated the business through an incredibly challenging period
emerging healthier than ever. This is the ideal time for me to hand
Chip the baton."
Wade, 59, joined the USHG Executive team following a rich
30-year career in operational leadership in the hospitality
industry. Most recently, Chip spent 17 years in leadership with Red
Lobster and Darden Restaurants, where he oversaw all operations and
development, drove best-in-industry people metrics, and enhanced
financial performance for several of Darden's high-growth
brands.
He also served as Chief Operating Officer for Legal Sea Foods in
Boston, Massachusetts, in which
capacity he led all operations for the family-owned group's 31
restaurants and oversaw the launch of the Legal Test Kitchen
concept. Earlier in his career, Chip worked in development and
human resources for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.
A Pennsylvania native, Chip
earned his culinary degree from Johnson &
Wales University, his B.S. from Widener
University, and his M.B.A. from The University of Texas at Dallas. Chip also serves on
the boards of Cracker Barrel Restaurants, Johnson & Wales University, Share Our Strength
and Youth Villages.
"I am honored and humbled by today's announcement," says Wade.
"Working with Danny over the past three years has been a career
highlight, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together.
Day in and day out, I have the unique privilege of witnessing the
power of hospitality and the success of an employee-first model,
evident across all USHG businesses. As CEO, I'm looking forward to
accelerating our growth through cultural, operational and financial
performance, in addition to driving new business priorities."
In his role as Executive Chairman, Danny will continue to
collaborate with the USHG leadership team on the creation of new
restaurant concepts, consult on innovation and expansion
strategies, and remain an active advisor and mentor to the USHG
culinary, beverage and restaurant management leadership teams.
Danny will continue as Managing Partner of Enlightened Hospitality
Investments and Board Chairman of USHGAC (NYSE: HUGS). He also
serves as Board Chairman of Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK).
About USHG
Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of
New York's most beloved
restaurants, cafes, and bars, which offer outstanding food
delivered with its signature warmth and hospitality. Founded by
Danny Meyer with the opening of
Union Square Cafe in 1985, and later, other restaurants including
Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and Daily Provisions, the company
extends its innovative approach to hospitality beyond the walls of
its eateries. USHG offers operational and hospitality consulting
via Hospitality Quotient, runs a multifaceted catering and events
business, Union Square Events, and created two growth funds,
Enlightened Hospitality Investments I and II. USHG also created
Shake Shack, now a separate public company (NYSE: SHAK). USHG has
long supported its communities through hunger relief and civic
organizations. USHG holds an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards
and has earned numerous accolades for its distinctive style of
hospitality.
Media Contact - Press@ushg.com
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SOURCE Union Square Hospitality Group