Management Team
Michael P. O’Donnell,
President & Chief Executive Officer
As President and Chief Executive Officer for Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Michael is responsible for the overall strategic and operational direction of the company. Michael is a restaurant industry veteran bringing more than 25 years of industry experience to the Ruth's Hospitality Group team.
Prior to joining the company, Michael served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Champps Entertainment, Inc., an experience that culminated in the successful sale of the company to Fox and Hound Restaurant Group in late 2007. Prior to that, he held the position of President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Sbarro, Inc., where he was responsible for all operational and strategic aspects of managing more than 1,000 restaurants including Sbarro, Boulder Creek Steak & Saloon, Rothmann's Steakhouse and Carmela's of Brooklyn brands, in 46 states and 34 countries. Michael's experience at Sbarro culminated in the successful sale of the company to a private equity firm in early 2005, a transaction that resulted in very significant value creation for the existing shareholders of Sbarro.
Additionally, Michael held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of New Business at Outback Steakhouse, Inc., where he had full responsibility for all non-Outback Steakhouse brands, including Roy's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Cheeseburger in Paradise. Prior to that, he served as President of the Roy's brand at Outback Steakhouse, Inc.
Michael received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Michael serves on the board of directors for Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Cosi, Inc. and Sbarro, Inc.
Robert M. Vincent,
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Bob brings expertise in accounting, reporting and internal systems to his responsibilities of overseeing the largest support department at Ruth's home office in all aspects of corporate finance, accounting, investor relations, internal audit and information technology.
Bob adds more than 30 years of finance and accounting experience to Ruth's finance management team. Most recently, Bob served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation, where he was responsible for the management of all accounting and financial activity for the system of more than 200 company-owned and franchised casual full-service restaurants.
Additionally, Bob has served as the Chief Financial Officer for Omega Corporation and as the Vice President of Finance for Boston Restaurant Associates, Inc. where he was responsible for the management of financial activity for a chain of retail restaurants.
Bob received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Accounting from Suffolk University in Boston, MA and a Masters of Business Administration from Babson College in Wellesley, MA.
Kevin Toomy,
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ruth's Chris Steak House
Mr. Toomy brings more than thirty years of operations experience and successful leadership to Ruth's Hospitality Group. He started his career serving as a General Manager for Steak & Ale, Corporation, and shortly thereafter, joined two former Steak & Ale executives to grow the now nationwide Houston's restaurant brand. He has acquired a unique mix of owner, operator, and franchisee experience. Kevin has also been a Joint Venture Partner for the well respected Roy's and Outback Steakhouse brands and, prior to joining the Company, served most recently as Owner and President of the award winning Goldcoast Seafood Grill in South Florida. He joined the Company as Vice President of Special Projects in September 2008.
Thomas E. O'Keefe,
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
As Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Tom is responsible for the management of Development and Construction, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Franchise Development.
Previously, Tom served as Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc. Senior Vice President and General Counsel after joining the company in March 2005. From October 2003 to March 2005, Mr. O'Keefe was engaged in the private practice of law as a sole practitioner practicing in the areas of franchise, product distribution, antitrust and general corporate law. From August 1993 to September 2003, Tom was Vice President and General Counsel to G.C. & K. B. Investments, Inc. d/b/a "SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune-Up," an international franchisor of automobile service centers. From 1991 to 1993, Tom served as Corporate Counsel to AFCE, Inc. d/b/a "Popeyes and Church's Chicken," an international franchisor of quick-service restaurants.
Tom received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Boston College in 1982. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University in 1985 and was admitted to the Louisiana Bar. In 2005, Tom was admitted to the Florida Bar.
Sarah C. Jackson,
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
As Senior Vice President of Human Resources of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., Sarah is responsible for leading a dynamic team in recruiting, education, benefits administration, employee relations and general compliance guidelines for the Company.
Sarah brings years of experience to the management team. Previously, Sarah served as Vice President of Human Resources at Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc. when she joined the Company in 2006.
Most recently, Sarah led Tony Roma's Human Resource and training teams for two and a half years. Prior to that, Sarah spent 15 years with Darden Restaurants, Inc., and had leadership roles in human resources, training, operations development and training with Casa Lupita Mexican Restaurants and Grisanti's Italian Restaurants.