Randy Brand

Randy was born into the hospitality business, helping his parents operate a small, family-owned resort in northern Minnesota, serving returning guests each summer. He attended the University of Denver, graduating with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 1989. While working in San Francisco, Randy liked what he saw of Lettuce Entertain You at the National Restaurant Show and shortly thereafter, moved with his young family to Chicago.

Working first at Petterino’s and Papagus, Randy opened Osteria Via Stato in 2004, which led to Pizzeria Via Stato soon after. In 2009 he opened the first M Burger, a fast-casual burger spot, which now has four locations. California-inspired Tallboy Taco and Big City Chicken, a quick-service fried chicken restaurant on Navy Pier, both opened their first locations in 2014. M Burger, Tallboy Taco and Big City Chicken continue to grow with locations in Midway airport coming in 2020.

His expertise outside of operations has also grown with his construction management of new restaurant locations.

Randy focuses on employee development within the restaurants he oversees, encouraging managers and hourly staff to grow, learn, develop, build relationships, communicate and lead.