Management Team
Michael P. O’Donnell,
President & Chief Executive Officer
As President and Chief Executive Officer for Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Michael is responsible for the overall strategic and operational direction of the company. Michael is a restaurant industry veteran bringing more than 25 years of industry experience to the Ruth's Hospitality Group team.
Prior to joining the company, Michael served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Champps Entertainment, Inc., an experience that culminated in the successful sale of the company to Fox and Hound Restaurant Group in late 2007. Prior to that, he held the position of President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Sbarro, Inc., where he was responsible for all operational and strategic aspects of managing more than 1,000 restaurants including Sbarro, Boulder Creek Steak & Saloon, Rothmann's Steakhouse and Carmela's of Brooklyn brands, in 46 states and 34 countries. Michael's experience at Sbarro culminated in the successful sale of the company to a private equity firm in early 2005, a transaction that resulted in very significant value creation for the existing shareholders of Sbarro.
Additionally, Michael held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of New Business at Outback Steakhouse, Inc., where he had full responsibility for all non-Outback Steakhouse brands, including Roy's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Cheeseburger in Paradise. Prior to that, he served as President of the Roy's brand at Outback Steakhouse, Inc.
Michael received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Michael serves on the board of directors for Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Cosi, Inc. and Sbarro, Inc.
Robert M. Vincent,
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Bob brings expertise in accounting, reporting and internal systems to his responsibilities of overseeing the largest support department at Ruth's home office in all aspects of corporate finance, accounting, investor relations, internal audit and information technology.
Bob adds more than 30 years of finance and accounting experience to Ruth's finance management team. Most recently, Bob served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation, where he was responsible for the management of all accounting and financial activity for the system of more than 200 company-owned and franchised casual full-service restaurants.
Additionally, Bob has served as the Chief Financial Officer for Omega Corporation and as the Vice President of Finance for Boston Restaurant Associates, Inc. where he was responsible for the management of financial activity for a chain of retail restaurants.
Bob received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Accounting from Suffolk University in Boston, MA and a Masters of Business Administration from Babson College in Wellesley, MA.
Kevin Toomy,
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ruth's Chris Steak House
Mr. Toomy brings more than thirty years of operations experience and successful leadership to Ruth's Hospitality Group. He started his career serving as a General Manager for Steak & Ale, Corporation, and shortly thereafter, joined two former Steak & Ale executives to grow the now nationwide Houston's restaurant brand. He has acquired a unique mix of owner, operator, and franchisee experience. Kevin has also been a Joint Venture Partner for the well respected Roy's and Outback Steakhouse brands and, prior to joining the Company, served most recently as Owner and President of the award winning Goldcoast Seafood Grill in South Florida. He joined the Company as Vice President of Special Projects in September 2008.
Sam Tancredi,
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Mitchell's Fish Market
Mr. Tancredi brings more than thirty years of restaurant operations experience to Mitchell's Fish Market, including five years as President, Franchisee and Development Partner of nine Bonefish Grills. He began his career in the hospitality industry serving as General Manager and Western Regional Training Manager for The Magic Pan concept in Boston, MA. He also served as a Regional Vice President and Vice President for New Concepts of Louisville, KY based Chi Chi's. Prior to that, Mr. Tancredi spent twelve years in leadership roles at Outback Steakhouse, Inc., initially as a Joint Venture Partner, followed by service as President of Outback Catering. Most recently, Mr. Tancredi was a Franchisee and Chief Operating Officer of six Paradise Bakery & Cafes in Indianapolis, IN.
Sarah C. Jackson,
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
As Senior Vice President of Human Resources of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Sarah is responsible for leading a dynamic team in recruiting, education, benefits administration, employee relations and general compliance guidelines for the Company.
Sarah brings years of experience to the management team. Previously, Sarah served as Vice President of Human Resources at Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc. when she joined the Company in 2006.
Most recently, Sarah led Tony Roma's Human Resource and training teams for two and a half years. Prior to that, Sarah spent 15 years with Darden Restaurants, Inc., and had leadership roles in human resources, training, operations development and training with Casa Lupita Mexican Restaurants and Grisanti's Italian Restaurants.