TOM RYAN

INNOVATE BIG LIKE BIG BRANDS DO

You may not have heard of Tom Ryan, but chances are you’ve tasted his work. Tom combined his education in food science with his intrigue of marketing and consumer insights to create an innovative career in the restaurant industry.

After beginning his career at P&G and Pillsbury, Tom joined Pizza Hut, creating Stuffed Crust Pizza and other successful products, had similar success at McDonalds, creating such products as McGriddles and the Dollar Menu, and brought record-setting sandwiches to the marketplace at Quiznos. Then he created not just a product but a company and a concept, co-founding Smashburger.

Most recently, Tom and his partners opened Tom’s Urban, offering multi-ethnic food, craft beers and cocktails. It grew to five locations, and is now evolving into Tom’s Watch Bar, a premium viewing sports experience. In addition to his work on that concept, Tom also serves as Global Taste Advisor to Jollibee Foods Corporation, focusing on optimizing concept and menu elements.