RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design (RFHSD), a leading strategic advisory and design firm serving the global hospitality and foodservice industries, announces the recent promotion of Chris Tocchio to the position of Vice President. In his expanded leadership role, Tocchio will drive performance and innovation across RFHSD’s core service areas.
Tocchio will continue to lead RFHSD’s strategy and operations division, a team of skilled hospitality professionals who support restaurant operators and developers in business and financial planning, concept and brand development, operations improvement and food and beverage managed services. In addition, Tocchio will now oversee the company’s foodservice design team, a key discipline within the RF DesignStudio division specializing in foodservice design development and full-service interior design and procurement for hospitality venues. As part of the Troon family of brands, RFHSD serves as the northeast region headquarters while supporting Troon’s worldwide food and beverage division.
“I’m excited to see Chris take this well-deserved step forward as we expand our footprint within the Troon portfolio and the broader hospitality market,” said Ed Doyle, president of RFHSD. “Chris’ proven leadership, extensive experience and entrepreneurial drive have played a pivotal role in our success over his eight years with RealFood, and his team-first, no-nonsense approach is key to continue our growth and commitment to outstanding results for our clients.”
A 30-year industry veteran and former operator of his own award-winning restaurants, Tocchio’s career includes notable roles with renowned establishments Legal Seafood, Rustic Kitchen, Eataly and The Olive Group. His promotion comes as part of RFHSD’s steady growth, highlighted by the acquisition of a Maine-based foodservice consulting firm earlier this month. Commenting on his new role, Tocchio said, “Supporting our talented team of design and hospitality professionals remains my top priority, especially as our organization continues to evolve. Our culture of collaboration and creativity drives this team to deliver exceptional results on behalf of our hospitality clients and the growing Troon portfolio; it’s what sets us apart, and I’m committed to keeping it that way.”
