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8 www.ohiorestaurant.org Spring Issue

Gary Callicoat, The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern

The story Gary Callicoat tells of his personal evolution and growth is truly one that happens in few places outside the restaurant industry. At 14, he began working in a restaurant as a dishwasher. Now, 33 years later, he is the President of The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, which boasts multiple locations in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. After graduating from high school, Callicoat enrolled in college and continued to work in the restaurant industry. However, he soon realized that he cared more for the world of hospitality than the world of academia. He knew he’d made the right decision for himself when he took a management position at “55” in Columbus.

Callicoat credits his love of the industry to having “the industry in his blood.” His passion for food and love of people are what cemented him in his role, and he knows he loves the industry because it’s not an easy one to stay in if you aren’t committed and passionate about it.

“I really enjoy what I do,” Callicoat said. “I like knowing that I am able to take young people under my wing and watch them grow up in the industry. I’m able to do for them what Cameron Mitchell did for me. It’s a great feeling to watch people and their families grow up within your company.”

He believes that it was his work with the Ohio ProStart program that brought the ORA to his attention. He believes that ProStart is an amazing program that gives young people alternatives to the traditional college path and inspires them to dream and to achieve those dreams. Every day he says he finds more value in the program, which is one of the reasons his company is a ProStart Preferred Partner. He loves having the students in his locations and finds it very rewarding on a personal level.

When asked what he wants to do with his positions on the Boards, Callicoat said that he believes the ORA needs to be more active in legislative matters. But, he was quick to note that the responsibility lies more with membership involvement than just what those at the association can do.

“As a whole, more and more responsibilities are getting put on the employer anymore,” he said. “This has to stop eventually. We can’t keep taking legislative hits, like health care reform, when we’re dealing with the rising costs of food, fuel and transportation. We need to be careful about how we, as an association, lobby these people. Our response to issues needs to be well-planned and measured. It’s the only way we’re going to make it easier for restaurant operators to do business.”

David Frissora, Wendy’s/Arby’s Group

Although David Frissora has only served in the foodservice industry for the past two years as Director of Government Affairs for Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, he is no stranger to the company. As a native of the Columbus area, he was very excited to return to Ohio and begin his work with Wendy’s after serving as a lobbyist out of state with Toyota for several years. In addition to his work with the automotive giant, he also served in various roles on administrative staffs within Congress and state government offces.

“I wanted to get involved with the ORA after talking with other folks in the industry who said that [the] ORA was a good example of how to run an association in the restaurant world,” Frissora said. “Initially, I met with Richard Mason and we talked about what we could do to work together, and I was very confdent in what Richard and Geoff [Hetrick] were doing locally. As [Wendy’s] government affairs director for all 50 states, I rely on people who are talented and focused; that’s what I think this experience will provide both to me and for [the] others [on the board] since I’m familiar with both sides of the world of lobbying.”

Frissora was also quick to note that Ohio’s foodservice industry often takes a beating from politicians and members of the media. He believes that one of the ways that the ORA can elevate the work restaurateurs do is to continue to remind lawmakers and others of the valuable contribution the restaurant industry plays in the state. He also noted the important role that the ORA fulflls as a watchdog for both independent restaurants and larger operations.

“The ORA can change perceptions about the foodservice industry in Ohio,” he said. “I feel the general public needs to be better educated about how important our industry is. The lives that the restaurant industry touches are innumerable, and, when you take a look at the world’s industries, it’s impossible to ignore the role of our industry. Our industry is driven by the hearts of our members [and] it’s that philanthropic nature that encourages families to build memories.”

David Frissora, Director of Government Affairs for Wendy’s/Arby’s Group.

Gary Callicoat, President of The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern.