2022
Dave P. Dougherty Purveyor - Dougherty Brokerage/Advantage Waypoint
Senator Bob Kerrey Restaurateur - Grandmothers Restaurant, Don & Millie's
Jim Partington Friend of the Industry - Executive Director of Nebraska Restaurant Association
Michael R. Rhoades Chef - Sysco Lincoln, Inc.
Joe Thallas Owner | Caterer - Brandeis Catering
Dave P. Dougherty
Dougherty Brokerage/Advantage Waypoint
Dave P. Dougherty started his career as a chemist at OPPD. After working several years at OPPD he decided to join his father's company, Dougherty Brokerage in 1983. Three years after Dave and his brother Dean purchased the Brokerage from their father and ran the business for nearly 30 years. In 2011 he established Advantage Waypoint, Mergers and Acquisitions. He was instrumental in pushing the industry towards regionalization creating the first national US food broker organization. Dave loved coaching youth sports and served as an athletic director for many years at St. Roberts parish.
Senator Bob Kerrey
Creator & Co-Owner Grandmothers Restaurant and Don & Millie's
Bob graduated from UNL in 1960 and worked as a pharmacist for five years. In 1966 he joined the Navy; he served as a Navy Seal during the Vietnam era. He was wounded during his service and received the Medal of Honor for his bravery and courage. In 1972 he created and co-owned Grandmothers Restaurant chain. He went onto run for public office in 1983 and became the Governor of the great state of Nebraska. After his time in public service, he continued to run Grandmothers and co-owned Don & Millie's and Prairie Life Fitness Centers. He again returned to serve Nebraska in 1989-2001 as a state senator. He then moved to New York City to become the President of New School University, a school founded on democratic ideals and educational practices. Bob currently has been serving as Managing Director with Allen & Company since 2012 to the present.
Jim Partington
Executive Director Nebraska Restaurant Association - 2003-2019
Jim Partington is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and the University of Rhode Island where he received his B.A. in Political Science. Jim joined the Navy in 1959 and served until 1992 leaving the service as a Rear Admiral. His long career included numerous Military awards, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat, South Vietnamese Air Gallantry Cross, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After his military career Jim went to work for Senior Technologies as Vice President of Strategic Planning. In 1998 he became the President of Riser Bond Instruments. He is the current owner of Deer Springs Winery. Jim became Executive Director of the Nebraska Restaurant Association in 2003 and served the Association until his retirement in 2019.
Michael R. Rhoades
Sysco Lincoln, Inc.
Michael Rhoades was born in Ipswich, England. He attended high school in Grapevine, Texas they went to El Centro Community College where he attained his 3-year culinary apprenticeship. He moved to Nebraska to become the Executive Chef at the Flatiron Cafe in Omaha, NE in 1995. His positions as Executive Chef for numerous locations across the city include Donia Restaurant, Doubletree Hotel, Omaha Country Club and Creighton University. This position opened the door to his position at US Foods as Food Fanatic Chef. Michael now works with Sysco Lincoln as a culinary consultant. During his long career Michael has been involved in the Omaha community supporting budding young chefs with his volunteer work and raising funds for culinary education. He also has a passion for feeding the hungry and volunteers frequently for fundraising events to support this passion.
Joe Thallas
Brandeis Catering
Joe Thallas's college career at UNL was cut short by the untimely death of his father, after which he returned home to help with the care and raising of his 6 siblings. A school counselor helped him discover his first position in the industry at the Red Lion Hotel in 1980, he worked his way up to Sales Manager and then Director of Catering. In 1995 he became the Food and Beverage Manager at Brandeis Catering at the Aksarben Field House and Coliseum. He continued to lead Brandies catering to success through the years and eventually acquired the UNO Thompson Alumni Center, the Livestock Exchange Ballrooms, and the TipTop Ballroom. He has been the winner of the B2B Magazine's Best of Catering every year since 2007.
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