Larry T. Brakefield has amassed over 20 years of expertise within the restaurant industry, serving in pivotal leadership roles that have profoundly shaped each company he has partnered with. A seasoned executive, he has developed a deep understanding of hospitality and service, consistently driving financial growth and strategic direction throughout his career. He is widely recognized for his operational prowess and as a compelling public speaker, an influential coach, and a high-level communicator who leaves a lasting impact on the teams he leads.
Throughout his career, Larry has played a significant role in successfully launching more than 30 restaurants for top national brands, including several essential names in casual dining. His energetic leadership style and dedication to achieving tangible results have positioned him as a respected figure in the industry. As the Regional Director of Operations for Sunshine Restaurant Partners, he is responsible for overseeing an $80 million revenue stream for IHOP locations throughout Florida, bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the organization's operational success and market growth.
Brakefield's career path began after earning a BS in economics from Buffalo State University in 1994. He joined the restaurant industry immediately, working with Pizzeria Uno Chicago Bar and Grill, where he steadily rose to become the Regional Director of Operations. In this role, he managed a $40 million region and oversaw a team of 60 managers. His responsibilities included directing the region's financial performance, managing monthly P&L results, and supporting the operational accountability of franchise groups in New York and Massachusetts. During this period, he also obtained his MBA from Niagara University, further equipping him with the skills to support his later accomplishments.
In 2005, Larry T. Brakefield took on a leadership role at Hard Rock International, where he served as Director of Operations for the Northeastern United States and Canada. This position entrusted him with complete autonomy over a $50 million market, extending his influence to include live music events, merchandise sales, and group revenue initiatives. His responsibilities included managing nearly $1 million in annual marketing funds, ensuring weekly P&L accountability, and developing comprehensive budgets to meet profit and EBITDA targets. He also played a crucial role in defining short- and long-term business strategies for his region, showcasing his expertise in driving profitability through meticulous operational oversight.
Later, Larry transitioned to TGI Fridays as Senior Director of Operations, responsible for day-to-day operations in several Northeast markets. Overseeing $130 million in annual revenue across 36 locations, he worked alongside other regional directors to manage some of the brand's most profitable units. In this capacity, he supervised five Directors of Operations, implemented companywide strategic initiatives, and helped shape the brand's future through efforts like Project RISE, which focused on reimagining the service model and enhancing customer experience. His exceptional performance earned him the Senior Director of the Year award, underscoring his contributions to the brand's sustained growth.
Before assuming his current role with IHOP, Brakefield served as Brand President at Apple Investor Group (ING), dba Applebee's, where he held complete operational authority over 68 Applebee's locations, collectively generating $150 million in revenue. His responsibilities included steering the company's direction through effective marketing strategies, operational refinement, and expansion efforts, including acquisitions and new store development. Leading an executive team of eight, he implemented robust operational systems, managed training programs, and oversaw budget development and facilities remodeling, ensuring alignment with the parent company's standards and obligations to franchisees.
Throughout his career, Larry Brakefield, President of Sunshine Restaurant Partners, has been a transformative leader, combining strategic insight with hands-on operational expertise to achieve exceptional results. His dedication to excellence and ability to drive financial and organizational growth have firmly established him as a prominent figure in the hospitality industry. Brakefield's legacy of leadership continues to make a profound impact, defining a standard of excellence that inspires those around him.
