Mark K. Leach
San Marcos,CA
Summary
Hospitality executive with 35+ years of progressive leadership across upscale, polished-casual, and experiential dining brands. Proven record of multi-unit operations, post-merger integration, concept re-branding & new market entry, and new-concept development. Systems-driven yet entrepreneurial leader with extensive financial acumen, a hands-on operating style, and a consistent history of revenue growth, EBITDA expansion, and talent development.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.
Denver, CO
05.2024 - 10.2025
- Operational oversight for Benihana, Samurai, and RA Sushi brands following post-close merger.
- Directed integration across all brands and 105 restaurant locations.
- Increased revenue 3% to $511M and profitability 7.7% to $70M.
- Opened highest-volume Benihana in brand history (San Mateo, 2025).
- Opened second Benihana fast-casual location at Bayside Marketplace, FL.
- NASDAQ: STKS
Chief Operating Officer
Benihana Inc.
Aventura, FL
01.2019 - 05.2024
- Oversaw 88 company-owned and 17 franchised/licensed locations.
- Delivered $495M revenue and $66M EBITDA (2023).
- Designed off-premise strategy: +292% SSS (2021); sustained +90% vs. pre-COVID.
- Launched Benihana Express (6 concessions, 5 stadiums).
- Positioned brand for airport and transportation hub growth.
Senior Vice President, Operations
Landry's Incorporated
Houston, TX
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Led integration of Mastro's Restaurants acquisition.
- Delivered +11% comp sales and +4% EBITDA in first 12 months.
- Expanded into 3 new East Coast markets (+$40M annual revenue).
- Directed international expansion (Canada, Mexico, SE Asia - 20 locations).
Vice President, Operations
Morton's Restaurant Group
Chicago, IL
01.1996 - 01.2011
- Oversaw global brand with 77 restaurants and $300M+ revenue.
- Expanded footprint while maintaining positive comps.
- Led menu innovation, remodel initiatives, and international growth.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Penn State University
Dale Carnegie Leadership Training -
Morton's The Steakhouse - Developed AGM Training Program -
Sommelier - First Level
Guild of Sommeliers
Skills
- Multi-unit Enterprise Operations
- Post Merger Integration
- Concept Re-branding and New Market Entry
- Concept Development and Openings
- EBITDA and P&L Optimization
- Asset Light and Non- Traditional Growth
- Executive Team Leadership
- Culture Building and Success Development
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.
05.2024 - 10.2025
Chief Operating Officer
Benihana Inc.
01.2019 - 05.2024
Senior Vice President, Operations
Landry's Incorporated
01.2013 - 01.2019
Vice President, Operations
Morton's Restaurant Group
01.1996 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science -
Penn State University
Dale Carnegie Leadership Training -
Morton's The Steakhouse - Developed AGM Training Program -
Sommelier - First Level
Guild of Sommeliers