PRLA Winter 2019

Winter 2019 • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters •  9 Meet the 2019 Officers Since joining the PJW family, Jim Fris has been responsible for establishing all operations encompassing strategy, growth initiatives, profitability, purchasing, marketing, and supportive corporate culture as the company’s chief operating officer. Under his tenure, PJW Restaurant Group has opened 10 new restaurants, increased revenues by $45 million and created synergies with local sports teams, The Wells Fargo Center, Comcast Sports Net, Temple University, and many others. His keen eye, unbridled enthusiasm and across the board standards for quality, service, and commitment to community has served him and the group well. At the end of 2018, Jim was named chief executive officer of PJWRG. He brought more than 30 years of local and national leadership and hospitality management experience to the family dinner table. He was formerly the vice president of Brock and Company in Malvern, Pa. Prior to that, he served as district manager and director of purchasing for the Phoenix-based Restaurant Dining Services. JIM FRIS CHAIRMAN PJW Restaurant Group West Chester Tim studied hospitality management at Florida International University. He started his hotel career at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and has worked for Hilton Hotels for 25 years at 12 different hotels. Tim settled in Pittsburgh to lead the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown team. Tim serves on the board of Visit Pittsburgh and is president of the Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association. He was on the board for PTLA and PATT and contributed to the creation of PRLA, serving on its Executive Committee. He has served as chairman of PRLA’s PAC/Advocacy Committee for several years. Tim served as the 2016 Western Chapter President. TIM ZUGGER VICE CHAIRMAN DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh As founder and brewmaster Bill plays a creative and pivotal role in leading the overall growth strategy of Victory Brewing Company. Bill and Victory co- founder, Ron Barchet, serve as brewmasters, providing strategic guidance in the development of new beer brands, as well as a driving force behind community engagement. Prior to co-founding Victory, he earned a degree from the prestigious Doemens Institute of Munich Germany, having completed its international course in brewing studies after an invaluable five-year apprenticeship under German-trained Dutch brewmaster, Theo deGroen. Before pursuing his craft beer dreams, Bill labored as an art director after earning his degree Magna Cum Laude from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. BILL COVALESKI TREASURER Victory Brewing Company Downingtown