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
Brian Carey
Chief Operating Officer
Brian Carey
Chief Operating Officer
Brian Carey is a dynamic executive and business strategist with a background of hands-on leadership. He specializes in managing high-powered teams driving organizational growth and profitability.
Prior to joining Restaura, Brian served in various executive leadership positions within Global Fortune 500 companies, developing a wealth of experience across management consulting, finance, and operations oversight of businesses worth up to $250M in managed volume.
Brian has served as president and COO of COREWORKS, president of HHS, LLC, Vice President of Sodexo Senior Living, and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial MRI and Diagnostic, LLC. He is adept at leading large teams of 1500+ members to streamline operations and improve profitability. He possesses deep insight into accelerating growth, building strong business relationships, and increasing client satisfaction against evolving market demands. Brian began his business career with McKinsey & Company, working out of offices in Sydney, Australia.
Brian holds a B.S. in Economics from the United States Military Academy and an MBA in Finance from Yale University’s School of Management. He retired as a Colonel in the United States Army following 30 years of service in Active, Guard, and Reserve Components with a specialty in humanitarian affairs.
Prior to joining Restaura, Brian served in various executive leadership positions within Global Fortune 500 companies, developing a wealth of experience across management consulting, finance, and operations oversight of businesses worth up to $250M in managed volume.
Brian has served as president and COO of COREWORKS, president of HHS, LLC, Vice President of Sodexo Senior Living, and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial MRI and Diagnostic, LLC. He is adept at leading large teams of 1500+ members to streamline operations and improve profitability. He possesses deep insight into accelerating growth, building strong business relationships, and increasing client satisfaction against evolving market demands. Brian began his business career with McKinsey & Company, working out of offices in Sydney, Australia.
Brian holds a B.S. in Economics from the United States Military Academy and an MBA in Finance from Yale University’s School of Management. He retired as a Colonel in the United States Army following 30 years of service in Active, Guard, and Reserve Components with a specialty in humanitarian affairs.
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com
Meghan Beaupre
Chief People Officer
Meghan Beaupre
Chief People Officer
Meghan Beaupre is a vision-driven, seasoned leader in human resources, with an extensive background in Total Rewards, Talent Management, and HR Operations. Her leadership is grounded in emotional intelligence, authenticity, and collaboration.
She brings deep insight to her role through her hybrid background as a consultant and an operator. Prior to joining Restaura, Meghan held HR leadership positions at United Sites Services and Unidine Corporation. She is experienced in managing organizations and teams experiencing significant changes though transformative, and acquisitive environments. She has 15 years of consulting experience across the total rewards spectrum.
Meghan served as a Principal in Mercer’s Private Equity M&A Advisory Services group, where she devised and implemented human capital strategy for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. She supported pre-close M&A and post-close HR transformation strategy & execution for 50+ transactions in varied Private Equity ecosystems as a buyer, target, and consultant. As an executive at United Site Services, she directed HR Shared Services function and strategy for an organization supporting 3,800 employees reporting to 125+ branches in 23 states, including HRIT, timekeeping, compensation, benefits, leave, integrations and talent acquisition. Meghan is driven by solving complex human capital challenges to deliver solutions that support high-performing teams, optimizing talent and accelerating growth.
Meghan holds a B.A. in Sociology from Colgate University.
She brings deep insight to her role through her hybrid background as a consultant and an operator. Prior to joining Restaura, Meghan held HR leadership positions at United Sites Services and Unidine Corporation. She is experienced in managing organizations and teams experiencing significant changes though transformative, and acquisitive environments. She has 15 years of consulting experience across the total rewards spectrum.
Meghan served as a Principal in Mercer’s Private Equity M&A Advisory Services group, where she devised and implemented human capital strategy for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. She supported pre-close M&A and post-close HR transformation strategy & execution for 50+ transactions in varied Private Equity ecosystems as a buyer, target, and consultant. As an executive at United Site Services, she directed HR Shared Services function and strategy for an organization supporting 3,800 employees reporting to 125+ branches in 23 states, including HRIT, timekeeping, compensation, benefits, leave, integrations and talent acquisition. Meghan is driven by solving complex human capital challenges to deliver solutions that support high-performing teams, optimizing talent and accelerating growth.
Meghan holds a B.A. in Sociology from Colgate University.
- 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.
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.
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.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
Eric Peabody
Chief Financial Officer
Eric Peabody
Chief Financial Officer
Eric Peabody is a results-oriented executive and business partner with a background of hands-on leadership in the Restaurant, Heath & Fitness, and Service industries. He specializes in scaling multi-unit businesses through building infrastructure and teams that support and deliver measurable improvements across multiple performance metrics.
A proven strategic and innovative leader and CFO with 20+ years of experience driving operational optimization, unit economics, and value creation for shareholders.
Eric has served as Partner and CFO of CDM Fitness Holdings, LLC for the last decade, one of the largest franchisees in the Planet Fitness system. During his stewardship, he was a key contributor on the Mergers & Acquisitions Team and was instrumental in the development and successful execution of a variety of growth strategies helping the business achieve 11x growth in unit count, and 22x in profitability.
Eric holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Framingham State University. Prior to starting his career, he served in the United States Marine Corps.
A proven strategic and innovative leader and CFO with 20+ years of experience driving operational optimization, unit economics, and value creation for shareholders.
Eric has served as Partner and CFO of CDM Fitness Holdings, LLC for the last decade, one of the largest franchisees in the Planet Fitness system. During his stewardship, he was a key contributor on the Mergers & Acquisitions Team and was instrumental in the development and successful execution of a variety of growth strategies helping the business achieve 11x growth in unit count, and 22x in profitability.
Eric holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Framingham State University. Prior to starting his career, he served in the United States Marine Corps.
- 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