Samuel Stanovich, Craveworthy Brands | Big Chicken

Samuel, also known as the International People Connector, has been involved with the hospitality industry for over two decades.  Currently he serves as the Senior Vice President of Franchise Leadership and Alliances.  He has developed expertise in strategic relationships. Samuel serves as an executive to Midwest Catering and Emergency Services, providing fresh and shelf stable catering for natural disasters and government agencies. Prior to joining the Big Chicken, Samuel served as Area Representative for Firehouse Subs responsible for Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana.  Samuel’s restaurant serves as the training restaurant for the market. Based on his team’s restaurant catering success, of being in the top 1% of all Firehouse Subs restaurants for catering, Samuel co-authored the top restaurant catering book “Catering Domination” to support restauranteurs in their development of a strategic catering business. Prior experience includes Director Partner Product Development & Industry Relations, National Restaurant Association including the support of the National Restaurant Association Military Foundation. President & CEO of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, in addition, he is a 12-year veteran of Marriott International.
Samuel holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and associate degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from Johnson and Wales University.  Along with a certificate in Project Management form Loyola University.
Samuel volunteers his efforts to serve as ambassador to L.E.A.D., a non-profit focused on developing the next generation of hospitality executives.  Former board of directors for the Bellwood Chamber of Commerce and recently past board member of Housing Forward, an Illinois based homeless prevention organization.  Other activities include Advisory Board Member of the Illinois Restaurant Association, member of Les Amis d’Escoffier Society; special advisor to Pink Divas and Gents, a nonprofit supporting cancer awareness in minority communities, and strategic adviser to Baci Hospitality Group.  Past board of directors for the American Culinary Federation Chicago Chefs of Cuisine, past- president of the International Food Service Executives Association- Northern Illinois Chapter. Nightclub and Bar Magazine Advisory Council and co-chair of Teresa’s Trotters Cancer Team.
Samuel is a moderator and speaking participant at many conferences and the co-host of the Catering Domination Podcast and formerly co-host Takeout, Delivery and Catering podcast on the Foodable network.  Samuel frequently presents at international industry events and teaching for the College of DuPage Hospitality program. Samuel resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife (Carmia), and has two adult children (Constantine and Adriana).