Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> April 1, 2003
MICHAEL SNYDER is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. When Mr. Snyder walked into
the original Red Robin' restaurant in Seattle in 1978, he
immediately became enamored with the restaurant's gourmet burgers
and emphasis on quality. Soon after, Mr. Snyder and his brother,
Steve, became Red Robin's original franchisee. After many
successful years as a Red Robin franchisee, he became President
of Red Robin International in 1996. While implementing a number
of turnaround initiatives, Mr. Snyder strengthened the company's
gourmet burger focus, recruited a new management team, upgraded
the management information systems, streamlined in-restaurant
operations, improved guest service and closed under-performing
restaurants. In 1997, he became Chairman and CEO. In addition to
making strategic and operational changes, he also introduced a
values-based business and lifestyle approach by establishing the
company pillars of living with honor and integrity, continually
seeking knowledge and having fun. Mr. Snyder believes these
values make Red Robin unique, and the 'unbridled' tales of Team
Members following his approach are legendary throughout the Red
Robin system. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and
Finance from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.
Mr. Snyder has shared his success through his support of many
charitable organizations. As a result of his leadership, Red
Robin's average annual restaurant sales ($3 million) and
restaurant level operating profit (over 19%) for comparable
company owned restaurants are among the highest in the restaurant
industry today. Profile
Mr. Snyder: Red Robin has been around for over 20 years. I first
became involved with Red Robin in 1979 when I became the first
franchisee of
