Board of Directors Announces Appointment of New President/CEO
The Board of Directors of Trader Vic's has announced the appointment of Robert L. Davies as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the global restaurant group known for it's fusion cooking, luxurious theme dining and the creation of the Mai Tai cocktail.
"We are pleased to welcome Robert to the Trader Vic's family," said Charles Hufford, Board Chairman. "His twenty years of international culinary, hospitality and management expertise will be instrumental to the continued growth of our chain both here in the United States and around the world."
A native Australian, Davies has extensive experience in international markets, multi-unit and multi-concept operations including concept development, marketing, and national roll-outs. Prior to joining Trader Vic's, Davies oversaw Business Development activities for the Australian Trade Commission where he was directly responsible for a multi-million dollar increase in wine imports to the United States.
As President and CEO, Davies will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operation of the Trader Vic's empire that continues to expand around the world with both company-owned and franchised restaurants.
The newest Trader Vic's restaurant will open February 28, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. Other recent new Trader Vic's openings include Shanghai, China; Bellevue, Washington; Destin, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona. Additional 2007 openings are slated for Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; Maui, Hawaii; Doha, Qatar; Amman, Jordan; and Beijing, China. The first Trader Vic's Mai Tai Bar will open in Dubai in April 2007.
The global expansion has literally taken off. Trader Vic's has partnered with United Airlines to offer Polynesian-inspired lunch and dinner selections on all mainland flights to and from Hawaii as well as the signature Trader Vic's Mai Tai in both United First(R) and United Business(R). The overwhelming response led United to expand the Trader Vic's offerings to United flights from Tokyo to Singapore; Hong Kong, Bangkok and Taiwan.
"It's an honor to join Trader Vic's," said Davies. "We are seeing a great resurgence in the Trade Vic's brand, not only around the world, but here in the United States. Many of our loyal guests grew up with Trader Vic's and have fond memories of our restaurants. I am proud that I will be able to carry on the legacy of the Trader as we share it with new and old friends alike around the world."
Founded in 1934, Trader Vic's Inc. is a group of company-owned and franchised restaurants. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Trader Vic's has locations stretching from the United States to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.