MUFSO 2019

James Park
Chief Executive Officer
Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh


James Park is the Chief Executive Officer of Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh (http://www.eatgarbanzo.com/), the leader in fast-casual authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh has locations in Colorado, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, Minnesota, and Illinois. James is a savvy marketing and operations executive who champions and activates all things brand. Through transformational leadership, he humanizes the intangibles and develops programs that are purposeful and lasting. He is an industry change agent. James is currently on the Board of Advisors for Restaurant Leadership, Hospitality & Technology Magazine, Know Foods (Know Better Bread), Paytronix, and is on the steering committee for Cornell Hospitality Research Summit programs. For the past ten years, James served in executive leadership roles (often as head of marketing and operations) for some of the most well-established and fastest growing concepts in the Fast Casual, QSR, and retail environment: Charley's, Which Wich, and 7-Eleven. In addition, James’ international experience includes substantive contributions in Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, China, Venezuela, and Brazil. Prior to his restaurant career, James worked with IBM Global Services designing and implementing advanced Customer Relationship Management tools for Fortune 500 companies. His projects included work for: General Motors, State Farm, Key Bank, Hallmark and Edward Jones. A maverick at connection and expansion, James has the unique ability to parlay his previous experiences into each new opportunity. James resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and four children.

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