As President and Chief Executive Officer for Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. Michael is responsible for the overall strategic and operational direction of the company. Michael is a restaurant industry veteran bringing more than 25 years of industry experience to the Ruth’s Hospitality Group team.

Prior to joining the company, Michael served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Champps Entertainment, Inc., an experience that culminated in the successful sale of the company to Fox and Hound Restaurant Group in late 2007. Prior to that, he held the position of President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Sbarro, Inc, where he was responsible for all operational and strategic aspects of managing more than 1,000 restaurants including Sbarro, Boulder Creek Steak & Saloon, Rothmann’s Steakhouse and Carmela’s of Brooklyn brands, in 46 states and 34 countries. Michael’s experience at Sbarro culminated in the successful sale of the company to a private equity firm in early 2005, a transaction that resulted in very significant value creation for the existing shareholders of Sbarro.

Additionally, Michael held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of New Business at Outback Steakhouse, Inc, where he had full responsibility for all non-Outback Steakhouse brands, including Roy’s, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Cheeseburger in Paradise. Prior to that, he served as President of the Roy’s brand at Outback Steakhouse, Inc.

Michael received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. In addition to the board of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., Michael also serves on the boards of Cosi, Inc., and Logan’s Roadhouse, Inc.