Local Favorite Restaurants Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Local Favorite Restaurants has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, organizational alignment, financial planning, and brand development.

Committed to culinary excellence and guest satisfaction, Local Favorite Restaurants curates a diverse portfolio of dining concepts while fostering sustainable growth across the competitive hospitality landscape.

Leadership Roles at Local Favorite Restaurants

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Karns
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Price
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jessy John
  • President, Emerging Brands - Moises Rodriguez
  • Chief of Staff - Chelsie DiPaolo
  • Michael Karns - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Karns, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Local Favorite Restaurants, directs the overarching vision and long-term strategic trajectory for the entire hospitality portfolio. By identifying unique market opportunities, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer architects the expansion of diverse dining concepts across North American markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to ensure alignment between operational performance and corporate objectives. Michael Karns maintains a focus on scaling the business model while preserving the distinct identity of every restaurant brand under the corporate umbrella. Through rigorous oversight of high-level initiatives, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives revenue growth and strengthens the competitive positioning of the organization. Karns prioritizes the development of scalable systems that support consistent quality across all locations, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the hospitality sector through innovation and disciplined execution.

    Ryan Price - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Price, the Chief Financial Officer at Local Favorite Restaurants, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire restaurant portfolio. Directing financial planning, budgeting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet while pursuing aggressive growth targets. This role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions and optimizing the cost structure across all dining concepts. Ryan Price collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new restaurant acquisitions and expansion projects. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the assets of the organization and maximizes shareholder value. Price monitors cash flow and profitability metrics to provide actionable insights that guide strategic decision-making. Through this disciplined approach to financial management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term stability and competitive strength of the company within the hospitality industry.

    Jessy John - Chief Operating Officer

    Jessy John, the Chief Operating Officer at Local Favorite Restaurants, manages the daily operational efficiency and service standards across the entire restaurant collection. Overseeing supply chain logistics and labor management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every dining concept maintains peak performance levels. This role requires constant coordination with regional managers to optimize workflows and reduce overhead costs. Jessy John implements standardized protocols that enhance guest experiences while simultaneously driving profitability for the organization. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Chief Operating Officer identifies areas for operational improvement and executes necessary adjustments to maintain high service quality. John facilitates seamless communication between front-of-house teams and corporate leadership to ensure that operational goals align with the broader mission of the company. Through this focus on operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer secures the long-term viability and market success of the diverse restaurant portfolio.
    Jessy John

    Moises Rodriguez - President, Emerging Brands

    Moises Rodriguez, the President, Emerging Brands at Local Favorite Restaurants, leads the development and market entry of new, innovative restaurant concepts. Identifying untapped consumer segments, the President, Emerging Brands architects the growth strategy for experimental dining ventures that diversify the company portfolio. This role involves overseeing the branding, menu development, and initial launch phases for all new concepts to ensure they resonate with target demographics. Moises Rodriguez collaborates with marketing and operations teams to refine the value proposition of each emerging brand before scaling them into broader markets. By testing new service models and culinary trends, the President, Emerging Brands drives innovation and keeps the company at the forefront of the hospitality sector. Rodriguez monitors the performance of these new ventures, making data-driven adjustments to ensure long-term viability. Through this focus on brand incubation, the President, Emerging Brands contributes significantly to the overall growth and market relevance of the organization.

    Chelsie DiPaolo - Chief of Staff

    Chelsie DiPaolo, the Chief of Staff at Local Favorite Restaurants, coordinates cross-functional initiatives and streamlines communication between executive leadership and internal departments. Managing the flow of critical information, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive the necessary attention and resources for successful implementation. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and tracking the progress of key corporate projects to ensure timely completion. Chelsie DiPaolo acts as a central point of contact for organizational planning, enabling the executive team to focus on core business objectives. By fostering collaboration across different restaurant concepts, the Chief of Staff drives internal alignment and operational cohesion. DiPaolo monitors the execution of company-wide policies, ensuring that every department adheres to the established standards of excellence. Through this administrative leadership, the Chief of Staff supports the overall efficiency and growth of the organization, allowing the leadership team to maintain a clear focus on market expansion.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Local Favorite Restaurants Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Local Favorite Restaurants?
    Local Favorite Restaurants is led by Michael Karns (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ryan Price (Chief Financial Officer) and Jessy John (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Local Favorite Restaurants’s executive team?
    The executive team of Local Favorite Restaurants includes leaders such as Michael Karns (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Ryan Price (Chief Financial Officer), Jessy John (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Local Favorite Restaurants have?
    Local Favorite Restaurants has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Local Favorite Restaurants’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Local Favorite Restaurants includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Emerging Brands, Chief of Staff.