The National Restaurant Association has announced the upcoming retirement of Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the organization's Research and Knowledge Group. Riehle, who will retire in April, has been with the association for over 38 years.
Throughout his tenure, Riehle has played a significant role in shaping the understanding of the restaurant and foodservice industry's economic impact at various levels. His work included forecasts of annual sales and employment growth and analysis of economic events such as the 2020 pandemic and the 2008-2009 recession.
Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association, praised Riehle's contributions: "Hudson's unparalleled mastery of the economic analysis of the restaurant industry has been instrumental in guiding restaurant operators through the complexities of the business landscape. His insights and expertise have not only helped our industry navigate challenges but also seize opportunities for growth and innovation."
Under Riehle's leadership, several key initiatives were developed within the Association’s Research and Knowledge Group. These include enhancing the State of the Restaurant Industry Report, focusing on survey research to identify trends, creating resources like the Restaurant Operations Data Abstract, and raising awareness about the industry's economic impact.
Riehle has been a prominent figure in media discussions about the industry, appearing in outlets such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and more. He also served on various advisory panels related to labor statistics and consumer research.
Reflecting on his career, Riehle stated: “It has been a distinct privilege to work with a group of extremely talented individuals over the past 38 years. I have complete confidence that the Association’s research capabilities and staff will continue to grow and elevate the products and services the industry and our members need to evaluate their opportunities for success and expansion.”
Chad Moutray, Ph.D., is set to succeed Riehle as senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group and chief economist of the Association.