Leadership - Management

The National Restaurant Association:
2005-06 Chairman’s Perspective

One of our best known Readers-in-Action, Craig Miller,
Chairman, National Restaurant Association,
describes his leadership mission.

With over 900,000 restaurant locations; 12.2 million employees; sales reaching $476 billion this year – it’s clear that the restaurant industry is truly the cornerstone of our nation’s economy, rewarding job opportunities and community involvement. Our industry is continually leading, competing, creating, innovating and achieving higher levels of excellence every day. We look forward to another year of growth and an ever-increasing gain in market share of the American consumers’ food expenditures. With more than 40 years in the restaurant business, I continue to be impressed and inspired by our industry’s power. As our country has moved from a manufacturing dominated society to a service based society our industry has and will continue to lead the way. We have a responsibility like never before to tell our story and an obligation to lead and provide ideas and solutions on a full range of issues.

As the Chairman of the National Restaurant Association, I am honored to be in the role of helping to tell the story of our vibrant industry. I believe the success of our industry is built upon working together as a team – as partners. We touch the lives of millions of Americans every day, and my goal during my term, as Chairman, is to highlight how our industry impacts everyone from our customers, employees and suppliers to our neighbors in our communities.

Our membership is interested in a level playing field; keeping taxes low; fighting frivolous lawsuits; maintaining the opportunity for growth; securing access to affordable health care, ensuring the safety and security of our food supply; as well as a host of other issues. Our work in Washington and the state capitols is focused on those key issues, but also ensuring the industry can continue to thrive, grow and create jobs. We represent our membership including their companies, employees and guests. The growth in our industry is not a given and we have to earn it everyday. It is the value proposition surrounding away from home eating that has been the fuel of our industries successful and profitable growth. Our industry stands out when you look at the landscape of other industries that struggle to stay competitive profitable and growing.

We must have a seat at the “front” table when key decisions are being made that affect our employees and our businesses. In fact, I had the privilege of recently representing the industry at an important meeting with President Bush at the White House to discuss Social Security reform – another important industry issue. Why? Our industry is the largest, youngest and biggest payer into a flawed system that requires immediate attention. Congress so far has failed the American people by not offering solutions. The Association has been behind the scenes for months working as past of a major coalition talking through options and offering suggestions that make since for our employee base and our industry.

It is also noteworthy that many of the issues being debated in Washington for years are now being challenged at the state level. I will be focused on making sure the Association provides support to our state restaurant associations (SRAs) to effectively be represented in their states. The closer we work together – the more successful we’ll be in our political battles in the grassroots arena. Both our independent as well as our chain members realize the important role the National Association provides with both intellectual and financial capital.

How can restaurateurs get more involved as our partner? The Association’s GO-Network – a grassroots force of thousands of politically active restaurateurs – provides opportunities to shape legislation, showcase the industry to key policymakers, network, and learn more about public policy issues that affect your restaurant business. Additionally, the SAFE (Save American Free Enterprise) Fund helps SRAs, business coalitions, restaurateurs and other groups fight anti-business initiatives at the local, state and federal levels. The NRA-PAC (Political Action Committee) is another way to help the industry by supporting pro-restaurant candidates and reinforcing the industry’s political clout in the nation’s capital.

I encourage everyone in the industry to take advantage of what the Association has to offer. Our mission is threefold: Promote, Represent and Educate. We can serve as your partner in by providing access to numerous programs and services to help companies with their bottom line; vital research and data and serving as a go-to resource for restaurant operators, government officials, key opinion leaders, the media and others; and the latest industry news and information, 24/7 from our web site, www.restaurant.org. Additionally, our National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation provides myriad products that help us better run our operations and train and retain our employees. And, to highlight the philanthropic efforts of industry, we have a national awards program to recognize restaurateurs who give back to their communities. Internally and externally, the Association can provide what I believe is the ultimate return on investment.

Whether it’s speaking out to the media on food safety, nutrition or restaurant careers; or supplying industry research that defines who we are – our goal is to help build business for each member company and for the industry.

Bio:

Craig Miller
President & Chief Executive Officer
Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc.

Craig Miller joined Ruth’s Chris in 2004 with his strong convictions and dedication focused on leading the Company and its concept into the future. Craig believes that a cooperative Franchisee and Company partnership will assure the profitable growth of this global restaurant Company.

Following Ruth Fertel’s lead, he is right behind her legacy in delivering the highest standards and quality of a fine dining experience with a friendly and warm touch of Southern Hospitality!

In taking the helm at New Orleans’- based Ruth’s Chris, Craig brought with him over forty years of full-service restaurant experience. After eleven years with Darden Restaurants, he joined Uno Corporation. He served as Uno’s President and CEO during a seventeen-year career and then as President and CEO of Furr’s Restaurant Group.

Additionally since 1989, Craig, in partnership with his brother Glenn, has a family-owned business operating four Uno Chicago Bar and Grill Franchise Restaurants in Southern California.

Since his election in 1997, Craig has served as a member of the Board of Directors of The National Restaurant Association (NRA). He is the 2004-05 Vice Chairman of the Board and a member of the Board of Trustees of the NRA Educational Foundation.

Craig proudly served his Country during the years of 1967 to 1971 as a member of the U.S. Air Force and is a Vietnam Veteran.

In 1974, he graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, with his major in Accounting. He was selected the 2001 Alumni of the Year by his University, is a member of the UCF Business School Hall of Fame, and serves as a member of the UCF Foundation Board of Trustees.

Some of Craig’s many Industry accolades include the “Golden Chain Award” from Nation’s Restaurant News and was inducted into the Massachusetts Restaurant Association “Hall of Fame” in 2000. On the Home front Craig and his wife Susan enjoy two residences: Orlando, Florida and the New Orleans area, where Ruth’s Chris Steak House originated in 1965. They have three grown children who love visiting “The Big Easy” and all its charm!