Our Leadership Team
At Restaura, our strength lies in the exceptional talent and diverse expertise of our team. Our leaders are visionaries, unafraid to challenge the status quo, driving innovation and excellence in every aspect of residential dining.
Meet Our Team
Richard B. Schenkel
Founder & Executive Chairman
Richard B. Schenkel
Founder & Executive Chairman
Richard Schenkel is a founder, a business builder, and industry disrupter with a passion for driving organizational growth and tapping into unseen potential.
In 2001, he founded Unidine Corporation to be an insurgent in the market, the first company of its kind to provide strategic dining management services focused on culture, culinary and service.
In the years to follow, he built Unidine into a $700M+ sales revenue ($800M in managed volume) company with over 7,000 team members. Richard led Unidine through the full life cycle of business development from privately funded, to private equity, to capital group. When Compass Group, USA partnered to acquire Unidine, Richard delivered 9X multiple of invested capital (M.O.I.C) shareholder return from the transaction.
In 2021, he created Compass Community Living, the largest senior living and support service company in the USA and globally. He served as the Founder and CEO. Under Richard’s discerning leadership, Compass Community Living’s 15K+ employees provided hospitality and service excellence to more than 1400+ retirement communities, behavioral health facilities, and acute care hospitals across the US, delivering $1.3B in revenue. Richard’s business acumen is grounded in taking calculated risks while scaling effectively, nurturing strong company culture by aligning team members to a purpose-driven mission, and maximizing shareholder value.
Richard holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin. Richard worked at the executive level for industry giants Aramark and Marriott Corporation where he gained valuable industry experience which effectively laid the groundwork for his future disruption of the industry.
In 2001, he founded Unidine Corporation to be an insurgent in the market, the first company of its kind to provide strategic dining management services focused on culture, culinary and service.
In the years to follow, he built Unidine into a $700M+ sales revenue ($800M in managed volume) company with over 7,000 team members. Richard led Unidine through the full life cycle of business development from privately funded, to private equity, to capital group. When Compass Group, USA partnered to acquire Unidine, Richard delivered 9X multiple of invested capital (M.O.I.C) shareholder return from the transaction.
In 2021, he created Compass Community Living, the largest senior living and support service company in the USA and globally. He served as the Founder and CEO. Under Richard’s discerning leadership, Compass Community Living’s 15K+ employees provided hospitality and service excellence to more than 1400+ retirement communities, behavioral health facilities, and acute care hospitals across the US, delivering $1.3B in revenue. Richard’s business acumen is grounded in taking calculated risks while scaling effectively, nurturing strong company culture by aligning team members to a purpose-driven mission, and maximizing shareholder value.
Richard holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin. Richard worked at the executive level for industry giants Aramark and Marriott Corporation where he gained valuable industry experience which effectively laid the groundwork for his future disruption of the industry.
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
Joseph P. Cuticelli
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Joseph P. Cuticelli
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Joe Cuticelli is a leader and business development mastermind with deep industry knowledge amassed from his years of leadership at one of the world’s largest employers.
As CEO of Sodexo North America, he led a business that generated $720M+ in managed volume. Prior to his role as CEO, Joe held numerous positions within Sodexo, including Regional Vice President for Sodexo Seniors in the northeast market, Vice President of Client Relations, and Director of Business Development for the Education Division.
Joe’s incisive insight into accelerating growth while streamlining operations and navigating complex global markets is guided by his wide-ranging leadership experience spanning operations management, sales, strategic planning, and culinary proficiency. In 2019, Joe stepped down from Sodexo and subsequently founded Marleon Capital, where he provides business expertise within the insurance restoration industries.
Joe offers advisory and consultative services to businesses in the senior living industry, recommending strategies to successfully scale their operations. Always driven by giving back, Joe serves as a Board Chair for the Generations United Board, an organization focused on enhancing the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs.
As CEO of Sodexo North America, he led a business that generated $720M+ in managed volume. Prior to his role as CEO, Joe held numerous positions within Sodexo, including Regional Vice President for Sodexo Seniors in the northeast market, Vice President of Client Relations, and Director of Business Development for the Education Division.
Joe’s incisive insight into accelerating growth while streamlining operations and navigating complex global markets is guided by his wide-ranging leadership experience spanning operations management, sales, strategic planning, and culinary proficiency. In 2019, Joe stepped down from Sodexo and subsequently founded Marleon Capital, where he provides business expertise within the insurance restoration industries.
Joe offers advisory and consultative services to businesses in the senior living industry, recommending strategies to successfully scale their operations. Always driven by giving back, Joe serves as a Board Chair for the Generations United Board, an organization focused on enhancing the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs.
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
Matthew Thompson
Chief Culinary Officer
Matthew Thompson
Chief Culinary Officer
Chef Matthew Thompson is a distinguished culinary executive recognized for his progressive, sustainable approach to creative menu development and hospitality. A transformational leader, he has been building best-in-class operational systems that produce meaningful social and economic impact for over 25 years.
At Restaura, Chef Matthew is committed to driving culinary artistry through creative menu development and inspiring his teams to deliver innovative, dynamic dining experiences with responsibly sourced ingredients.
Throughout his career, Chef Matthew has worked closely with industry leaders to further awareness of plant-based diets and advocate for healthy and sustainable lifestyles. He is a member of the Food Solutions New England (FSNE) Network Leadership Institute and was selected as a Network Advisory Council member with Farm to Institution New England (FINE) based on his expertise in food systems research, policy, and program implementation. Chef Matthew is a regular speaker and sustainability advocate for organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Culinary Institute of America Menus of Change and Global Plant Forward Culinary Summits, and the New York State Sustainability Conference.
Before joining Restaura, Chef Matthew was Chief Culinary Officer and co-founder of Harvest Table Culinary Group, a farm-to-institution dining business that leveraged regional sourcing strategies and wellness-focused experiences to universities. His work included enterprise-wide food data tracking programs to revolutionize the guest experience, a partnership with the World Resource Institute to deploy industry-first 3rd party certification to combat climate change, and industry-leading regional sourcing strategies. Chef Matthew has also held leadership roles with Aramark Corporation in Culinary Operations and as Regional Sustainability Director.
Chef Matthew completed a Master of Business Administration at Johnson & Wales University, and Levels II and III of the Culinary Institute of America ProChef certification programs. The American Culinary Federation recognizes him as a Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Administrator. He is also a ServeSafe-certified Food Safety Manager Trainer and Exam Proctor. Chef Matthew was honored with the Sustainable Pioneer Award from Long Island University.
Chef Matthew holds the title of World Certified Master Chef and is a Master Member of the World Master Chefs Society.
At Restaura, Chef Matthew is committed to driving culinary artistry through creative menu development and inspiring his teams to deliver innovative, dynamic dining experiences with responsibly sourced ingredients.
Throughout his career, Chef Matthew has worked closely with industry leaders to further awareness of plant-based diets and advocate for healthy and sustainable lifestyles. He is a member of the Food Solutions New England (FSNE) Network Leadership Institute and was selected as a Network Advisory Council member with Farm to Institution New England (FINE) based on his expertise in food systems research, policy, and program implementation. Chef Matthew is a regular speaker and sustainability advocate for organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Culinary Institute of America Menus of Change and Global Plant Forward Culinary Summits, and the New York State Sustainability Conference.
Before joining Restaura, Chef Matthew was Chief Culinary Officer and co-founder of Harvest Table Culinary Group, a farm-to-institution dining business that leveraged regional sourcing strategies and wellness-focused experiences to universities. His work included enterprise-wide food data tracking programs to revolutionize the guest experience, a partnership with the World Resource Institute to deploy industry-first 3rd party certification to combat climate change, and industry-leading regional sourcing strategies. Chef Matthew has also held leadership roles with Aramark Corporation in Culinary Operations and as Regional Sustainability Director.
Chef Matthew completed a Master of Business Administration at Johnson & Wales University, and Levels II and III of the Culinary Institute of America ProChef certification programs. The American Culinary Federation recognizes him as a Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Administrator. He is also a ServeSafe-certified Food Safety Manager Trainer and Exam Proctor. Chef Matthew was honored with the Sustainable Pioneer Award from Long Island University.
Chef Matthew holds the title of World Certified Master Chef and is a Master Member of the World Master Chefs Society.
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
Ross Dickmann
Chief Operating Officer
Ross Dickmann
Chief Operating Officer
Ross Dickmann serves as Chief Operating Officer at Restaura, where he leads transformative initiatives that create meaningful relationships and impact for clients, residents, and employees alike. His approach is rooted in innovation, differentiation, and a hands-on philosophy.
With over 30 years of distinguished leadership in the senior living and hospitality industries, Ross brings an exceptional operational pedigree to Restaura. He is highly experienced in managing complex corporate systems and specialized hospitality teams, consistently delivering best-in-class outcomes. Throughout his career, Ross has played a pivotal role in opening six premier Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) across the United States. Prior to joining Restaura, he served as Chief Operating Officer at the nationally recognized Moorings Park Institute in Naples, Florida.
Ross began his hospitality career with Marriott International and Hyatt Corporation, where he cultivated his deep operational expertise and executive acumen. His extensive experience and strategic insight make him an invaluable ambassador and liaison for Restaura’s clients, setting a standard of excellence and partnership.
Before entering the private sector, Ross served with distinction in the United States Coast Guard, retiring as a Master Chief after 21 years of active duty. His military tenure included executive-level and command roles in maritime law enforcement and national defense operations, providing him with a unique leadership foundation and mission-driven perspective.
With over 30 years of distinguished leadership in the senior living and hospitality industries, Ross brings an exceptional operational pedigree to Restaura. He is highly experienced in managing complex corporate systems and specialized hospitality teams, consistently delivering best-in-class outcomes. Throughout his career, Ross has played a pivotal role in opening six premier Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) across the United States. Prior to joining Restaura, he served as Chief Operating Officer at the nationally recognized Moorings Park Institute in Naples, Florida.
Ross began his hospitality career with Marriott International and Hyatt Corporation, where he cultivated his deep operational expertise and executive acumen. His extensive experience and strategic insight make him an invaluable ambassador and liaison for Restaura’s clients, setting a standard of excellence and partnership.
Before entering the private sector, Ross served with distinction in the United States Coast Guard, retiring as a Master Chief after 21 years of active duty. His military tenure included executive-level and command roles in maritime law enforcement and national defense operations, providing him with a unique leadership foundation and mission-driven perspective.
- Phone:+1 239-336-4514
- Email:rdickmann@restaura.com
Marc Hinson
Chief People Officer
Marc Hinson
Chief People Officer
With more than 30 years of hospitality leadership experience in both operations and human resources, Marc is known for building high-performing teams and strong company culture. Having worked for some of the most respected companies in the industry, his leadership is rooted in high standards, hospitality and empathy.
- Phone:703-244-8972
- Email:mhinson@phx3.com
Karen Lyon
Chief Marketing Officer
Karen Lyon
Chief Marketing Officer
Karen Lyon is a visionary brand builder and skilled marketing strategist with decades of experience leading teams at iconic brands including Life Is Good, Pastene and Swarovski. She excels in transforming brands into market leaders and taking established brands to the next level. Karen has been recognized for her work leading integrated marketing functions spanning channel marketing, creative services, e-commerce, digital, brand architecture, public relations, and product innovation.
At Unidine, Karen spearheaded a premium dining marketing strategy inclusive of rebranding efforts, signature program development, and customer acquisition campaigns to drive growth. A valued C-Suite leader, Karen fosters organizational agility that adapts to evolving market trends and consumer preferences.
She holds a B.S. in Marketing and Sociology from Bryant University and an MBA in Marketing from Bentley University.
At Unidine, Karen spearheaded a premium dining marketing strategy inclusive of rebranding efforts, signature program development, and customer acquisition campaigns to drive growth. A valued C-Suite leader, Karen fosters organizational agility that adapts to evolving market trends and consumer preferences.
She holds a B.S. in Marketing and Sociology from Bryant University and an MBA in Marketing from Bentley University.
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
David Leuci
Chief Information Officer
David Leuci
Chief Information Officer
David Leuci is an IT leader and visionary, with a proven history of developing and implementing strategies for technology that maximize profits and support growth, generating millions in new revenue. He is a seasoned executive of industry-leading companies.
Prior to joining Restaura, David served as Chief Digital Information Officer at The Energy Federation Inc. where he led the company’s digital transformation efforts by building and executing internal technology strategies focused on innovation.
David has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer at Unidine Corporation, where he developed global business system strategies, introduced process frameworks, consolidated transactional systems, drove digitalization, and allocated resources to meet evolving business challenges. He has also served in leadership roles at IBM, Millennium Partners Sports Club Management LLC, and MRO Software Inc.
David holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Salem State University where he graduated cum laude with a concentration in Psychology and Computer Science from the Massachusetts State Police Academy. He has received numerous certifications in IT management skills, including an ITIL Foundation Certification in IT Service Management.
Prior to joining Restaura, David served as Chief Digital Information Officer at The Energy Federation Inc. where he led the company’s digital transformation efforts by building and executing internal technology strategies focused on innovation.
David has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer at Unidine Corporation, where he developed global business system strategies, introduced process frameworks, consolidated transactional systems, drove digitalization, and allocated resources to meet evolving business challenges. He has also served in leadership roles at IBM, Millennium Partners Sports Club Management LLC, and MRO Software Inc.
David holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Salem State University where he graduated cum laude with a concentration in Psychology and Computer Science from the Massachusetts State Police Academy. He has received numerous certifications in IT management skills, including an ITIL Foundation Certification in IT Service Management.
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
Chad Cantwell
Chief Growth Officer
Chad Cantwell
Chief Growth Officer
Chad Cantwell has decades of experience leading high performing sales teams in the outsource management space.
Prior to joining Restaura, Chad held several senior leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Growth at Thomas Cuisine where he led sales, marketing, and retention efforts. As Vice President of Sales at Unidine, Chad was instrumental in driving the company’s nationwide expansion. His ability to develop high-performing teams and deliver multi-year sustained growth has been a hallmark of Chad’s career, which also included Compass One Healthcare and Aramark.
Chad holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from McMurry University and an MBA in Management and Marketing from St. Edward’s University.
Prior to joining Restaura, Chad held several senior leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Growth at Thomas Cuisine where he led sales, marketing, and retention efforts. As Vice President of Sales at Unidine, Chad was instrumental in driving the company’s nationwide expansion. His ability to develop high-performing teams and deliver multi-year sustained growth has been a hallmark of Chad’s career, which also included Compass One Healthcare and Aramark.
Chad holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from McMurry University and an MBA in Management and Marketing from St. Edward’s University.
- Phone:+1 (781)764-0022
- Email:ccantwell@restaura.com