Inside the Minds of Restaurant Leaders

Career Advice, Industry Insights, and the Value of Strategic Procurement Partnerships

Leaders int he restaurant industry wear many hats. They’re tasked with developing strategies to navigate consumer trends and preferences, thin margins through economic changes, and scaling operations effectively as brands expand. These roles are challenging, but they define the future of the restaurant industry.

Foodbuy Foodservice spoke with some of the inspiring restaurant industry leaders within our network of Members to ask them their best advice for succeeding in the restaurant industry. Here’s what they said.

Jerry Scott, President and CEO, Elmer’s Restaurants, Inc.

How long have you worked in the restaurant industry?

I have been in the restaurant business since I started as a busboy at a mom-and-pop Italian restaurant in St. Louis in 1969.  That should be about 57 years. 

What advice would you give to people who are new to the industry and want to eventually have a leadership role?

Show up on time.  Pay attention. Never think that you are the smartest person in the room (you aren’t). Learn something about someone else’s job every day.  Always show up on time. Do more than you are asked to do. Never do anything to embarrass your boss or your company. Recognize opportunity and take it. Be willing to relocate and travel. Smile. Be tough on standards and easy on people. Treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect, even if they can do nothing for you are to you. Assume good intentions. Expect excellence. To quote Ronald Reagan: Trust, but verify.

Restaurant life would be more difficult, less fun, and more expensive without Foodbuy Foodservice.

Jerry Scott

Why is the Foodbuy Foodservice partnership valuable to your company?

Foodbuy Foodservice has been a great partner with Elmer’s Restaurants for decades. Elmer’s buys many high-volume items on contract direct with vendors and delivered by Sysco. Foodbuy Foodservice does a remarkable job at sourcing dozens of other SKU’s for us at amazing prices. In the rare instance of an issue or problem, Foodbuy is quick to address and, importantly, immediately correct the problem. The Elmer’s system saves tens of thousands of dollars every year by partnering with Foodbuy Foodservice. Jill and Jeff are always available, quick to respond, and have an amazing number of resources to help our restaurants. Restaurant life would be more difficult, less fun, and more expensive without Foodbuy Foodservice.

Shannon Achilarre, COO, Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen

How long have you worked in the restaurant industry?

I’ve spent over 30 years in the restaurant industry, growing from frontline roles to executive leadership. What’s kept me passionate all these years is simple, we are in the people business, we just happen to sell great food. That belief has shaped how I lead, how I build teams, and how we show up for our guests every day at Bolay

What advice would you give to people who are new to the industry and want to eventually have a leadership role?

We are in the people business first, and leadership isn’t about position, it’s about impact.

Shannon Achilarre

Master the fundamentals and stay consistent. This industry rewards those who show up every day, do the work, and take care of people. We are in the people business first, and leadership isn’t about position, it’s about impact. Lead with integrity, do your job at a high level, and recognize that what you do or don’t do affects everyone around you. If you stay committed to learning, invest in others, and create a culture rooted in teamwork and excellence, growth will follow. This business gives back exactly what you put into it.

Why is the Foodbuy Foodservice partnership valuable to your company?

Our partnership with Foodbuy allows us to operate smarter and more efficiently, which ultimately helps us stay focused on our purpose at Bolay, to fuel people to be their best. Beyond the scale and cost advantages, it’s the collaboration, insights, and strong network of partners that create real value. When you’re in the people business, having trusted partners who align with your standards of integrity and excellence makes a meaningful difference in delivering a consistent and elevated guest experience.

Eric Knight, Senior Vice President of Purchasing & Franchise Operations, HuHot Mongolian Grill

How long have you worked in the restaurant industry?

It’s not about how cheap we can get it, but how good we can afford it!

Eric Knight

I have been in the restaurant business 38 years and counting.

What advice would you give to people who are new to the industry and want to eventually have a leadership role?

Never be bigger than the front line. Never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. The Golden Rule always applies. Enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm.

Why is the Foodbuy Foodservice partnership valuable to your company?

Foodbuy Foodservice is not only our purchasing arm but also our right arm! My Foodbuy Foodservice Team allows me to concentrate on procuring positive, sustainable results while delivering high quality food and service. It’s not about how cheap we can get it, but how good we can afford it!

Ami Lindsay, SVP of Supply Chain, Capriotti’s and Wing Zone

How long have you worked in the restaurant industry?

My first job in the industry was in 1977 as a customer service representative for a food distributor — nearly 50 years ago. While there were some years during that time when I wasn’t working in the industry, the majority of my career has been in foodservice.

Build strong relationships, be reliable, and learn from every role you hold.

Ami Lindsay

What advice would you give to people who are new to the industry and want to eventually have a leadership role?

Treat everyone with kindness and respect. The foodservice industry may seem large, but it’s smaller than it appears — today’s colleague, vendor, or peer could be tomorrow’s boss or customer. Build strong relationships, be reliable, and learn from every role you hold.

Why is the Foodbuy Foodservice partnership valuable to your company?

I value my relationships with Foodbuy and the support they provide across all areas of our business. Their partnership helps streamline purchasing, improve service, and strengthen supplier collaboration.

Meet with Foodbuy Foodservice at the Restaurant Leadership Conference on April 19-22nd, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ.