"Having a well-rounded background and understanding basic business fundamentals is important."
Biography
Rick Camac is a proven brand builder and concept creator with strong leadership skills. Over a career in two industries technology and hospitality he has succeeded in launching startups as well as running large regions for billion-dollar organizations.
In the restaurant industry, Rick has primarily focused on concept development, branding, fundraising, operations and management. Known as a tireless performer and acknowledged troubleshooter, Rick has been involved in the opening of 12 restaurants in the U.S. and abroad. He has owned two restaurants that survived 10 years or more (5 Ninth and Fatty Crab) in the New York City market. Incredibly, every restaurant that Rick has opened received a review in The New York Times (including two-star reviews from three New York Times reviewers and 11 New York Times stars in total).
Ricks track record of performance is one that speaks for itself. He received the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand award for two concepts and has been a guest lecturer at several venues. He has also been a guest judge on network TV. In addition to restaurant management and operations, Rick has significant experience at the industry level. Specifically, he was a New York City Chapter Board Member for the New York State Restaurant Association from 2012 through 2015, and participated at the state level by serving for two years on its Member Benefits Committee.
Rick trained tech and restaurant managers, taught leadership and team building, and guest lectured at ICE before becoming the Dean of Restaurant & Hospitality Management. Having a well-rounded background and understanding basic business fundamentals is important, he says. Oftentimes, in the real world, employees (including managers) only learn about a small piece of the business (FOH, BOH, Admin). I believe everyone benefits from understanding the goals, financial and otherwise that the restaurant is looking to meet. Having that understanding makes the employee a stronger contributor, which in turn makes the organization better (and stronger).
Rick Camac on the Blog
- New York City Restaurant Guide: Fall 2024
- Five Takeaways from Chef Markus Glocker
- Should Restaurants Move to Dynamic Pricing?
- Tips From a Restaurateur: How To Run Your Business
- Exit Strategy: How to Get a Greater Valuation For Your Concept
- What to Look for When Hiring for Hospitality
- Are Additional Grants Enough for Restaurant Relief?
- Public Speaking for Restaurant Professionals
- Are New York Restaurateurs Becoming Their Own Greatest Competitors?