Samuel is a passionate hospitality executive with over two decades of creative and unique experiences. Samuel leads membership and alliances for the IFBTA. A non-profit trade association to promote the use of technology within the GLOBAL food and beverage industries with a specific focus on education, networking, certification, standards, research and events, while aligning with other industry associations and groups in support of their technology related initiatives.
Prior to IFBTA, Samuel worked on the leadership and development of Firehouse Subs brand as an Area Representative and Franchisee. Responsibilities include restaurant \ franchise development, quality assurance, training and catering leadership. Samuel’s restaurant serves as the training restaurant for the market. Before assuming his current position, Samuel was Director Partner Product Development & Industry Relations, National Restaurant Association including the support of the National Restaurant Association Military Foundation. Samuel’s past experiences include: President & CEO of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a 12-year veteran of Marriott International.
In 2020, Samuel co-authored the top industry catering book- Catering Domination and serves as host of the Foodable Network’s top rated– Take-Out, Delivery and Catering podcast.
Samuel holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and associates degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from Johnson and Wales University. Samuel currently is adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage specializing in Hospitality Concept and Design and Hospitality Event Planning.
Samuel volunteers his efforts, to serve the community, on the board of directors as Finance Chair and Board Member for the Bellwood Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board Member of the Illinois Restaurant Association, member of Les Amis d ’Escoffier Society. Past board of directors for Housing Forward an Illinois based homeless prevention organization, the American Culinary Federation Chicago Chefs of Cuisine, past- president of the International Food Service Executives Association- Northern Illinois Chapter, Nightclub and Bar Magazine advisory council.
Samuel serves as a strategic advisor Baci Hospitality, Pink Divas and Gents Cancer Group and Teresa’s Trotters Cancer Team.
Samuel frequently presents at industry and international events. Samuel resides in Riverside, Illinois with his wife (Carmia), children (Constantine and Adriana).
Samuel is a passionate hospitality executive with over two decades of creative and unique experiences. Samuel leads membership and alliances for the IFBTA. A non-profit trade association to promote the use of technology within the GLOBAL food and beverage industries with a specific focus on education, networking, certification, standards, research and events, while aligning with other industry associations and groups in support of their technology related initiatives.
Prior to IFBTA, Samuel worked on the leadership and development of Firehouse Subs brand as an Area Representative and Franchisee. Responsibilities include restaurant \ franchise development, quality assurance, training and catering leadership. Samuel’s restaurant serves as the training restaurant for the market. Before assuming his current position, Samuel was Director Partner Product Development & Industry Relations, National Restaurant Association including the support of the National Restaurant Association Military Foundation. Samuel’s past experiences include: President & CEO of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a 12-year veteran of Marriott International.
In 2020, Samuel co-authored the top industry catering book- Catering Domination and serves as host of the Foodable Network’s top rated– Take-Out, Delivery and Catering podcast.
Samuel holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and associates degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from Johnson and Wales University. Samuel currently is adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage specializing in Hospitality Concept and Design and Hospitality Event Planning.
Samuel volunteers his efforts, to serve the community, on the board of directors as Finance Chair and Board Member for the Bellwood Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board Member of the Illinois Restaurant Association, member of Les Amis d ’Escoffier Society. Past board of directors for Housing Forward an Illinois based homeless prevention organization, the American Culinary Federation Chicago Chefs of Cuisine, past- president of the International Food Service Executives Association- Northern Illinois Chapter, Nightclub and Bar Magazine advisory council.
Samuel serves as a strategic advisor Baci Hospitality, Pink Divas and Gents Cancer Group and Teresa’s Trotters Cancer Team.
Samuel frequently presents at industry and international events. Samuel resides in Riverside, Illinois with his wife (Carmia), children (Constantine and Adriana).