Larry T. Brakefield has established himself as a prominent and influential leader in the restaurant and hospitality industry, accumulating over two decades of executive experience. His journey spans critical roles in operations and strategy, enabling him to develop and implement successful approaches that have driven measurable outcomes. With a deep understanding of the service industry, his contributions have consistently strengthened major national brands' financial success and operational effectiveness, earning him a respected position among industry leaders. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated remarkable expertise in overseeing and optimizing restaurant performance and revenue streams.
Larry has opened over 30 new restaurants for notable brands, including Hard Rock Cafe, TGI Fridays, Applebee's, and IHOP, positioning him as a driving force behind these companies' growth. Known for his ability to lead, communicate, and coach effectively, he has developed a reputation for being a high-energy leader who inspires teams to achieve excellence. His public speaking engagements and mentoring efforts underscore his commitment to the industry, and his ability to cultivate talent and build motivated teams has been essential to his success.
As the Regional Director of Operations at Sunshine Restaurants Partners, Brakefield manages operations that generate $80 million in sales across IHOP locations in Florida. His trajectory began with a foundational education in economics from Buffalo State University, followed by an immediate entry into the industry with Pizzeria Uno Chicago Bar and Grill. As Regional Director of Operations there, he oversaw $40 million in annual revenue, mentored a team of 60 managers, and was responsible for extensive P&L results, cost center management, and supporting franchise groups across New York and Massachusetts. This foundational experience helped hone his financial and operational skills, enabling him to drive results even in high-stakes environments.
Larry T. Brakefield further sharpened his business acumen at Hard Rock International, where he was entrusted with complete operational control over the Northeastern U.S. and Canadian markets, worth $50 million. His role expanded beyond food and beverage to include live events, merchandise, and group revenue initiatives. He managed million-dollar marketing funds, enforced weekly P&L accountability, and devised strategic budgets to ensure profitability and EBITDA growth. His tenure at Hard Rock established him as a strategic thinker capable of overseeing multiple revenue channels, and he played a crucial role in implementing long-term business strategies for his region.
At TGI Fridays, Larry was Senior Director of Operations, overseeing operations across high-performing markets in the Northeast, including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. He supervised five multi-unit Directors of Operations, managing a substantial $130 million in annual revenue across 36 locations. His responsibilities included achieving fiscal goals, ensuring brand consistency, and enhancing the customer service model through strategic initiatives like Project RISE. His leadership contributed significantly to the brand's continued growth and profitability, and his achievements were recognized with the prestigious Senior Director of the Year award.
Before transitioning to his current role, Brakefield served as brand president at Apple Investor Group for Applebee, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational expertise. In this role, he led an executive team to manage 68 locations, generating $150 million in revenue. His vision included establishing marketing strategies, operational directives, and growth plans for acquisitions and new locations. He was responsible for training programs, budgeting, facility renovations, and collaboration with the parent company to align standards and franchisee obligations. His complete oversight of facilities remodeling efforts reflects his commitment to operational excellence and innovation.
Throughout his career, Larry Brakefield, President of Sunshine Restaurant Partners, has become a recognized leader who continues to make impactful contributions to the hospitality industry. His strategic insights and commitment to quality have enabled the success of each brand he has worked with, cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure.
