Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands Announces John Longstreet As Chairman of the Board
Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands (LVRB) is entering a new chapter as John Longstreet has been elected Chairman of the Board. This transition marks the end of a foundational era led by Jim Ryan, a close friend of LVRB’s founder, Steve Hanzlik. Following Steve’s passing, Jim stepped into the CEO role in 2010 to guide the company through a period of significant evolution. After 16 years of steadfast leadership as Chairman of the Board, Jim has officially passed the torch over to John. Under Jim’s direction, LVRB transformed into a community-centric organization that values giving back and prioritizes the well-being of every team member.
John Longstreet brings a wealth of high-level hospitality experience and a deep connection to the Pennsylvania restaurant landscape to his new position. Most recently, John served as the President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) for over eight years, where he was the unified voice for 26,000 restaurants and 1,500 hotels across the Commonwealth. His extensive background includes serving as President and CEO of Quaker Steak & Lube and holding executive leadership roles at ClubCorp USA and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Having already served on the LVRB Board for many years, John is uniquely positioned to build upon the foundation of excellence Jim Ryan established.
Under John’s guidance, LVRB remains committed to its growth and its reputation as a community favorite. Beyond his corporate achievements, John is a recognized expert in leadership and organizational development, having authored nearly 200 articles on the subject. His appointment reinforces LVRB’s dedication to professional excellence and strategic innovation. As the company looks toward the future, it celebrates Jim Ryan’s lasting legacy while welcoming John’s transformative leadership and unparalleled industry expertise to the helm of the board.