Press Releases

MONTEREY, Calif. --The Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators organization granted restaurateur and real estate developer, Ted Balestreri, their prestigious Pioneer Award at their 44^th annual conference held this year in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Balestreri, Chairman and CEO of the Restaurant Central and the Cannery Row Company, is recognized nationally for his lifelong contribution to the foodservice industry. Selected each year by the editorial board of Nation's Restaurant News, Pioneer Award honorees are chosen for their demonstration of leadership, innovation and vision.

Co-founder of the Sardine Factory Restaurant in Monterey, California, Mr. Balestreri helped to create one of the nation's most recognized and well-loved restaurants, which has proven its staying-power with over 30 years of successful operation. Leveraging his investment in the Sardine Factory, Balestreri led the revitalization of the historic Cannery Row, which stands today among the country's top tourist destinations. As past chairman of the National Restaurant Association, Mr. Balestreri worked tirelessly with Congress for tax reform, bringing forward the concerns of the restaurant industry. In his service as Chairman of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, he led the effort to substantially increase funding for student scholarships.

Mr. Balestreri has served as President and/or Chair on the boards of numerous restaurant and culinary industry organizations, including the California Restaurant Association, U.S. Culinary Team Foundation, International Gold & Silver Plate Society and Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DIRoNA). Mr. Balestreri served on the Board of Directors of the National Chapter of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs as Conseiller des Professionels des Etats-Unis. In 1996 he was appointed to the CRA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees. Additionally, Mr. Balestreri has served on many school and college boards and charitable organizations.