The Independent Restaurant Coalition’s all volunteer Board of Directors is made up of industry leaders who understand firsthand what it takes to opearte an independent restaurant or bar. Their experience shapes our work—advocating for policies that address the unique challenges of this industry and ensure its long-term viability. Independent restaurants and bars are essential to their communities and the national economy, and our board is committed to building a more sustainable future for them. Being independent doesn’t mean being alone, and their leadership helps unite and strengthen this industry through grassroots engagement, strategic partnerships, and legislative advocacy.
Board of Directors
- Oluwatoyin Adewumi, Executive Chef & Owner, TamBo’s Kitchen Avon, MA
- Nate Adler, Owner, RAD Restaurants Brooklyn, NY
- Tyler Akin, Founder, Form-Function Hospitality, Philadelphia, PA
- Codi Bates, Owner/Operator, Bates Co. Lawrence & Topeka, KS
- Bob Bennett, Head Chef, Zingerman’s Roadhouse Ann Arbor, MI
- Stella Dennig, Co-Owner & GM, Daytrip Oakland, CA
- Dan Jacobs, Chef & Owner, DanDan & EsterEv, Milwaukee, WI
- Cheetie Kumar, Chef & Owner, Ajja, Raleigh, NC
- Irene Li, CEO, Prepshift Boston, MA
- David Nayfeld, Chef & Co-Founder, Back Home Hospitality (Che Fico, Che Fico Pizzeria, Che Fico Parco Menlo, Via Aurelia)
- Adam Orman, Co-Owner, L'Oca d'Oro & Bambino, Austin, TX
- Kristen Rauch, Executive Director, Eat Denver, Denver, CO
- Hollis Wells Silverman, Owner, Eastern Point Collective Washington, D.C.
- Rosa Thurnher, Owner, El Ponce Atlanta, GA
- Corrie Wang, Owner/CFO, Jackrabbit Filly & King BBQ North Charleston, SC
Founders
- Tyler Akin
- Katie Button
- Kevin Boehm
- Andrew Chason
- Ashley Christensen
- Amanda Cohen
- Tom Colicchio
- Gregory Gourdet
- Will Guidara
- Sam Kass
- Max Katzenberg
- Donnie Madia
- Camilla Marcus
- Ivy Mix
- David Nayfeld
- Kwame Onwuachi
- Naomi Pomeroy
- Erika Polmar
- Michael Shemtov
- Bobby Stuckey
- Caroline Styne
- Robert St. John
- Andrew Zimmern