Dan Smith, Chief Executive Officer, has led the Elliot Advantage consulting division since its inception, consulting with organizations of all sizes and scale, across a variety of segments throughout the hospitality industry, while also serving as President of its parent company, The Elliot Group. Under Dan’s leadership, Elliot Advantage has worked to open, grow, stabilize and develop national and international concepts, including a range of fast casual restaurants, franchising operations, fine dining establishments and hotel partners.
Dan has taken his vast industry experience, from past work in all facets of the restaurant business, to apply his knowledge to his client’s needs. Previously serving as President and CEO of upscale, full- service dining and boutique hotel food and beverage management with Turntable Restaurant Group, an affiliate of China Grill Management, as well as casual dining, gaming, entertainment, and concert promotion with Jillian’s Entertainment. Dan has also held Senior Management positions in quick service restaurants, both domestically and internationally, with then PepsiCo owned Kentucky Fried Chicken, as well as Domino’s Pizza. Additionally, Dan has worked with restaurant technology systems, providing inventory and supply chain management, and back office support services to the hospitality industry and franchisee organizations.
Dan’s forte’ is developing systems, processes, and organizations to allow restaurant companies to expand effectively and efficiently. Dan has also worked closely with Private Equity firms, providing consultation on emerging businesses, mostly in the restaurant industry.
Dan has a BA from Denison University and an MMA from The Kellogg School at Northwestern University. He won the Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Kentuckian Region in 2001 from Ernst and Young, NASDAQ, CNN, and USA Today. He sat on the board of the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Alumni Advisory Board for Kellogg.
Dan resides in Austin, Texas with his wife and two sons.