Hudson Riehle's Remarkable 38-Year Journey at the National Restaurant Association Comes to a Close
After an impressive tenure of more than 38 years, Hudson Riehle, the Senior Vice President of the Research and Knowledge Group at the National Restaurant Association (NRA), is set to retire in April. His departure marks the end of an era for the association, which has become a key player in the restaurant and foodservice industry under his leadership.
Riehle’s contributions to the NRA have been monumental. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in crafting data-driven insights that have shaped the understanding of restaurant performance and economic impact across the United States. His work primarily revolves around the association's annual forecasts of industry sales and employment growth, providing the critical analysis needed during tougher economic times, including the challenges posed by the 2008-2009 recession and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Michelle Korsmo, the President and CEO of the NRA, praised Riehle’s unparalleled expertise, stating, "His insights and expertise have not only helped our industry navigate challenges but also seize opportunities for growth and innovation." This recognition solidifies Riehle's reputation as a leading figure whose analysis has assisted restaurant operators in understanding complex industry dynamics and making informed business decisions.
Under Riehle's guidance, the Research and Knowledge Group emerged as a powerhouse of thought leadership. Notable achievements include refining the annual State of the Restaurant Industry Report, which is now considered the definitive source for sales projections and significant trends within the restaurant sector. This authoritative report has become integral for industry stakeholders in strategizing their operations and understanding market trajectories.
Moreover, Riehle emphasized the importance of survey research focused on anticipating economic, consumer, operational, and human resource trends, which have become vital for restaurants amidst ever-changing market conditions. His initiative to create the Restaurant Operations Data Abstract has enabled restaurateurs to benchmark their operations against similar establishments, enhancing their business strategies to optimize performance.
Additionally, Riehle contributed to the drafting of the Restaurant Industry 2030 Report, which outlines transformative trends and potential disruptors that will influence the sector over the next decade. His ability to elevate the NRA's role as a leading authority on the economic impacts of the restaurant industry on various levels has been of immense value, facilitating relevant discussions informed by data and research.
Throughout his career, Riehle has consistently shared his knowledge and expertise on a global stage. He has contributed to major business and industry media outlets, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and The Today Show, making him a recognizable face in discussions concerning the future of the restaurant industry.
Alongside his primary responsibilities, Riehle also served in advisory roles such as on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Business Research Advisory Council, as well as previous memberships on several executive panels, illustrating his commitment to overarching industry standards and benchmarks.
Reflecting on his time at the NRA, Riehle expressed deep gratitude for the extraordinary individuals he collaborated with, saying, "It has been a distinct privilege to work with a group of extremely talented individuals over the past 38 years." He expressed confidence that the research team would persist in advancing the quality and relevance of products and services available to restaurant operators navigating the path to success and growth.
Looking ahead, Dr. Chad Moutray has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President of the Research and Knowledge Group and Chief Economist for the NRA. With this transition, the association aims to build upon the solid foundation established by Riehle while continuing to drive forward research and insights critical to the evolving restaurant landscape.
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association stands as the foremost business association for the restaurant industry, which encompasses over 1 million establishments and employs approximately 15.5 million individuals nationwide. The NRA, along with its 52 State Associations, remains dedicated to supporting the industry through advocacy, education, and food safety initiatives.
Riehle’s contributions to the NRA have been monumental. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in crafting data-driven insights that have shaped the understanding of restaurant performance and economic impact across the United States. His work primarily revolves around the association's annual forecasts of industry sales and employment growth, providing the critical analysis needed during tougher economic times, including the challenges posed by the 2008-2009 recession and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Michelle Korsmo, the President and CEO of the NRA, praised Riehle’s unparalleled expertise, stating, "His insights and expertise have not only helped our industry navigate challenges but also seize opportunities for growth and innovation." This recognition solidifies Riehle's reputation as a leading figure whose analysis has assisted restaurant operators in understanding complex industry dynamics and making informed business decisions.
Under Riehle's guidance, the Research and Knowledge Group emerged as a powerhouse of thought leadership. Notable achievements include refining the annual State of the Restaurant Industry Report, which is now considered the definitive source for sales projections and significant trends within the restaurant sector. This authoritative report has become integral for industry stakeholders in strategizing their operations and understanding market trajectories.
Moreover, Riehle emphasized the importance of survey research focused on anticipating economic, consumer, operational, and human resource trends, which have become vital for restaurants amidst ever-changing market conditions. His initiative to create the Restaurant Operations Data Abstract has enabled restaurateurs to benchmark their operations against similar establishments, enhancing their business strategies to optimize performance.
Additionally, Riehle contributed to the drafting of the Restaurant Industry 2030 Report, which outlines transformative trends and potential disruptors that will influence the sector over the next decade. His ability to elevate the NRA's role as a leading authority on the economic impacts of the restaurant industry on various levels has been of immense value, facilitating relevant discussions informed by data and research.
Throughout his career, Riehle has consistently shared his knowledge and expertise on a global stage. He has contributed to major business and industry media outlets, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and The Today Show, making him a recognizable face in discussions concerning the future of the restaurant industry.
Alongside his primary responsibilities, Riehle also served in advisory roles such as on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Business Research Advisory Council, as well as previous memberships on several executive panels, illustrating his commitment to overarching industry standards and benchmarks.
Reflecting on his time at the NRA, Riehle expressed deep gratitude for the extraordinary individuals he collaborated with, saying, "It has been a distinct privilege to work with a group of extremely talented individuals over the past 38 years." He expressed confidence that the research team would persist in advancing the quality and relevance of products and services available to restaurant operators navigating the path to success and growth.
Looking ahead, Dr. Chad Moutray has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President of the Research and Knowledge Group and Chief Economist for the NRA. With this transition, the association aims to build upon the solid foundation established by Riehle while continuing to drive forward research and insights critical to the evolving restaurant landscape.
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association stands as the foremost business association for the restaurant industry, which encompasses over 1 million establishments and employs approximately 15.5 million individuals nationwide. The NRA, along with its 52 State Associations, remains dedicated to supporting the industry through advocacy, education, and food safety initiatives.
Topics People & Culture）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.