Photo by Danny Fulgencio
Roger Kaplan has over 39 years experience in the hospitality industry as a
nationally acclaimed chef, owner, operator, entrepreneur, concept developer, manufacturing liaison and consultant. Roger’s background in both operations, culinary and manufacturing affords him a global perspective that encapsulates the total restaurant dining experience and its many facets.
Roger earned his chops through a varied career path that took him through some of the premier restaurants, hotels and restaurant companies in America. From his initial start in hotels at the world famous Jockey Club restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC to the Conservatory and Beau Nash restaurants at the Hotel Crescent Court in Dallas TX.
As a nationally acclaimed chef/owner of the City Grill Restaurant and corporate chef of the Peasants restaurant and Mick’s group in Atlanta, GA to Vice President of Operations for Ruth’s Chris Steak House worldwide, Roger took the lead in concept evolution, menu engineering, maximizing profitability, and leadership development for each company.
As the Director of New Product Development and Concept Evolution at Boston Market he worked in the manufacturing QSR segment of the industry to create next generation prototypes for Boston Market.
Kaplan earned a reputation as a nationally acclaimed chef who was featured at the James Beard House in NYC, and on TV programs such as Great Chefs, Great Cities; Great Chefs of the South; CNN; Food Network, and has been featured in national magazines like Food and Wine and Fitness magazine where he was selected as one of the 16 Healthiest Chefs in America.
During his tenure at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, the group earned the Platinum Choice in Chains Awards, Rob Reports Best Restaurant in America, and Consumer Reports best restaurants in America.