TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT
{ FOOD & BEVERAGE } STEVE CHUCRI
ROBERT DELGADO
President and CEO Arizona Restaurant Association azrestaurant.org Chucri has helped the restaurant industry become almost a $10-billion-a-year industry in Arizona, based on annual sales. The insight Chucri has gathered through his experience with the Arizona Restaurant Association was a contributing factor in his decision to run for public office. Chucri, a Republican, was elected to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2012. Business advice: “The restaurant industry isn’t for the faint of heart. I believe it’s the best industry to be a part of and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. However, be sure to do your homework before even contemplating opening up your own restaurant. Fabulous service, amazing cuisine and a hip environment breed success.” Surprising fact: “I ride dirt bikes and ATVs with my kids in the desert.”
President and CEO Hensley & Co. hensley.com
As leader of one of the country’s largest independently owned beer distributorships, Delgado is a nationally recognized leader in an industry that has seen much change during the span of his career. He brings to his position a background in business administration, certified public accountancy and community involvement. From the beginning of his career as a staff accountant with Hensley in 1975, Delgado experienced a succession of promotions. In 1994, he was appointed Hensley’s president and in 2000 became its CEO as well. He is a board member and past chairman of Greater Phoenix Leadership; board member of the Biltmore Bank of Arizona; board member and management committee member of Kitchell Corporation; board member of Stardust Companies; and a member of the ASU President’s Club.
RICH JOHNSTON
Market president, Rocky Mountains Sysco Foods sysco.com Johnston serves as market president of Rocky Mountains and member of Director’s Council at Sysco Corporation. Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and
ROD KEELING
President Arizona Wine Growers Association arizonawine.org Keeling, a winemaker at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, began making wine in 1998 and Keeling Schaefer’s first commercial vintage came in 2004. He is now president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association, which serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion and education. The association strives to advance with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizonagrown wines. Toughest challenge: “Right now, a number one responsibility would be to protect and defend farming rights and retain water rights. A second priority would be to establish a more defined wine brand for Arizona. We’re committed to having a focus on quality and authenticity.”
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distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the food service and hospitality industries. The company operates 196 distribution facilities, serving approximately 425,000 customers. For fiscal year 2015 that ended June 27, 2015, the company generated sales of more than $48 billion. Sysco Arizona’s main facility is located in Tolleson.
SHAWN THURMAN President Alliance Beverage Distribution Company alliance-beverage.com
Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Thurman was named president of Alliance Beverage in April 2013. Thurman joined Alliance’s parent company – Glazer’s – in 1982 as regional supervisor in Glazer’s corporate office in Dallas. A series of branch, state, regional and marketing promotions allowed Thurman the opportunity to develop his career throughout the organization in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Arizona. Previous to working for Alliance and Glazer’s, Thurman started with the Gallo Wine Company and Joseph E.
Seagram & Sons, Inc. Glazer’s is one of the leading U.S. spirits and wine distributors, with annual revenue of more than $3 billion, while Alliance is Arizona’s leading distributor, with sales of more than $400 million in 2013.