Steven J. Wagenheim
Chief Executive Officer, President & Founder
Mr. Wagenheim has over 22 years of hospitality industry experience as corporate executive, owner/operator, manager and consultant for hotels, resorts, individual and multi-unit restaurant operations.
Mr. Wagenheim was involved in the expansion and operations of Champps Americana restaurants since 1989. Mr. Wagenheim was co-developer of the concept when he joined Champps founder Dean Vlahos as the company's first executive officer. In that capacity Mr. Wagenheim systematized the Champps operating system preparing it for roll-out purposes. Between 1989 and 1992, Mr. Wagenheim facilitated the openings of several Champps Americana stores, revamped its accounting and operating systems and made the concept franchise ready. Operating Income increased substantially during this period, fueling the concept's initial growth phase. Between 1992 and 1994 Mr. Wagenheim was Chief Executive Officer and Director of Champps Development Group, Inc. which operated several Champps restaurants in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mr. Wagenheim merged Champps Development Inc. with DAKA International to become a subsidiary of DAKA. He served as President and a Director of Americana Dining Corporation ("ADC") which operated Champps in Minnesota and developed Champps restaurants in Ohio. ADC also had the development rights in Chicago and Florida. In 1996, Mr. Wagenheim sold his interest in ADC to DAKA International, Inc. and formed New Brighton Ventures, Inc.
Prior to his association with Champps Entertainment, Mr. Wagenheim was a principal of the Leisure Time Industries practice for the international accounting firm Laventhol & Horwath. He specialized in the restaurant industry with primary emphasis in the areas of operational management, the creation and implementation of accounting systems, conceptual evaluation, organizational development and productivity management. Mr. Wagenheim received his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and an associate degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America.
Contact Information
Phone: 612.751.3331
E-mail:
