Richard Schneider
Title: Chief Development and Operating Officer
Organization: Areas USA Inc
Committee Position: Member
Richard is a hospitality executive credited with combining brand operations and marketing expertise to deliver substantial revenue growth in highly competitive business markets. He currently serves as the Chief Development and Operating Officer of Areas USA, a global leader in travel hospitality serving 390 million guests annually.
While Richard is a highly competent mechanic of day-to-day execution, at his core he is a true culinarian and helped redefine Areas’ culinary culture and strategy. Richard developed many strong culinary relationships across the country in multiple verticals to help design award winning concepts. He utilizes his expertise and relationships to help foster a culture of excellence and empowerment, with a genuine mentorship approach to leadership.
Before joining Areas USA in 2020, Richard served as Executive Vice President/COO for Spectra overseeing 243 Spectra food venues and the operations of Brulee Catering. Previously, he held executive positions with Delaware North’s Sportservice, Travel Hospitality and Gaming & Entertainment divisions. He also held executive positions with Midwest Gaming and Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Entertainment. In May 2025, Richard was honored with a prestigious Silver Plate Award from the IFMA The Food Away From Home Foundation, for his outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to the foodservice industry.
Board Positions:
• 2025 Chairman of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors
• 2024 Vice Chair of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors
• Board of Trustees for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
Board Member:
• Texas Restaurant Association & Texas Restaurant Foundation
• Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Board of Directors
• Trustee of FRLA Education Foundation as a Trustee
• Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation Board of Trustees.
• Dexsta Federal Credit Union Board of Directors
• New Castle County Financial Advisory Council Board Member
• Board of Governors of New River Technical College (West Virginia)
• CORE Board Member - which supports restaurant families when they are in need.