Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, revenue, marketing, technology, operations, and divisional management.

Committed to culinary excellence and guest satisfaction, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises delivers diverse dining experiences across multiple states while maintaining a legacy of innovation and hospitality excellence.

Leadership Roles at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Rj Melman
  • Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions - Howard Katz
  • Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer - Retta Kekic
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Partner - Jennifer Bell
  • Chief Information Officer & At Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Executive Partner - Michael Haley
  • Managing Partner - Mark Tormey
  • Rj Melman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Rj Melman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire restaurant portfolio. Overseeing national expansion across diverse markets, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational consistency while fostering a culture of culinary creativity. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with divisional partners to refine the guest experience and optimize portfolio performance. By monitoring market trends across Illinois, Arizona, and beyond, Rj Melman drives long-term growth and brand sustainability. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for service quality, ensuring every restaurant location reflects the core values of the organization. Through strategic oversight of capital allocation and talent development, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the company within the broader hospitality industry, ultimately guiding the enterprise toward continued success in a dynamic, multi-state landscape.

    Howard Katz - Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions

    Howard Katz, the Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, directs the strategic growth and operational performance of these specific restaurant brands. Overseeing menu development, supply chain logistics, and team leadership for these divisions, the Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions ensures that each location meets the high standards of the company. This leadership role involves scaling these concepts across various states while maintaining brand integrity and culinary quality. By analyzing divisional performance metrics, Howard Katz optimizes operational workflows and enhances profitability. The Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions collaborates with other executive leaders to align divisional goals with the broader corporate strategy. Through focused management and a commitment to excellence, the Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions drives the success of these key brands, ensuring continued relevance and growth in the competitive restaurant market.

    Retta Kekic - Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer

    Retta Kekic, the Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, architects the financial frameworks and revenue generation strategies that sustain the company. Overseeing the fiscal health of diverse dining concepts, the Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer ensures profitability through meticulous analysis of menu pricing, operational costs, and market demand. This leadership role requires close coordination with the executive team to align revenue goals with the broader mission of providing exceptional dining experiences. By leveraging data-driven insights across regional operations, Retta Kekic optimizes the financial performance of private dining and event services. The Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer manages complex revenue streams, ensuring the organization remains agile in response to shifting economic conditions. Through strategic planning and financial oversight, the Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer strengthens the market presence of the company, ensuring consistent growth and long-term stability across all geographic territories.

    Jennifer Bell - Chief Marketing Officer & Partner

    Jennifer Bell, the Chief Marketing Officer & Partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, directs all brand positioning and consumer engagement initiatives. Overseeing the digital presence and promotional strategies for a vast array of restaurant concepts, the Chief Marketing Officer & Partner ensures consistent brand messaging across all regional markets. This leadership role involves crafting campaigns that highlight the unique culinary offerings and private dining capabilities of the organization. By analyzing consumer behavior and market trends, Jennifer Bell drives customer loyalty and increases brand visibility. The Chief Marketing Officer & Partner collaborates with operational leaders to synchronize marketing efforts with seasonal menu launches and special events. Through innovative outreach and strategic partnerships, the Chief Marketing Officer & Partner expands the reach of the company, ensuring that the diverse portfolio remains top-of-mind for guests seeking high-quality dining experiences in every state of operation.
    Jennifer Bell

    Michael Haley - Chief Information Officer & At Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Executive Partner

    Michael Haley, the Chief Information Officer & At Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Executive Partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, architects the technological infrastructure supporting all restaurant operations. Overseeing the integration of point-of-sale systems, reservation platforms, and data analytics, the Chief Information Officer & At Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Executive Partner ensures seamless digital interactions for guests and staff. This leadership role involves modernizing internal processes to improve efficiency and service delivery across the entire multi-state footprint. By implementing scalable software solutions, Michael Haley supports the operational needs of diverse dining concepts. The Chief Information Officer & At Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Executive Partner collaborates with the executive team to leverage technology for enhanced decision-making and improved guest satisfaction. Through continuous innovation and robust system management, the Chief Information Officer & At Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Executive Partner secures the digital foundation of the company, enabling sustained growth and operational excellence.

    Mark Tormey - Managing Partner

    Mark Tormey, the Managing Partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, directs the daily operations and strategic execution for key restaurant locations. Overseeing staff management, service standards, and quality control, the Managing Partner ensures that every guest receives an exceptional dining experience. This leadership role involves managing the complexities of high-volume environments while maintaining the unique identity of each concept. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, Mark Tormey drives operational efficiency and team performance. The Managing Partner collaborates with corporate leadership to implement company-wide initiatives and refine service protocols. Through hands-on management and a focus on guest satisfaction, the Managing Partner contributes to the overall success and reputation of the organization. Mark Tormey maintains a sharp focus on local market dynamics, ensuring that each restaurant remains a preferred destination for diners seeking quality and consistency in every meal served.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises?
    Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises is led by Rj Melman (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Howard Katz (Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions) and Retta Kekic (Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer).
    Who is part of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises includes leaders such as Rj Melman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Howard Katz (Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions), Retta Kekic (Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises have?
    Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Divisional President of Wild Fire and Big Bowl Divisions, Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Marketing Officer & Partner, Chief Information Officer & At Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants Executive Partner.