ROBERT H. RITCHIE, CCC Corporate Executive Chef, Research and Development, Brand Strategies rritchie@ribrg.com Robert Ritchieis a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and Florida International University School of Hospitality Management.  Subsequent to graduation from FIU in 1990, he was Chef and Co-Proprietor of Le Petit Brasserie, a well respected restaurant in Miami’s busy financial district.  During his tenure at La Petit Brasserie, Robert was responsible for maintaining the brasserie’s impeccable reputation by re-inventing their menu and keeping it at the forefront of today’s high culinary standards.  More importantly he was responsible for complete training of his staff in cooking method, training standards, food and beverage development, cost analysis, staffing, and maintaining a tightly run operation.  Prior to that he was Pastry Chef and Director at The Epicure Market and Gourmet Emporium in South Florida. Robert’s most recent position was the Corporate Chef for Flower’s Foods Mrs. Smith’s Bakeries. As Corporate Chef, Robert managed a team of 4 food scientist developing products for such clients as Denny’s International, Burger King, Long Horn Steakhouse, Outback, Wal-Mart, Costco and Smokey Bones. As Corporate Chef, Robert also worked with the sales and marketing division of Flower’s Foods developing products for the retail grocery division of Mrs. Smith’s Bakeries. Some of Robert’s other accomplishments include Corporate Chef, National Accounts Sales Manager at Naturally Fresh, Eastern Foods developing all new product development for national accounts such as Applebee’s, Rio Bravo, Ruby Tuesdays, Houston’s, and Golden Corral. EDUCATION Mr. Ritchie holds an A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts offered from The Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, New York, as well as graduate studies at Florida International University School of Hospitality Management, and is a member of the A.C.F., American Culinary Federation, a professional associate of Chefs and Operators. Robert was a part of the Team CIA to receive Restaurants and Institutions coveted Ivy Award in February 1987.