CHICAGO, July,28, 2026 — Several past recipients of the prestigious award have made headlines in recent weeks as they undertake new endeavors in their professional and personal lives.
Dave Deno, class of ‘23, named CEO of Cracker Barrel
Dave Deno, winner of the 2023 Silver Plate in the Chain Full Service category, will add another leadership position to his resume when he assumes the CEO post at family dining chain Cracker Barrel on Aug. 10.
Deno was honored with the award for his time as CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill. He technically retired from that post in 2024 but continued to serve the casual-dining giant as an advisor. He has served since that time as a director of Krispy Kreme and Panera.
“He brings decades of experience across the restaurant and retail industries, with a strong track record of leading businesses through growth and a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, guest experience, and team member engagement,” Carl Berquist, Cracker Barrel’s independent chairman, said in announcing Deno’s appointment.
Earlier in his career, Deno held a variety of financial positions at Yum Brands, parent of Taco Bell and KFC, and Burger King.
Deno will also become a Cracker Barrel director upon joining the company. He succeeds Julie Masino, who will continue to serve the chain as an advisor until Oct. 9.
Ron Shaich, 2005 Gold Plate winner, bets Level99 is a winner
Act III Holdings, the venture capital company of 2005 Silver and Gold Plate winner Ron Shaich, has invested another $50 million in the immersive games and dining concept Level99, bringing its total stake in the fledgling company to $100 million.
The new venture is a far departure from Panera Bread, the fast-casual bakery-cafe concept where Shaich earned his awards as CEO. Level99 provides guests with a series of puzzles and games of agility, for which patrons buy a ticket entitling them a certain amount of time to navigate the challenges.
Customers can dine on such fare as Detroit-style pizza and wagyu burgers while ordering from an array of craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails. The four-location concept anticipates opening four units per year starting in 2027.
Act III is Level99’s sole investor, according to the company. The investor’s other holdings include Cava, Tatte and Honest Greens.
2013 winner Don M. Fox tells Firehouse Subs’ story in new book
Chain segment renaissance man Don M. Fox has authored a new book: Firehouse! Building a Billion Dollar Brand in America's Most Competitive Industry.
It recounts how the firehouse-themed sandwich chain grew from the brainchild of brothers Chris and Robin Sorenson into a $1-billion-a-year behemoth. For 14 years of that nearly three-decade journey, Fox served as CEO, with his tenure culminating in the sale of the brand to Burger King and Popeyes parent Restaurant Brands International in 2021.
Robin Sorenson wrote the forward to the book.
Fox won his Silver Plate in the Chain Limited Service category for his leadership of Firehouse.
The one-time manager of a Burger King is no stranger to publishing. An armchair historian, he has written three previous books, all focused on military operations during World War II.
In addition to his interest in World War II, Fox is a musician. He plays the trumpet.
The Silver Plate awards are presented annually by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association to the top operators in nine industry segments. The competition is now in its 74th year.
Nominations for the 2027 awards are now being accepted. More information is available here.
As Managing Editor for IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, Romeo is responsible for generating the group's news and feature content. He brings more than 40 years of experience in covering restaurants to the position.