Brendan McCarthy
Vice President & CMO at Ballyhoo Hospitality
Brendan McCarthy is the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Ballyhoo Hospitality, a renowned restaurant group in Chicago dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. With extensive expertise in hospitality and marketing, Brendan has been instrumental in shaping Ballyhoo’s brand identity, driving innovative marketing strategies, and fostering community connections.
Under his leadership, Ballyhoo Hospitality has expanded its portfolio of celebrated restaurants, earning accolades for its unique concepts and guest-centric approach. Brendan’s passion for the industry and his commitment to excellence have helped elevate Ballyhoo as a leader in the hospitality space.
Patrick Yearout
Director of Innovation, Recruiting, and Training at Ivar's
Patrick Yearout, Director of Innovation, Recruiting, and Training, has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His journey began during college, assisting a friend with restaurant office tasks, which evolved into a multifaceted role handling operations. He eventually owned a sub shop, where his passion for the restaurant business took root. Since joining Ivar’s in 1999, Patrick has held diverse roles in management, IT, marketing, and HR, contributing significantly to the company’s success.
Patrick is a key driver of innovation and talent development, focusing on strategies to streamline operations, attract top talent, and foster employee growth. His dedication to mentoring and creating opportunities for others has made him a respected leader in the hospitality industry, helping organizations thrive through operational excellence and team empowerment.
Ballyhoo Hospitality
Ballyhoo Hospitality, synonymous with feel-good dining in Chicago and the North Shore, takes pride in creating exceptional experiences for their guests across its 12 locations. Known for its warm hospitality and community-focused approach, Ballyhoo boasts a diverse collection of restaurants, including Gemini, Coda di Volpe, and Old Pueblo Cantina. Each venue embodies Ballyhoo’s dedication to quality, comfort, and memorable dining, making it a beloved presence in the Chicago dining scene.
Ivar's
Seattle-based Ivar’s is a beloved seafood restaurant chain with a rich history in the Puget Sound region of Washington. Known for its iconic chowder and waterfront locations, Ivar’s operates 23 quick-service locations and full-service restaurants, providing a range of dining experiences to suit every customer. Deeply committed to delivering exceptional experiences for both guests and employees, Ivar’s continues to set the standard for excellence in the hospitality industry.
Steve Hooper, President of Financial Services
Free 30-minute webinar & 15-minute Q&A
Steve Hooper is the President of Financial Services at TipHaus, where he spearheads partnership and business development initiatives, driving the company's mission to transform restaurant financial management. Before joining TipHaus, Steve served as the President of Ethan Stowell Restaurants (ESR), a chef-driven, multi-brand restaurant group based in Seattle, WA. Steve joined ESR following the acquisition of Kigo Kitchen, a fast-casual restaurant brand he founded during his time at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. His career spans roles in investment banking and venture capital in Seattle and Boston, adding a robust financial foundation to his operational expertise. Steve is actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of the United Way of King County and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. He is also a former board member of the Washington Hospitality Association and past president of the Seattle Restaurant Alliance.
Discover strategies for navigating increasing minimum wages with insights from Brendan McCarthy of Ballyhoo Hospitality in Illinois and Patrick Yearout of Ivar's in Washington State. Learn about innovative tip models, team dynamics, and operational efficiencies in this impactful TipHaus webinar.
Ready to learn more? Join us for another webinar covering the same topic with different operators on January 21st.
