Michael S. Kaufman

Michael S. Kaufman, chairman of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors, is co-president of Enovo Restaurant Ventures LLC. Enovo owns, operates and licenses the contemporary American restaurant brand Harry’s Tap Room.

A proven industry leader with a track record of building sales and profits in multi-unit restaurant operations, Kaufman had previously established Pond Hill Ventures LLC to evaluate, advise and invest in hospitality ventures. Prior to forming Pond Hill Ventures, he was president of Dallas-based Metromedia Restaurant Group, which operates the Bennigan’s Steak and Ale, Bonanza and Ponderosa brands. Before that, he was president of Ponderosa and Bonanza, and president of S&A Restaurant Corp., the operator and franchiser of Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale. He also was chairman of the franchising companies for each of MRG’s brands.

While at MRG, Kaufman led several key changes in the company’s strategy and operations, including accelerating Bennigan’s growth and implementing its franchising and international development. Kaufman also helped create an award- restaging of Ponderosa and Bonanza steakhouses; the unification of the Ponderosa and Bonanza franchise communities; and the return to the classic Steak and Ale.

Before joining MRG, Kaufman was a managing director of Kluge & Company, the acquisition and investment-banking arm of Metromedia Company. He was part of the strategic and acquisition team that bought Metromedia’s restaurant operations.

Kaufman is a member of the board of trustees for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Culinary Institute of America and the Chappaqua School Foundation. His awards include Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2001 Golden Chain Award and Ambassador to the Culinary Institute of America. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.