David A. Leonardo

Back Yard Burgers, Inc. operates and franchises restaurants and provides catering services. Its restaurants specialize in charbroiled, freshly prepared, great-tasting food. The firm’s menu includes made-to-order gourmet Black Angus hamburgers and chicken sandwiches charbroiled over an open flame, fresh salads, chili and other specialty items, including hand-dipped milkshakes, fresh-made lemonade and fresh-baked cobblers. The company was founded by Lattimore M. Michael in 1987 and is headquartered in Nashville, TN.

American Roadside Burgers produces and supplies hamburgers and cheeseburgers. It offers turkey burgers, hot dogs, fries and traditional milkshakes. The company was founded by John J. Tunney in 2002 and is headquartered in Huntington, NY.

Falfurrias Capital Partners (Falfurrias Cap Partners) is a private equity firm founded in 2006 by Hugh McColl, Jr. and Marc Oken. The firm is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

RSM US LLP engages in the provision of accounting services. It offers audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management services. The firm serves the energy, government, life sciences, manufacturing, private equity, and real estate and construction industries. The company was founded by Ira B. McGladrey in 1926 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

Quincy's Family Steakhouse operates a chain of restaurants. It has restaurants in Georgetown, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The company is headquartered in Monroe, NC.

The Culinary Institute of America refines the world of gourmet chefs. It offers bachelor's and associate degrees in culinary arts and management, as well as continuing education, conferences, travel programs, and e-learning.

GMRI, Inc. operates restaurants. It offers succulent fresh fish, seafood, beef, chicken, and combination platters. The company also offers salads, appetizers, desserts, and cocktail service. GMRI was founded by Bill Darden and Joe Lee in 1968 and is headquartered in Orlando, FL.

Bojangles' Restaurants, Inc. owns and operates restaurants. It offers biscuits, sandwiches, salads, combos, boxes, dinners, family meals, boneless chicken, drinks, sweets, kids' meals, snacks, and biscuit sandwiches. The company was founded by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas in 1977 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.

Women's Foodservice Forum engages in food services industry. It serves the operations, manufacturing, distribution, publishing and consulting industry. The company was founded by Monica Boyles, Elizabeth Brennan, Jenene Garey, Joyce Goldstein, Denise Gorsline, Marcia Harris, Patricia Harris, Laura Hayden, Florence Jaramillo, Edna Morris, Karen Settlemyer, Julia Stewart, Kathleen Talbert, Jo Linda Thompson and Jackie B. Trujillo in 1989 and is headquartered in Dallas, TX.

Bank of America, NA (Private Banking) (Bank of America-PB) is the private banking arm of Bank of America, NA, which is a subsidiary of Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC). Headquartered in New York City, the firm was founded in 1947 and is also known as US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Bank of America-PB provides comprehensive wealth management products and services that focuses on wealth structuring (wealth planning, trusts and estates, philanthropy, custody services), investment management (portfolio consulting, asset management, capital markets, specialty asset management) and credit and banking (financial management tools, liquidity services, custom credit, real estate finance) for high net-worth and ultra-high net-worth individuals and families.

The James Beard Foundation is a non-profit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America's food culture. The non-profit company is based in New York, NY. Established over 30 years ago, the foundation is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. The foundation amplifies new voices, celebrates those leading the way, and supports those on the path to do so, to create a more equitable and sustainable future. The foundation brings its mission to life through the annual awards, industry and community-focused programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. The CEO of the company is Clare Reichenbach.

Black Box Intelligence is a business intelligence and insights company specializing in the restaurant industry. It provides weekly interactive reports with industry benchmarks based on the operational results. The company was founded by Wallace B. Doolin and is headquartered in Dallas, TX.

Axum Capital Partners LLC (Axum Capital Partners) is a private equity firm founded in 2009 by Denis A. Ackah-Yensu and Muhsin Muhammad II. The firm is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Wings Over America, Inc. operates a chain of restaurants. It serves chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, and beer. The company was founded by William Cecil Crowley and Dianne T. Crowley in 1990 and is headquartered in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Fortalice Solutions LLC develops cyber security solutions. It provides services in the area of business protection, government protection and speaking engagements. The company was founded by Theresa Payton and vince Crisler and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.