After almost 42 years in the restaurant industry and 24 years with Bloomin’ Brands (Outback and Carrabbas), Lynn Brown has decided hang up her “chef coat” in the next few months.
Lynn started in the industry in 1976 and joined Bloomin’ Brands in 1993. After joining Outback and spending four years as a partner (and becoming a two-time Managing Partner of the Year), Lynn received a call from Founder Bob Basham in 1997 asking her to join Carrabba’s as a JVP to develop the new Midwest region.
Lynn Brown, front center, has been a tireless advocate for the foodservice industry in Ohio.
Over the next 14 years with Carrabba’s, Lynn supported the opening of 18 new locations and established strong cultural values at each restaurant. During her tenure, Lynn earned the coveted JVP of the Year award and received the prestigious Carrabbamico of the Year honor.
She also spent time traveling with Carrabba’s Founders Johnny and Damian, including visits to see Mama Rose and the original Carrabba’s location in Houston. In recognition of her many contributions, Lynn was recruited back to Outback as a RVP for the Midwest region in 2011. Throughout her career with Bloomin’ Brands, Lynn has been the epitome of living and teaching the Principles & Beliefs – modeling every behavior at the highest level.
Lynn has also been an active member in protecting the profitability of our business through various state restaurant associations and serving as a member of the Bloomin’ Brands Political Action Committee (PAC) Council.
While we are thrilled for Lynn, this news is bittersweet because she is retiring from the ORA board after more than 10 years.
"It has been my honor to serve on the Board and also to have served as Chairman. The ORA has so many dedicated and committed staff members that truly want to help restaurateurs across the state to be successful. We also have a host of Board members that are highly engaged at every level and have really made a difference in the Association. I am so grateful to have been a part of this Association.” Lynn said.
Always the trooper, Lynn is still assisting us by providing food for the ORA’s Golf Tournament on June 26, which is incredibly important to our advocacy fund.
Please join me in thanking Lynn for her dedication to the ORA and our industry. She is an A+ person.
