Charles ”Chuck” Frank | President & Restaurateur, CAF Restaurant Services, Inc. | Ep#40🎙The Restaurant Dealmaker Show🎙

Ep#40🎙The Restaurant Dealmaker Show🎙
Charles "Chuck" Frank
President & Restaurateur
CAF Restaurant Services, Inc.

Prego. Chianti. MacArthur Park. Tutto Mare. Il Fornaio. Johnny Rockets. What do all of these California restaurants have in common? One man: Charles “Chuck” Frank.

What do all of these California restaurants have in common? One man: Charles “Chuck” Frank.

Charles “Chuck” Frank is a seasoned restaurant industry leader whose nearly 45-year career has spanned roles from CFO to COO to President, driving growth and operational success for some of the country’s most iconic hospitality brands. A Wharton graduate and CPA, Frank initially never planned to enter the restaurant world—until a chance opportunity pulled him from snowy Philadelphia to sunny California, where he joined Spectrum Foods and helped it grow from four to sixteen restaurants. That pivotal move sparked a lifelong passion for the food and beverage business. He went on to spearhead the expansion of Johnny Rockets from a struggling four-unit chain into a 100-location national success story, later serving in executive roles or advisory capacities for Grill Concepts, Inc., which includes The Grill on the Alley, Daily Grill, and Public School Restaurants. After being hired as a consultant at Il Fornaio by his former partner, Mindel, Frank became the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer during a rapid growth period. Known for his ability to scale businesses and streamline operations, Frank also held leadership roles outside the restaurant world—including president of MSA Industries, where he helped grow revenues from $45 million to $300 million before its sale to DuPont. As a co-founder of Spivak & Frank, LLC, he has consulted for brands big (Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins) and small (Take a Bao, Kichi Grill), always bringing insider insight and operational excellence to the table. Most recently, Frank served as interim Executive Director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and has continued supporting clients during the pandemic and beyond, advising landlords, hotel operators, and developers in crafting successful restaurant partnerships. With a pragmatic, win-win philosophy and an unmatched depth of experience, Frank remains a trusted force in hospitality strategy and growth.

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