National Restaurant Association CEO and leadership

Emily Williams Knight leads collaboration efforts with the state organizations as the restaurant industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Knight served as TRA president for two years and led state efforts to advocate for restaurants as they struggled through pandemic.

John Teza, CFE is a Principal at NRD Capital. As a Principal, Mr. Teza is focused on NRD's consumer and operations technology investing. He is an active board member of 1Huddle Harri, Next, ValyantAI, Qu, and The Captain's Boil. Prior to NRD Capital, Mr. Teza served in senior executive management roles for several national restaurant companies including Corner Bakery Café (Roark Capital), Jersey Mike's Subs (privately held), and Quiznos Sub (CCMP.). Over the course of his career, Mr. Teza has led several significant brand expansion campaigns. He has also served in senior level capacities in marketing, operations, IT, legal, and training. During Mr. Teza's tenure, Jersey Mike's Subs was named the fastest growing restaurant company by NRN for three straight years (2014-2016). Mr. Teza is also the Founder and President of Janus Brands, a consulting firm founded in 2009 that focuses on multi-unit growth and development strategy, as well as SMB business planning.

A distinguished leader with a proven track record of adding business value, encompassing multiple industries and areas of IT. Advanced through a series of positions based on consistently strong performance, applying technology to business problems, improving productivity, and effectively leading resources. I have succeeded by focusing on adding value, delivering to the needs of the customer and using a team apporach to solving problems. Roles have included web and applications development director, client relationship director, chief of technology, business consulting, and business analyst.

Specialties: Project Management, Budget Management, Excellent Communication Skills, Mentoring and Staff Development, Strategic Planning, Teambuilding, Vendor Relationship Management, SDLC Expertise

Senior executive with more than 18 years of experience in Franchise, Hospitality, Restaurants’, food and beverage, sales and marketing, operations, human resources, and finance. Background includes strategic planning for start-up operations, turnarounds, and joint ventures, including licensing of intellectual properties. Expert in analyzing existing operations and implementing the strategies, processes, and technologies to improve organizational performance. Full P&L management. Successfully grew revenue, increased efficiency and productivity, reduced costs, improved operations, and expanded companies globally.

Narendar Sundaram is a Senior Director, Chief Architect at National Restaurant Association and is based in Naperville, Illinois. He has worked as Consultant at CGN Blackwell. Narendar studied at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Osmania University, and National Institute of Information Technology.

Scott Brandel is an Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer at National Restaurant Association and is based in Chicago, Illinois. He has worked as Executive Assistant/Tourism Sales Coordinator at Choose Chicago, Executive Assistant to the President at Kendall College, and CORPORATE SERVICES COORDINATOR at Crate & Barrel. Scott studied at Lewis University.

John Teza, CFE is a Principal at NRD Capital. As a Principal, Mr. Teza is focused on NRD's consumer and operations technology investing. He is an active board member of 1Huddle Harri, Next, ValyantAI, Qu, and The Captain's Boil. Prior to NRD Capital, Mr. Teza served in senior executive management roles for several national restaurant companies including Corner Bakery Café (Roark Capital), Jersey Mike's Subs (privately held), and Quiznos Sub (CCMP.). Over the course of his career, Mr. Teza has led several significant brand expansion campaigns. He has also served in senior level capacities in marketing, operations, IT, legal, and training. During Mr. Teza's tenure, Jersey Mike's Subs was named the fastest growing restaurant company by NRN for three straight years (2014-2016). Mr. Teza is also the Founder and President of Janus Brands, a consulting firm founded in 2009 that focuses on multi-unit growth and development strategy, as well as SMB business planning.