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Jacksonville, Fla. - Kelly Harris, president and CEO of Times Grill, is bringing his values and ambition to the expanding casual dining concept. Harris, who hails from Monroeville, Pa., has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Fresh out of college with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Harris landed a job as a manager for Denny Moran’s. Soon after he transitioned to Quincy’s Family Steak House, also owned by Spartan Food Systems. During his tenure with Spartan Food Systems, Harris was promoted through the ranks until he received the distinction of being named region leader, overseeing 58 units in the Southeast region. In 1996, Harris left Spartan Food Systems and joined Firehouse Restaurant Group, Inc. He was a partner and served as chief operations officer for the sub chain. His involvement with Firehouse Restaurant Group, Inc. helped grow the chain to more than 260 units nationwide. In May 2006, Harris met with Shearn Lemoine and Linver Leffel and formed Times Grill Restaurant Group. Harris was attracted to the growth potential of the burger concept and jumped at the chance to head up Times Grill as president and CEO. “The Times Grill brand is synonymous with good friends, fun and great food,” explains Harris. “It’s an attractive concept with a bright future. The comfortable atmosphere and
excellent service make it a haven for regular visitors.” Founded in 1994, Times Grill is a family-oriented, casual dining restaurant known for having more than 20 specialty burgers. The menu also includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, entrees, desserts, old-fashioned malts, shakes and floats, as well as a full-bar for its guests. Since helping form the Times Grill team, Harris has played an important role in developing the company’s culture and jump-starting expansion efforts. “I believe strongly in persistence, dedication, learning something from each day and staying committed to my fellow man,” Harris said. He’s worked hard to create an atmosphere where employees feel valuable. The “teammates” at Times Grill have personalized business cards and titles such as service managers for waiters and waitresses and assistant production managers for dishwashers. “Our culture offers us the opportunity to go above and beyond guest expectations,” Harris said. “We are building an exceptional company with empowered people focused exclusively on our guests.” In addition, Harris looks for teammates that are courageous, competitive, responsible, respectful, goal driven, optimistic and seek personal development. These attributes have contributed to the concept’s success. Harris is anxious to expand the Times Grill brand. Before forming the restaurant group Times Grill operated four locations in Mandeville, Slidell and Baton Rouge. Since his involvement, Times Grill was able to break into the Florida market. By the end of 2007 the restaurant will have opened three locations in Jacksonville and Pensacola. When he’s not focused on Times Grill, Harris is involved in philanthropic pursuits.
Throughout the years, he has held numerous positions with non-profit organizations, including his most recent involvement as the board president for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Northeast Florida
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