2018
Dwight Becker Republic National Distributing Company
Kim Brown Lincoln Sysco, Inc
Greg Cutchall Cutchall Management Company
"Tiger" Tom Lynch Tiger Tom's Pub
Ann Mellen M's Pub Restaurant
Dwight Becker
Republic National Distributing Company
Dwight Becker began in the restaurant industry at Kings Food Host as a busboy, moving up quickly to dishwasher/carhop thus setting his career in motion. After graduation he moved to Vail, Colorado to become an Assistant Manager at Sonnenalp Hotel and again was quickly promoted to Catering Sales Manager. A job change and a move to Denver, Colorado led him to his serious study of wine and spirits. His first position in wine and spirits sales was at Paterno Imports and the rest they might say is history. Dwight has continuously outperformed sales goals during his tenures at Western Distributing of Colorado, Frito Lay and Republic National Distributing Company. Dwight has served as a board member and Executive Board member with the Omaha Restaurant Association for the past 13 years. He received the Omaha Restaurant Association Purveyor of the Year in 2011.
Kim Brown
Lincoln Sysco, Inc
During the early 80’s one could have found young hardworking, college student, Kim Brown at Lincoln Poultry. He was busy working his way up from a warehouse worker in 1980 to VP in 1985. By early 2000 Kim was President of Lincoln Poultry and a short 8 years later President of Lincoln Poultry Sysco. Today that same company is known as Lincoln Sysco, Inc. and Kim Brown remains at the helm as President. Kim has remained an active member of both Nebraska Restaurant Association and Omaha Restaurant association for 25 years. He is a four-time inductee into the Sysco Corporation Wall of Fame. Kim has coached a Level III USA Hockey team and has been a pilot for 25 years. He also finds time to serve on multiple boards and mentoring programs.
Greg Cutchall
Cutchall Management Company
Greg Cutchall began his life in the restaurant industry in 1981 at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Omaha, NE. Greg spent his early career working long and hard as manager, catering manager, marketing director and eventually Vice President. By 1986 he had become President/CEO and 20% owner of the 12-location franchise. In 1989 Greg began Cutchall Management Company and over the next 25 years he would open over 100 restaurant concepts. Greg also expanded his business to vending and catering contracts across the Omaha Metro Area, some of those venues include Century Link, TD Ameritrade, and Mid America Center to name a few. Currently Greg owns and operates 44 restaurants in 5 states under 8 different brands. He has received numerous industry awards over the years. Greg is the 2019 Chairman of the Multi Unit Franchise Conference in Las Vegas.
"Tiger" Tom Lynch
Tiger Tom's Pub
While in college, Omaha Creighton Prep graduate, “Tiger” Tom Lynch, began his hospitality career at the Playmaker Lounger. Tom became co-owner of the Playmaker Lounge in 1968 with Bob McCormack. In 1976 he opened Tiger Tom’s Pub which he currently owns with son Ryan. Tom was the first president of United Retail Liquor Association of Nebraska. In 1978 he co-founded the March of Dimes Sno-Ball Tournament which a now a national event. At the height of “Beer League” Softball, Tom sponsored 41 teams and has been inducted into Omaha Softball Hall of Fame as well as the Marian High School Hall of Fame. “Tiger” is a tireless supporter of youth sports and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He and his wife Mary Lyn recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Ann Mellen
M's Pub
Ann Mellen’s career in the restaurant industry began when she was a young teenager attending Marian High School. Each day found her at her parent’s restaurant M’s Pub. College took her to Lincoln, Nebraska where she started a career in advertising at the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper. She later worked at KESY radio and Omaha Steaks. In 1980 she returned to her roots, back to Omaha and M’s Pub. In 1985 she purchased the restaurant from her parents. Ann opened the popular Vivace Restaurant in 1993 running it until sold in 2013. Tragedy struck M’s Pub on January 9th, 2017 when it was destroyed by a gas explosion. Working with various contractors, Ann passionately orchestrated the rebuilding and restoration of M’s Pub to its original state by November 1, 2017.