The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) recently announced the appointment of Rob Free as its chairman of the board for the year 2020. Free is currently in his 16th year with Be Our Guest Ltd. serving as Vice President, Food & Beverage for the Buffalo Bisons minor league baseball team and the Buffalo Waterfront.
Rob Free brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. He has worked and supervised fast-casual dining establishments, sit-down white tablecloth restaurants, chain restaurants, entertainment venue concessions, and sandwich and catering stores.
The many years Free has served within the industry has allowed him to develop several areas of expertise. This includes design and layout, menu development, marketing and communications, training program development and financial analysis.
“We are excited to have Rob as the chairman of our board of directors. His expertise, his experience and professionalism will help guide our association through a successful 2020. He understands the issues facing our industry and is a great advocate for the rights of restaurant operators throughout New York. We look forward to seeing what next year will bring,” said Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association.
Free currently serves on the Erie County Board of Health, the Local Food Policy Council of Buffalo and Erie County, and on the board of supervisors for the Brewing Science and Service Program at Erie County Community College. He is also part of the advisory council for Access Buffalo.
“It is a privilege and honor to be named chairman of the board of directors for NYSRA. The association plays a vital role for restaurants across the state in ensuring they are able to operate successfully and are not overburdened by regulations. I look forward to working with them and building on their success in 2020,” said Rob Free, Vice President of Foodservice Operations for the Buffalo Bisons.
Rob Free’s term began on January 1, 2020 and will run through December 31, 2020. Other Association Officers include: Steve Lupo, Sam A. Lupo & Sons in Endicott, NY and Kevin Goggins, Outback Steakhouse in Clifton Park, NY.
Free currently resides in the Town of Hamburg with his wife and two children.
The New York State Restaurant Association has been giving restaurateurs the power to succeed since 1935. The Association provides a platform for statewide cooperation and leadership on advocacy issues, along with valuable support services to members.
