2026 Gold & Silver Plate Winner
CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group
Wade joined the USHG Executive team as President in 2019, following a rich 30-year career in operational leadership in the hospitality industry. In 2022, he was named Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining USHG, he spent 17 years in leadership with Darden Restaurants, where he oversaw all operating functions and enhanced financial performance for a number of Darden’s high-growth brands. He also served as Chief Operating Offer for Legal Sea Foods in Boston, Massachusetts, where he led all operations for the family-owned group’s 31 restaurants, and oversaw the launch of the Legal Test Kitchen concept. In addition to his professional experience, Wade serves on the boards of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. and Share Our Strength, and acts as a senior advisor for Junzi Kitchen, a Chinese fast-casual restaurant concept based in New York. He served on the Board of Trustees for Johnson & Wales University for nine years, from 2016 to 2025.
“Chip has a deep commitment to belonging, inclusivity, and mentorship, and believes that diversity is not a metric to maintain but a powerful driver of performance and creativity. A mentor to employees of all levels, he has a gift that pairs strategic growth with human connection, creating a team-oriented culture where everyone can win.”
— Kristin Minihan, Sr. Marketing Manager, Nestlé Professional Solutions
Clarence Otis, Jr.
Former CEO Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Clarence Otis Jr. served as CEO of Darden Restaurants, Inc. from 2004 to 2014 and as its chairman from 2005 to 2014. He has a JD from Stanford Law School and a bachelor's degree from Williams College. Otis and his wife, Jacqueline Bradley, have three children. He is the 2012 Silver Plate winner in the Chain Full-Service category.