John is a seasoned food and beverage, franchising, and hospitality attorney. He has been advising clients for over 40 years on strategic planning and financing, corporate formation and governance, real estate and leasing matters, employment and human resources issues, franchising, liquor regulatory compliance and licensing, litigation, and restructuring.
John has in-depth experience guiding clients through restaurant chain operations and development through challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, while identifying opportunities to develop new venues and markets. John has also been instrumental in the development of several Food Halls and entertainment venues. In addition, John has represented hospitality clients regarding commercial and employment litigation issues.
John served for more than a decade as general counsel to both national franchisees and franchisors, as well as restaurant development and management companies, and is the former president and chair of the Texas Restaurant Association. In his previous role at the Texas Restaurant Association, John assisted in leading the lobbying team that secured permanent status for Texas’s formerly temporary pandemic related regulations allowing restaurants to serve “to-go” alcohol which significantly impacted business operations as the industry continued to recover. John also serves as a Member of the Public Safety Committee of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Outside of the courtroom, food is a big part of John’s personal life. He enjoys cooking French cuisine and has many family members who are professional chefs. John is also an avid outdoorsman.
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