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Responsibilities: John Buchanan is the President and
a founding partner of the Lettuce Consulting Group. In addition
to leading the strategic growth and client services of the
group, John provides oversight management to all operator
and manufacturer engagements. He has particular responsibilities
in operational troubleshooting, operating systems implementation,
new concept development and menu services as well as training
programs for both management and staff.
Consulting Experience: John began laying plans for
the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) consulting
division in 1995. At that time, he conceived a different
approach to professional consulting. Rather than simply
theoretical analysis and written reporting, the Lettuce
consulting services would involve a hands-on, partnering
method. This approach has resulted in Lettuce Consulting's
high level of success.
As lead manager, John has conducted engagements in acquisition
evaluation, concept creation, operations start-up and improvement
as well as menu and product development. John has also developed new consulting services in the areas of leadership
culture and human resource development.
Industry Experience: John began his restaurant career
as a dishwasher during his college years in Chicago. After
graduation, he worked front-of-the-house positions at a
major steak house chain and at a contract foodservice management
firm where he became a general manager. John joined LEYE
in 1978. His experience with LEYE includes opening and managing
over two-dozen different restaurants, multi-unit supervision
and new concept creation of such LEYE favorites as Hat Dance
and Ben Pao. In addition, John founded the LEYE Human Resource
Department and was the original author of the firm's Management
Training Program.
Teaching and Speaking Engagements: John's passion
for the industry makes him a dynamic,
popular and frequent speaker at Loyola University, Kendall
College, Kellogg School of Management, Roosevelt University and international trade shows.
Since 1999, John has been a bi-annual guest instructor at
Switzerland's esteemed Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne. John
has also been a lecturer as a part of that school's International
Hospitality Consulting curriculum.
Education: John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree
in Psychology at Northern Illinois University.
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