Steven was born and raised in Texas, he moved around growing up because his father was a high school coach.  He attended West Texas A & M University where he studied Physics.  While working on his education, he enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserves where he spent 6 years in the active reserve.  During this time, he was a server and bartender at Joe’s Crab Shack. He later moved up into management.  As part of his management experience with Joe’s Crab Shack, he traveled around the United States opening new restaurants.  After spending four years in the seafood business, he was recruited to be an Area Coach for a Pizza Hut franchisee.  In order to grow, he and his wife Charlene moved to Indianapolis where he eventually became the Director of Operations for the franchise.

Ryan is a 2003 Purdue University graduate. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Organized Leadership and Supervision with a minor in Communications. He has 8 years’ experience with retail management and 10 years’ in the restaurants industry.

He came on board with McAlister’s Deli in 2006 as an assistant manager, then General Manager, then the Northern Area Director with 6 locations and now Director of Operations. Ryan shares his home in Kokomo with his lovely wife, Kali and their “son” Beck (Boxer).

Stacey’s remarkable journey spans over 30 years in the restaurant and retail industry, fueled by her unwavering passion for working with people.  From developing others to lead great operations and taking on multiple roles while collaborating on transformational projects she has a wide scope of experience . Stacey’s imprint on the Panera brand is profound, having opened over 45 restaurants, directed transformational operational procedural changes, created operational efficiencies through production design, and created a leadership growth model that continued to widen her scope to make a successful impact to Panera.  Along with work in the restaurant industry she holds a B.S. in science and started her master’s degree in becoming a family therapist.

Amanda was born and raised in Avon, Indiana and currently resides in Indianapolis. Amanda was first introduced to the restaurant industry at the young age of 16 when she started working for Domino’s pizza. Throughout her high school career she then made her way around the restaurant business working for various food chains until she went to college at Indiana State University. While there, Amanda continued to work in the food industry before earning her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. After graduation she took a job for a local wing restaurant which quickly promoted her to management. Within her first year of employment she was rewarded a General Manager role and learned the fundamentals of being a leader. Enriched to learn and grow she moved on after two years to work for an up and coming full service restaurant, The Stacked Pickle.

Bobbi was born in Evansville, IN and currently still lives in Evansville. Bobbi started working in the restaurant industry at 19 for Applebee’s. She started as a server, grew her experience with the company and spent the last few years as a salaried Kitchen Manager. She joined McAlister’s Deli in 2019 as an Assistant General Manager and after 6 months she became the General Manager. In 2022 after joining Southern Rock Restaurants she was promoted to Area Director and currently oversees 6 locations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. When Bobbi isn’t working she likes to spend time with her 2 year old son.

Brittany was born and raised in Speedway, IN. She currently resides in Avon, IN with her husband and 3 children. Brittany started in the food industry at the young age of 16. She has extensive experience at Panera Bread, Moe’s Southwest Grill and McAlister’s Deli. She has excelled in roles ranging from Shift Manager, Multi-Unit Manager and in her current role as Area Director for Southern Rock Restaurants. Brittany has been with Southern Rock Restaurants for 2 years. She currently oversees 6 locations in the IN market. She is passionate about food safety and people development. When Brittany isn’t working, she is spending quality time with her children and husband. She enjoys seeking out good coffee and exploring new places.

Cathy grew up in Louisville, Kentucky loving sports, fast horses and good bourbon. She is passionate about the Hospitality Industry and this stems from growing up in the business at my dad’s office as GM of Louisville Gardens.

After graduating from Catholic grade and High School, she attended Western Kentucky University. Cathy majored in Institutional Administration (Hospitality Studies). After college she entered the workforce in management for The Hyatt Regency Hotel. Continuing to pursue her passion in hospitality, she joined Chi-Chi’s, The Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Cathy joined The Heritage group in 2004 with 5 McAlister’s Deli locations, which grew to 12.

Chris Graves has joined Southern Rock as an Area Director, covering the East Tennessee market.  He is no stranger to the hospitality profession, as he has been in the industry since an early age.  He was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and began his professional career 27 years ago working as a dishwasher the McAlister’s Deli location in Hattiesburg. Working for McAlister’s Deli has been his first and only job. After completing his degree in Business Management at the University of Southern Mississippi, Chris was presented with an opportunity to relocate to Jackson, Mississippi for a leadership role.  Once arriving in Jackson, he was promoted to multiple positions within the span of 3 years, including Assistant General Manager, General Manager, Manager of Training, and Manager of Ops Services.

Born in Virginia, Chris started his career in the food and beverage industry at the young age of 21. Beginning at Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, he started as a Bartender and quickly moved into the position of Food & Beverage Supervisor, then Restaurant Manager, and finally as the Asst. Food and Beverage Director. Managing 3 restaurants, 7 bars, 225 employees, and a desire to conquer the next level, Chris moved onto new challenge. Starting with Buffalo Wild Wings he relocated to Portland Oregon, hired on as a General Manager. As his career progressed with the organization, he assisted in opening 28 new stores and re-energizing new acquisitions. Known only as the ‘fixer’ because of his ability to make a poorly performing stores turn a profit by returning them up to company standards.

Chris was born in Joplin Mo where he lived until he was 8 and then moved to Kansas City. Chris played sports his entire life growing up and was a 4 yr letterman in Football, wrestling and tennis. Chris received an art scholarship and attended Pittsburg State University where he received his BA in Applied Science & technology with an emphasis in graphic Design. After college Chris started his own T shirt company which he turned into a non profit after his partner lost his battle with cancer. Chris then moved to Arizona where he really started his management career in hospitality. From there Chris moved back to KC in 2001 and opened several concepts in hospitality. He then moved to STL in 08 and started with US Beef Corp as an AM.

I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. While loving the beach life, I had a love for playing soccer and being a musician. In between my individual loves in life, I also loved
becoming a part of my Family’s restaurants. My Uncle, my mentor, being a Chef and F&B Director of Resort Hotels taught me an exponential wealth of knowledge. I studied English Literature and Art History in college, but having not lost my passion for the Hospitality Industry, I pursued this as my life’s work. I relocated to the Midwest finding my way to Grindstone Charley’s (an up-and-coming Franchise in Indianapolis) as a GM and eventually leading the Training/Development department for ten years. One day I landed in Kentucky due to my spouse’s business
opportunities leading me to Logan’s Roadhouse. Fast forward Fourteen years and three first class kids of my own, I left the company after having a very successful tenure as a GM and corporate MIT training location. Upon leaving Logan’s, I was an Area Director with a Dunkin Donuts Franchisee, until
they unfortunately sold. In 2018, I became a GM with McAlister’s Deli under Heritage Enterprises. In my role with Heritage Enterprises, I continued to delve into my passion
for developing people, but 2023 changed everything.

Having been promoted to an Area Director coming off a very successful two years under SRR as a GM, I look forward to continue growing the culture of people first and
fostering SRR Foundations in all of TEAM.
Amp it Up!

Cody began his career at McAlister’s Deli in February of 2013 as a team member in Joplin, MO.
Within that first year he was quickly promoted to a shift manager and then to an assistant manager before moving to Topeka, KS with his family to help open a new location there. As an
assistant manager in Topeka he was able to work on the skills that were needed to become a General Manager. This promotion would come a few years later in April of 2018 after once again moving his family to open another location in Council Bluffs, IA. After six years in Council Bluffs Cody was once again promoted to area director. He has 7 locations across Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Eddie Marr was born and raised in Tupelo, Mississippi where he graduated from Tupelo High School before attending North East Community College for General Business and Accounting. He started his restaurant career at Soda Fountain before joining Pizza Hut in 1976. In his 33 year tenure with Pizza Hut Eddie worked his way up from store manager to multi-unit supervisor in Mississippi then he became the Director of Operations under the Region Manager for the Little Rock Arkansas Region.

Eddie came on board with McAlister’s Deli in January 2010 in Grenada, Mississippi where he excelled as a General Manager until he became an Area Director for North Mississippi in September of 2013.

Ekaterina Anagnos has 27 years of restaurant hospitality experience. Ekaterina attended Columbia College in Chicago and received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Fine Arts.

It all began when her family owned several restaurants in the Windy City Chicago.  Ekaterina helped run multiple restaurant locations with her family and loved teaching and developing others. She decided to branch away from the family tree and took the opportunity to work with Olive Garden Restaurants. She worked her way up the ladder from Assistant Manager, General Manager and became Assistant Director of Operations.  Ekaterina achieved many awards based on her high standards and her ability to empower and develop others. 

In 2021 Ekaterina decided to join the fun at Southern Rock Restaurants. Started as a General Manager and is proud to be given the opportunity to Area Director. Leading teams and hospitality are her true passion!

Heather Espy is a seasoned operations leader who has been with McAlister’s Deli since 2007. She currently oversees 10 locations across West Tennessee and North Mississippi, where she drives performance through strategic leadership and team development.

With a sharp focus on guest experience, financial accountability, and team engagement, Heather leads initiatives to improve key performance metrics including speed of service, food cost control, labor efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Her leadership style emphasizes hands-on coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Heather is also deeply committed to cultivating a strong leadership pipeline, providing ongoing training and mentorship to general managers, shift leads, and rising team members to support long-term growth and operational success.

Heather is proud to be from Memphis and loves all things Memphis. When not working, you can find her supporting the Memphis Tigers, Memphis Redbirds and Memphis Grizzlies (let’s not forget those St. Louis Cardinals).

Ken grew up in Tipton, Missouri and currently resides just north of Jefferson City.  He graduated from the University of Missouri of Columbia with a B.S. degree in Hotel and Restaurant management. He started his thirty plus years of restaurant service working at a small pizza restaurant at 16 years of age. Ken’s restaurant career has been spent with Applebee’s and Panera Bread.  Ken joined the Southern Rock family in 2015 as a General Manger of the Jefferson City location, then moved to the Columbia, Missouri and was a mentor for the Jefferson City location. In 2019 he was promoted to Area Director of the Central Missouri stores and West side of St. Louis. 

In his free time, Ken spends time with his golden retrievers. He enjoys gardening and spending time with his family and friends.

Marc Mann is a seasoned restaurant leader with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Starting his career as a dishwasher, Marc’s journey is a powerful example of dedication, resilience, and upward mobility. He has grown through every level of restaurant operations to
become an accomplished Area Director overseeing multiple locations.

Throughout his career, Marc has consistently delivered strong results, growing sales by an
average of 5–8% across various units. He has led teams with some of the lowest turnover rates in previous brands, a direct reflection of his leadership style and people-first approach. His success in opening multiple high-performing units and maintaining tight cost controls underscores his operational excellence.

Marc is passionate about the process of serving guests and takes pride in building environments where exceptional hospitality and operational efficiency go hand in hand. He believes that well-designed systems and procedures are essential to driving profitability—not just for business, but for every team member’s personal and professional growth.

At the core of Marc’s leadership philosophy is a deep commitment to people’s development. He believes in investing in the future growth of his team—both personally and professionally—and takes pride in mentoring individuals at all levels to help them reach their full potential. Marc’s focus on building strong, engaged teams is not only key to his success, but also to the long-term success of the organizations he serves.

Melissa Myers, a native of Carmel, Indiana, started her career in retail at Hobby Lobby at the age of 16. Transitioning to the food industry, she joined the Carmel McAlister’s Deli in 2006 taking on multiple roles from Catering Coordinator to Assistant General Manager. In 2017, she continued her leadership journey by moving to the Fishers, Indiana and assumed the role of Training General Manager in 2018. Fast forward to 2024, Melissa proudly serves as the Area Director of the North Indy Market overseeing 5 locations.

Currently residing in Pendleton, Indiana with her son Remy, Melissa finds joy in collecting comic book memorabilia, playing video games, and indulging in a curated selection of books.

As a lifelong Ohioan, Nick began his career in the Hospitality industry at the age of 16. Beginning at Arby’s Restaurant Group, he started as a Team Member and quickly moved into the position of Assistant Manager, then Restaurant Manager by the time he was 21. Spending a total of 12 years growing with the company, and becoming a Certified Training Manager, he began his journey as a multi-unit leader. Starting with Dunkin Donuts, he sharpened his tools as his career progressed by assisting in opening 3 new restaurants and was then given the task of overseeing all 3. An opportunity arose with a local Cleveland hospitality group to further his development as a multi-unit leader. He then spent 3 years at Rascal House as a District Manager which included opening a new location, and helping a franchise group grow in size by implementing many systems used to sustain rapid growth. It was at that point that Nick found SRR and jumped at the opportunity to open a new location as a GM for McAlister’s Deli. Some time after opening our Middleburg Heights location, Nick began  to help other stores and build relationships. Nick then moved into his Area Director role a year later in a new developing market of Cleveland, OH. He enjoys the outdoors, collecting trading cards, and spending time with his wife Jenna and their son.

Phil Sisemore began his career at the age of 16, starting as a cook/cashier with Wendy’s. Transitioning from Wendy’s, a shift leader role at KFC followed. A former regional manager from Wendy’s assumed leadership of Bojangles in Chattanooga and recruited Phil as an assistant manager. Over time, Phil advanced to general manager and then to TGM. In 2000, an opportunity arose at Applebee’s where Phil joined as an assistant manager, subsequently progressing to GM. Noteworthy achievements include successfully revitalizing 3 underperforming locations and contributing to the opening of 5 new Applebee’s locations.

Rachel was born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio. She began her food service career at Denny’s serving while in high school. Once graduated went on to culinary school in Pittsburgh, PA (Pennsylvania Culinary) where she earned her associates in culinary, management, and pasty arts. Prior to McAlister’s she worked at Logan’s Roadhouse for 15 years. During her time at Logan’s she started as a server and quickly worked her way up into management. She was a kitchen manager for 5 years and a GM for 10 years. She was apart of 6 store openings during her tenure at Logan’s. From there she joined McAlister’s in 2018 as a GM and became area director in 2019 currently overseeing 11 locations. She has enjoyed being part of the growth in Cincinnati and is excited for the future expansion in the Cincinnati market.

Scott was born in Indianapolis and raised in Monrovia, a small town in South Central Indiana. After moving away to college he started as a part time cook for Hooters Restaurants. This turned into a full time job within six months after accepting the Kitchen Manager Position. 

Fast forward almost 30 years and several different concepts including Hooters, Cheeseburger in Paradise, and Scotty’s Brewhouse.  Scott joined the Southern Rock Restaurant family in August of 2019 as the General Manager of the Bloomington, IN location. 

Steve Brown was born in Edinburgh, Pennsylvania and later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where he was introduced to the restaurant and hospitality industry. His management career began with Logan’s Roadhouse opening restaurants but after several years, he moved into a General Manager role with Ruby Tuesday. Steve joined McAlister’s Deli in 2012 as a General Manager in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was later promoted to an Area Director in May 2018 overseeing the Tri-Cities, Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Steve enjoys time on the lakes across the region and fishing bass tournaments.  He spends most of his free time at home with his wife and (2) four legged children.  He also enjoys teaching a weekly Bible Study with friends and family.

Tiffany Howard started with McAlister’s in August of 2001 as a team member and shortly after insisted on being a shift manager. She found myself really enjoying the restaurant environment and the people. About a year later, she was promoted to an Assistant Manager. Tiffany had the opportunity to work with a few General Managers as an assistant and eventually was promoted to General Manager in 2011. After a few years at Sunshine, she was given the opportunity to run Primrose, and there is where she really began to find my way as a leader. She considered her time at that restaurant such a blessing. Tiffany worked with outstanding people and together they accomplished some absolutely amazing results.

Wayne started his career McAlister’s Deli in June of 2003 as an Assistant Manager in Edmond, OK and within a year of excelling he was promoted to General Manager in the Stillwater, OK. In 2010 he was promoted to Regional Director for the Kansas City market. In his current roll, Wayne oversees 6 locations across Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.  He has been in the restaurant industry for 26 years and looks forward to new challenges.

He is married to his wife Aubrey and they have 4 boys Bayler, Cayden, Gavyn and Quaid. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and sports.  Wayne currently reside in Ponca City, OK with is beautiful family.

Brooke joined the McAlister’s Deli family at age 16 back in 2005. This was her first EVER job at the Southaven, MS store location. She continued to work throughout High School and then even in college attending Northwest Community College for Business Management. She worked extremely hard as a regular employee and was rewarded for that behavior being promoted to a shift leader once she turned 18. Brooke kept growing in her leadership skills to begin climbing the ladder very shortly after being promoted to a shift leader. Brooke was then promoted to an Assistant Manager, General Manager, and Area Director. She has worked for several different locations over the Mississippi and Memphis stores.

Brooke has been super honored to receive so many great awards with McAlister’s Deli such as; top sales increases, top pm sales increase, best sales, no regrets, and General Manager of the year in 2016.

Hope has a varied professional background, but at the heart of it all was the desire to take care of and serve others. She has held positions from a police officer to store manager, and has always believed that being an example is the heart of leadership. Upon coming to SRR, her heart was always with the catering aspect. As an assistant manager she worked to learn the ins and outs of catering and as a general manager grew catering by 33% in her store. She looks forward to building relationships within the
Middle Tennessee communities and with her team of Catering Coordinators.

Jen was born and raised in Connecticut where she graduated from Northwestern Connecticut Community College. There she earned her Associates of Arts (AA) – Deaf Studies & Interpreting degrees in 2003. While attending school, she worked in retail at JCPenney. She was quickly identified as a leader and moved up through different management roles. This led to promotions to Ohio, Lexington Kentucky and finally landing in Louisville Kentucky. After 17 years with the company, Jen felt it was time to redirect focus on her growing family and decided it was time to make a change. 

In 2019 Jen joined the McAlister’s brand as the Director of Catering over the Louisville market. Since taking over the catering business, she along with her catering team has grown sales to $2.8 Million.

Jenn was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. She joined the McAlister’s brand in 2015 with over 20 years of hospitality and restaurant management experience. Quickly working her way from hourly manager and catering admin assistant, she took on the role of Catering Coordinator in 2016. With a commitment to building personal relationships and increasing repeat guests, Jenn brought her store to top of the catering sales charts year after year. In 2021 she was promoted to St Louis Catering Director. Now leading the catering teams in 13 stores in the greater St Louis area, as well as supporting 26 others across four states, Jenn and her teams have grown annual catering sales to over $5,000,000!

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio Kari began working at McAlister’s Deli in 2009, as a cashier. Her love to work in the community and help others, transitioned her into catering where she became a coordinator in 2011. Kari was recognized in 2016, for highest sales increase in Catering. She continued to help train and build her clientele until 2021, then went to a new store opening and built the catering department there. Due to all her catering experience, she saught after the catering Director role for Cincinnati. In 2024, she became the Catering Director overseeing 27 stores.

Kari stays very busy with her 3 kids. She loves coaching volleyball, basketball, going to church and spending time with her family. In her free time, you’ll find her at the lake or with her mom friends.

Lynne was born in Marion, Illinois and moved to Joliet, Illinois at a very young. She had 32 years in the hospitality industry before joining the McAlister’s Deli family. She started her career as an hourly manager and it wasn’t long before she was promoted into the Catering Manager role. In 2011 she was awarded Catering Manager of the Year by Midwest Deli Development.  With a focus on our service standards and commitment to building client relationships, she has implemented standards and practices in now 31 locations where sales have grown to over $5,000,000.00 this year.

Lynne is very active with the Indy Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business. With a focus on the service standards and commitment to building client relationships, she has implemented standards and practices in 31 locations where sales have continued to grow.

Regina was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and raised in a mixture of Indiana, Kentucky, and Mississippi.
She has 25 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry. Working with many different
companies such as Chi Chi’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, White Caps Fine Seafood and becoming the food and
beverage manage for Benchmark Resorts & Hotels.
After raising two children Regina became a small business owner and has owned a women’s boutique as
well as an event planning business. Regina loves being an active community member hosting street fairs
and community events. Being a part of Chamber of Commerce and local non-profit organizations.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her adult children and making desserts for friends and
family.