Michael Beacham, with over 35 years in the restaurant industry as a career-long operator of some of the world’s largest brands, has been a regular at conferences and on boards to promote industry growth and initiatives. Now leading operations and growth at California Pizza Kitchen, he most recently led Earl Enterprises, which includes marquee brands such as Planet Hollywood, Brio Bravo, Buca Di Beppo, Chicken Guy’s, Earl of Sandwich, and VDC brands like MrBeast Burger. He also served as President of REEF and, prior to that, as President of Darden International, where he was responsible for the international portfolio and overall franchise strategy, development, and execution.
From 2011 until 2016, Mr. Beacham served as Chief Operations Officer of Hard Rock Cafe International. In this role, he oversaw all corporate operations worldwide, as well as the franchise division, and was responsible for the growth and expansion of the organization in 72 countries. Mr. Beacham also served as Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President of Moscow-based Rosinter Restaurants, Eastern Europe’s largest restaurant company, operating brands such as TGI Friday’s, Costa Coffee, KFC, Benihana, and many more. He served as Vice President of International Development for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, responsible for the growth of TGI Friday’s international portfolio into 70 countries around the globe. Additionally, he served as Vice President of Operations and Development for The Hospitality Development Group, where he opened their international division for the former American Express affiliate.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Beacham served as Director of Operations and Director of Restaurants for Marriott Hotels, Suites, and Resorts, and as Vice President of Marketing for the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce. He was also an adjunct professor of Restaurant Management at several universities in New Jersey. Mr. Beacham graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and attended both George Washington University and Harvard Business School.
