About

About Larry Travers Brakefield

Larry T. Brakefield has played key leadership roles on executive teams at restaurant companies for more than 20 years. He understands the hospitality and service industry inside and out and has significantly contributed to each company’s financial results and success throughout his career.

During his career, Brakefield has successfully opened more than 30 new restaurants for national brands such as Hard Rock Cafe, TGI Fridays, Applebee’s, and IHOP. He has established a well-acclaimed footprint in the industry as an energized business leader who drives results. Brakefield is also known as a public speaker, coach, and high-level communicator.

As the Regional Director of Operations at Sunshine Restaurants Partners (dba IHOP), based in Florida, he currently oversees $80 million in sales.

From College into the Restaurant Industry

Brakefield graduated from Buffalo State University in 1994 with a BS in economics. He entered the restaurant industry immediately, working for Pizzeria Uno Chicago Bar and Grill until 2005. Brakefield served as Regional Director of Operations, responsible for the restaurant’s daily operation of a $40 million region in the casual theme dining environment. He oversaw the development and growth of 60 managers at any given period of time. Brakefield was also responsible for monthly P& L results, weekly cost centers, and the operational accountability and support of three franchise groups in New York and Massachusetts.

During his time with Pizzeria Uno, Brakefield also obtained his MBA from Niagara University.

Making His Mark at Hard Rock International

Brakefield joined Hard Rock International in 2005 as Director of Operations for the Northeastern United States and Canada. He had complete autonomy of the $50 million market in parameters beyond Food & Beverage service, which included a significant merchandise apparel line, live music venues, significant event and group revenue, and a sales and marketing force in each business.

His responsibilities with Hard Rock included implementing nearly $1 million in annual marketing funds, directing weekly P&L accountability to profit and EBITDA results, and creating comprehensive and effective budgets for operations and sales manager staff. Brakefield was also responsible for Hard Rock’s short- and long-term business strategy in the regions he managed.

The Move to TGI Fridays

As Senior Director of Operations at Carlson Restaurants TGI Fridays, Brakefield was responsible for day-to-day restaurant operations in several markets in the Northeast, including Boston, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. He worked as part of a team of eight Northeast operations directors that included the company’s most profitable business locations, with an average unit volume upward of $3 million.

He supervised five multi-unit Directors of Operations and $130 million in annualized revenues spread throughout 36 businesses in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania for TGI Fridays. His responsibilities included completing fiscal performance for results and implementing companywide strategic measures. As part of the USA team, Brakefield collaborated on defining brand strategy, reimaging with Project RISE efforts, and enhancing the service model and direction for future growth by measuring performance and EBIDTA.

He was awarded Senior Director of the Year with TGI Fridays.

Getting a Bigger Piece of the Pie at Applebee’s

Prior to joining IHOP, Larry T Brakefield was Brand President at Apple Investor Group (ING), dba Applebee’s, where he worked for nearly four years. As president of the chain’s franchise restaurants, he had the highest EBITDA profit margin.

At Applebee’s, Brakefield was responsible for the complete operational authority of 68
Applebee’s casual dining restaurant locations generate $150 million in revenue. His focus was primarily on establishing company direction in terms of marketing strategy, operational execution, and unit growth through both acquisition and new store development.

He led an executive team of eight, developed and implemented operational systems from the ground up, and oversaw training, budgeting, service model behavior, and HR efforts. Brakefield partnered closely with the parent company regarding standards, systems, and franchisee obligations and commitments. He had complete oversight of facilities remodeling efforts.

Charity is Close to Home

Sunshine Restaurants Partners (IHOP) is a longstanding contributor to the Children’s Miracle Networks, which is close to Brakefield’s heart. The organization has raised millions of dollars for 170 children’s hospitals. All donations go to local member hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put children and families at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who cannot otherwise afford these health services.

Based in the Sunshine State

Larry T Brakefield lives with his wife, Amanda Hyde, in St. Pete Beach, a resort city on a barrier island west of St. Petersburg. He has four adult children in their twenties. Brakefield can be found golfing, at the beach, or out on his boat when not working. He took up the game of golf with his son and became hooked.

He loves playing golf, the serenity and quietness of being outdoors, the opportunity to relax, and the art of improvement.