GJ Hart

GJ Hart is President and CEO of Louisville-, Kentucky-based Texas Roadhouse restaurants. Founded in 1993, Texas Roadhouse has grown to more than 310 full-service restaurants in 44 states. In the eight years since Mr. Hart joined the company, revenues have increased from approximately $63 million in 1999 to more than $735 million and system-wide revenues of over $1 billion. In 2006, readers of Consumer Reports magazine voted Texas Roadhouse as the top concept in the Pub/Grill category, and Forbes magazine ranked the company as one of the 200 Best Small Companies in 2006 and 2007.

Prior to joining Texas Roadhouse, Mr. Hart was President of Al Copeland Investments (ACI), a multi-faceted organization including three food processing plants and featuring four restaurant concepts, hotels, gaming, entertainment, and comedy clubs.  As President of ACI, Mr. Hart increased the restaurant division from nine stores to 60, spearheaded the acquisition of the Improv Comedy Club, and increased the annual earnings sevenfold and revenue by 100%.

Mr. Hart is active in many charities, including Sunshine Kids, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, American Red Cross, Volunteers of America, and Kids Kicking Cancer.  He is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization.