Chain executive Russ Bendel selected to serve in leadership role for state restaurant industry

Russ Bendel was chosen by his peers to serve as Vice Chairman of the California Restaurant Association (CRA). Bendel is currently the CEO of the Santa Barbara-based The Habit Burger Grill and will lead the association alongside Steve Fricker, the CRA chairman of the board.

“Russ Bendel is an industry leader with innovative and sound judgment. We are thrilled he has accepted the position as vice chairman of our association,” said Jot Condie, CRA president and CEO. “His involvement in the industry from the educational level all the way up to management has helped shape our industry and will continue to do so,” Condie added.

Prior to working for The Habit, Bendel held top posts as president, COO, CEO and partner of The Cheesecake Factory, Mimi’s Café, Roy’s Restaurants, Outback Steakhouse, El Torito and Panda Express. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel administration from Florida International University in Miami.

In 2003, Bendel was honored as Operator of the Year at the MUFSO conference in Atlanta. He was also recognized as the Restaurateur of the Year in Orange County (2004) and was given UCLA’s Creative Partnership Award (2005). Bendel takes great pride in his position on the board of the Culinary School for the Art Institute of Los Angeles/ Orange County. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Collins School of Hospitality Management at California State Polytechnic University.