 Gerard Centioli is a Seattle native and second-generation restauranteur
who learned the business from his father. He spent his childhood
employed in all segments of a 41-unit KFC franchise owned by the
family business, Gil's Enterprises, Inc.
Centioli earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with
majors in Public Accounting and Marketing from Gonzaga University.
In July, 1983 Gil's Enterprises, Inc. merged into Collins Food
International, Inc. (NYSE: CF) and Centioli was named Regional
Vice President of CF’s Kentucky Fried Chicken Division. His
affiliation with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. began in 1984,
through a joint venture with CF to develop the Ed Debevic's concept;
he became President & CEO in 1988.
Throughout the 1990s, Centioli held executive leadership in other
LEYE concepts, including Tucci, Maggiano's Little Italy, Corner
Bakery, Big Bowl and Wildfire. He led the 1995 merger of the
Maggiano's and Corner Bakery division into Brinker International, Inc.
(NYSE: EAT) where he became President & CEO of the Emerging
Concepts division and was elected to the Board of Directors.
"The difference between good and great, the best and the rest, is a commitment to excellence. Team ICON has an unwavering commitment to be better each and every day in each and every way." |
| – Gerard Centioli |
Centioli also serves on the boards of organizations he has a passion
for, including Gonzaga University, The National Italian American
Foundation, Lawry's Restaurants, Inc. and The Distinguished
Restaurants of North America.
He helped found ICON® LLC with Rich Melman and Michael Fox in 1999.
Gerard is the proud father of a son – Lauren Vincent – at the
University of Notre Dame, and a daughter – Cicilia Rose –
at Loyola Academy. |
