Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> May 19, 2003
DANIEL B. FITZPATRICK is Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Quality Dining, Inc. Quality Dining,
since its founding in 1981, has evolved from a two-unit Burger
King restaurant franchisee to a diversified restaurant holding
company which operates four restaurant concepts. Mr.
Fitzpatrick's organization operates 116 Burger King restaurants,
34 Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants, 15 Grady's American Grill
restaurants and nine Italian dinner house restaurants primarily
under the name of Papa Vino's. Quality Dining has distinguished
itself as one of the largest franchise restaurant companies in
the country, with a revenue base of nearly $230 million,
locations in 15 states and over 8,000 employees. Mr.
Fitzpatrick was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and is a product
of Catholic schools at both the elementary and high school level.
He is a graduate of the University of Toledo. Mr. Fitzpatrick
and his organization have been the recipients of numerous awards
and recognitions, both within and outside of his industry, as
well as in recognition of public service. Most notably, Mr.
Fitzpatrick was honored as one of Indiana's Entrepreneurs of the
Year in 1996 and in that same year was recognized by the National
Restaurant Association as an honoree for its Operator of the Year
award. Mr. Fitzpatrick has also been active in several civic
groups and organizations, including Madison Center, St. Joseph
Medical Center, Holy Cross College Board of Trustees, Women's
Care Center, St. Joseph Care Foundation, College Football Hall of
Fame, The Morris Performing Arts Center, Logan Center and over a
dozen other organizations within the Michiana community. Mr.
Fitzpatrick has been an active supporter of Catholic education
across the Fort Wayne/South Bend Diocese. His organization's
involvement and support through the You Can Lend A Hand program
and his leadership in the Bishop's Appeal program have been
central to his community service. Mr. Fitzpatrick and his wife
Cathy have been married 23 years and have four children. Profile
and concepts of Quality Dining?
Mr. Fitzpatrick: We are in the restaurant business with a large
base of franchised restaurants.
