Kevin Okuszka
About Kevin Okuszka
Kevin Okuszka serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations at REEF, bringing extensive experience in culinary operations and team leadership. He has held significant roles at notable restaurant chains, including PF Changs China Bistro and The Cheesecake Factory, and is recognized for his expertise in strategic supply chain management and culinary innovation.
Current Role at REEF
Kevin Okuszka serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations at REEF, a position he has held since 2020. In this role, he focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and productivity within the organization. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to mentoring and guiding teams to deliver high-quality service. Okuszka's collaborative communication style fosters strong relationships across various business lines, which contributes to driving positive change within the company.
Previous Experience at PF Changs China Bistro
Okuszka has extensive experience at PF Changs China Bistro, where he held multiple leadership roles. He served as the Senior Vice President of Culinary Ideation & Restaurant Operations for 10 months in 2019. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of Operations from 2016 to 2019 and the Vice President of Culinary Operations from 2015 to 2016. His tenure at PF Changs was marked by a focus on operational excellence and culinary innovation.
Career at The Cheesecake Factory
Kevin Okuszka worked at The Cheesecake Factory for a significant period, starting as a Regional Operations Manager from 1997 to 2004. He then advanced to Corporate Operations Manager from 2004 to 2007 and later served as Director of Culinary Operations National from 2007 to 2015. His roles involved overseeing culinary operations and implementing strategies that improved service delivery and operational performance.
Educational Background
Okuszka studied Culinary Arts and Chef Training at Oakland Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree from 1984 to 1986. He also attended Schoolcraft College for Culinary Arts and Chef Training from 1988 to 1989. His educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in the culinary and restaurant industries.
Recognitions and Expertise
Kevin Okuszka has been recognized as one of the nation’s most influential restaurant executives by Nation’s Restaurant News. He possesses expertise in budget development, cost reduction, and profit generation. His strategic approach to supply chain management has proven effective in improving product supply and addressing margin erosion. Okuszka is known for his ability to recruit and train top culinary professionals, driving organizational success through effective leadership.