Page 11 - OhioAlaCarteSpring11NEW

www.ohiorestaurant.org 9 Spring Issue

Roy Getz,

Raising Cane’s of Ohio

For the past 30 years, Roy Getz has served in various roles in the restaurant industry. He began his career as a busboy for Bob Evans Farms where he worked for 18 years. He rose all the way up the chain to Vice President of Marketing before leaving the company. He then worked for various other restaurant chains before joining Raising Cane’s of Ohio several years ago.

“I spent most of my career focusing on the business I was working on and hadn’t done much to give back,” Getz said. “But, after attending the [NRA public affairs] conference last year in D.C., it made me realize that I need to participate more and make a difference. By serving on these boards… I can apply my talents to help both the association and the Boards’ missions. There really is so much more that can be done on the political front of things, and more of us need to help the ORA do those things – whatever they are.”

He also noted that right now there is a great deal of interest in politics, and he indicated that the policies being enacted on both state and federal levels spurred him to get involved with the ORA. He feels that a lot of the legislation currently being proposed is going to force the little guys out, and he believes the little guys are the ones who drive change and innovation within the industry.

“The ORA offers small business owners a chance to get involved in advocacy,” he added. “That’s really what attracted me to get involved. I also think that I’ve a broad sense of industry knowledge. I’ve been involved in nearly all aspects of restaurant management in my career, and I’m passionate about it. I hope to use this passion to get the uninvolved motivated and to help bring about change.”

Mike Haunert, Sysco Cincinnati, LLC

Haunert began his career in foodservice at the age of 16 when he served as a steward on riverboats along the Ohio River in Cincinnati. It didn’t take him long to realize that he enjoyed guest interaction and helping people build memories that they would cherish for years to come. After graduating from high school, he received a degree in hospitality management from the University of Kentucky and returned to Ohio where he has served in several positions all within the foodservice industry. Nearly 21 years ago, he began working in foodservice distribution - the path that ultimately led him to his current position as Executive Vice President of Sysco Cincinnati, LLC.

When asked what fueled his interest in serving on the Boards of the ORA and ORAEF, Haunert expressed his love for foodservice and in strengthening tomorrow’s workforce. Haunert, who has served as the chair of the ORAEF Workforce Development Committee for the past year, is very passionate about working with culinary students and in helping more talented leaders fnd a place in the industry.

“Overall, I am very excited to work more with the ProStart program because it gives students great mentors and puts them on a path to success,” Haunert said. “But, I also think more attention and respect should be paid to foodservice in Ohio. It’s a critical force in the state’s economy and serves as a backbone for countless people. By serving on these Boards, I can show my support for the industry and get others interested in it, too.”

Haunert also expressed his desire to see the association grow its presence in southwest Ohio. He believes that the economy is improving and more restaurateurs are going to see the value in becoming a part of a group that infuences change – particularly in light of the current economy and the rising energy costs.

Labib Hajjar, The Beirut Restaurant

A long-time fxture in the Toledo area, The Beirut Restaurant with its Persian rugs and exotic favors of Mediterranean fare has been a favorite for Toledo diners since it opened in the early 1980s. However, the restaurant wasn’t Labib Hajjar’s frst foray into foodservice. In fact, upon graduating from college, he joined his cousin and opened a pita bread bakery. He ran that business for fve years, and he and several other partners bought a larger location in Toledo after he truly discovered his love for the restaurant industry. That location became what is today The Beirut Restaurant.

Hajjar’s passion for the Toledo community is very apparent. He is highly involved in philanthropic efforts and works with numerous charity organizations, including the American Red Cross. He believes that giving back to the community is a requirement and that more people should do it. He noted that by taking care of others, you also take of yourself and your community.

When asked why he became involved with the ORA, he quickly noted that there is strength in numbers, and that he feels restaurateurs need to be more involved in political discourse.

“I believe it’s important to have camaraderie and to work together to strengthen the industry,” he said. “There is clearly strength in numbers and it’s important to get as many people involved as you can. I think it’s important to support the PAC and to get worried about issues that impact business operators. Government needs to stop squeezing small business owners and telling us we’re responsible for everything. As an industry, our members need to get involved and better educate people about the fact that there are things we can do to fght back. If you can’t do it, I say ‘send a check’ to those who can.”

With his focus on improving legislation on behalf of small business, Hajjar intends to be a strong advocate on behalf of Ohio’s restaurant and foodservice industry in his roles on the two Boards.

Labib Hajjar, Owner/Operator of The Beirut Restaurant. Mike Haunert, Executive Vice President of Sysco Cincinnati, LLC. Roy Getz, Partner and Owner/Operator of Raising Cane’s of Ohio.