Local Restaurant Row is an amazing dining concept that crosses through multiple lines of business at Aramark. We’re passionate about local flavor and positively impacting the communities we serve. Local restaurants—and the people who make them possible are the cornerstone of our communities. So, we partner with restaurants, food trucks and area chefs to bring authentic, local favorites and global flavors to our campuses, workplaces, and venues.
Access the episode transcript here.
Max Cavanaugh, Director of Brand and Innovation
As Brand and Innovation Director, Max Cavanaugh leads Aramark’s Local Restaurant Row program which operates at more than 250 client locations across Collegiate Hospitality, Healthcare+, Student Nutrition, and the Workplace Experience Group.
Max began working in restaurants 20 years ago, which led him to the University of Delaware where he received a BS in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management. After working in hotels and restaurants across dynamic markets like New York City, Melbourne, and Chicago, he joined Aramark in 2020 to support operator and client goals of “Going Local” with their foodservice operations.
Max’s passion for the people and stories behind the food we eat is a critical focus of his work leading the Local Restaurant Row program and building symbiotic relationships with restaurants and food trucks in the communities Aramark serves every day. He resides in Philadelphia with his family and serves on the board of the Kensington Community Food Co-Op.
Rachel Hunter, Marketing Manager, MTSU Dining
As a native of Middle Tennessee and an MTSU alumna, Rachel brings a wealth of hospitality experience to her role as marketing manager for Middle State Tennessee University. With deep roots in the area and a distinguished career in hospitality, Rachel possesses a unique blend of local expertise and industry knowledge.
After college, Rachel managed a local restaurant, applying her business acumen to help it expand into a thriving franchise through community-focused marketing strategies. For the past 8 years, she has held the position MTSU, where she has continued to cultivate her skills and to drive results for the company.
Hitesh Wadhawan, Owner, O’Desi aroma
Hitesh Wadhawan is an entrepreneur with a passion for bringing authentic Indian flavors to the global palate. He started this journey in 2013 when he co-founded the brand O'Desi aroma along with his partner and friend Pradeep Tejwani. O'Desi aroma has been instrumental in curating a menu that showcases the rich diversity of Indian cuisine. Expertise in the food industry combined with a keen understanding of customer preferences has helped O'Desi aroma become a beloved destination for Indian food lovers in the region.
Hitesh's journey in the culinary world is fueled by a deep-rooted passion for food and culture. After earning his degree from the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Mumbai, India, he began his career with the renowned Taj Group of Hotels, where he gained invaluable experience in hospitality and fine dining. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to play a pivotal role in establishing Domino’s Pizza in India, contributing to its successful expansion in a rapidly growing market.
Over the years, he has honed his skills in creating and managing food concepts that resonate with diverse audiences. His commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every dish served at O'Desi aroma, where traditional recipes are given a contemporary twist without losing their essence.
Additional Resources :
1/17/24 Second Annual Local Restaurant Row Awards Recognize Stellar Partners in Service Excellence - Aramark
1/18/23 Local Restaurant Row Partners Win Awards for Service Excellence - Aramark
12/21/21 Local Restaurant Row Drives Community Impact - Aramark
4/13/21 Opening New Doors for Small, Local Restaurants - Aramark
