FPO

About

WHAT WE DO

The Restaurant Law Center is the only independent public policy organization created specifically to represent the interests of the food service industry in the courts. This labor-intensive industry is comprised of over one million restaurants and other food-service outlets employing about 16 million people—approximately 10 percent of the U.S. workforce. Restaurants and other food-service providers are the second largest private sector employers in the United States. In addition, the Law Center represents the interests of its state restaurant association affiliates, many of which have both food service establishments and hotels as members as well as other hospitality interests. Through amicus participation and first party litigation, the Law Center serves as the industry’s voice in the judicial system.

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 significant legal and regulatory issues to ensure that the views of America’s restaurants are taken into consideration.

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

Kelly Lefferts

Officer

Chair | EVP, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, Bloomin' Brands

Daniel Fuller

Officer

Treasurer | SVP, General Counsel and Secretary, Brinker International

Michael Feinman

Officer

Secretary I General Counsel & CFO, Cohn Restaurant Group

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

Jill M. Granat

General Counsel, Restaurant Brands International

Sarah Mussetter

EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Red Robin International

Elizabeth Pitre

General Counsel, P.F. Changs China Bistro

Roger Theodoredis

EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Chipotle Mexican Grill

Vacant

Red Lobster Seafood Company

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.

  • Epstein Becker Green
  • Fisher Phillips
  • Greenberg Traurig
  • JacksonLewis
  • Jenner & Block
  • Littler
  • Sheppard Mullin
  • Skadden
  • Steptoe & Johnson