BEN AND DEBRA ZANDI

Ben and Debra Zandi, along with their daughter Sara, became the new owners of the Troutdale Dining Room in September 2001. Owning the Troutdale has been a dream come true for all of them.

Ben had always dreamed of having a restaurant of his own, and he brings 24 years of hospitality industry experience from San Fransisco, CA to Boston, MA. Ben truly loves providing culinary and service excellence, while playing host to “the best customers in the world.”

Ben Zandi has worked in the dining industry for over thirty years. Over the course of his career, Ben has been responsible for up to $75 million in annual sales, and supervised up to 1,200 associates at a given time. His experience includes retail operations, fast food, branded concepts, franchise relations, and more. His ability to effectively increase sales and operating profits while continuously improving guest and employee satisfaction is the key to his success. Ben understands that to make a dining business successful, you must continually generate innovative ideas to increase both sales and customer satisfaction. Some of Ben’s most creative ideas have included Cafe 70, a a carefully constructed cafeteria outsourcing solution; and his popular television cooking show, Culinary View: Home Edition, which features Troutdale chefs preparing gourmet meals in beautiful, $5oo,ooo+ homes. Sponsored by realtors, the show promotes both the Troutdale Dining Room and the homes, which are for sale. Ben truly loves providing culinary and service excellence, and the Troutdale Kitchens
family of restaurants and catering services is growing rapidly. He approaches the future with energy, excitement and as always, the love of great food.

Debra’s family lives in Scott County, VA. They feel very blessed to now be able to live near their dear family and friends and also to realize their dream of restaurant ownership. They have lived in some of the most wonderful and exciting places in the world but are proud and honored to be able to call the Tri-Cities their home.

In February of 2007, the Zandis were pleased to launch a second Troutdale Kitchens venture — Troutdale Catering. Located in The Lodge, Eastman Chemical’s full-service, on-site catering facility, Troutdale Catering allows the Troutdale to expand its professional catering services. To learn more about catering options, visit Troutdale Catering’s website at www.TroutdaleCatering.com.