The Endeavor Team
Passionate about good food and excellent service
STEVE RITCHIE
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Steve & his wife Melissa founded Endeavor Restaurant Group in December 2020. Steve serves as the CEO, providing strategic & operational oversight over all functions of the organization.
Steve brings more than 30 years of restaurant experience to the role, including executive leadership positions in a large-scale public restaurant company and owner of a multi-unit franchise organization. Steve started in the industry in High School where he became an entrepreneur at an early age, owning & operating a local pizzeria. He sold his pizzeria in 1996 to join the fastest growing restaurant company in America, Papa John’s International. Steve spent the next 23 years with Papa Johns in various positions of increasing capacity, most recently serving as President & CEO, where he led operations of over 5000 restaurants in 50 countries around the world.
His story truly encapsulates the American dream, starting as an hourly employee making pizzas at one store to leading a multi-billion-dollar global company with over 120,000 employees. While an executive of the company, Steve also owned and operated Papa Johns franchise locations across four states. Prior to being named CEO, he held the roles of Director of Operations, VP of Global Training & Operational Support, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, Chief Operating Officer & President.
Steve & Melissa currently reside in Prospect, KY and when they are not working to develop people and grow the restaurants, they enjoy spending time with their two beautiful daughters and anxious little Schnoodle named Ferd.
Melissa Ritchie
Co-Founder & Project Director
Jason Conklin
Director of Operations, Big Bad Breakfast & Waldos Chicken & Beer
Jason joined Endeavor Restaurant Group in 2021, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience across multiple sectors.
Jason is a transformative leader who believes in changing lives by unlocking the true potential of his team members. His leadership philosophy revolves around genuine appreciation, fostering a sense of purpose, and standing by his team in both triumphs and challenges. Challenges, for Jason, are not roadblocks but opportunities for innovation and growth, a mindset that has propelled him through the dynamic landscape of the restaurant industry.
A hands-on leader, Jason actively engages in day-to-day operations, emphasizing collective triumph through unity. His commitment goes beyond rhetoric, inspiring a collaborative spirit where everyone contributes their best to achieve shared success. With a resilient mindset and a focus on positive change, Jason Conklin epitomizes leadership that goes beyond tasks, making a lasting impact on both individuals and the team as a whole.
Ron Nelson
Director of Operations, LouVino
Ron joined Endeavor Restaurant Group in 2023, bringing more than 30 years of hospitality experience with him.
Ron is a high-energy seasoned professional with a rich history in the Hospitality Industry. His illustrious career is marked by a remarkable dedication to serving Guests and nurturing Team members. Ron's expertise shines through his role as a veteran of 40+ restaurant openings, where he seamlessly integrated strategic leadership into every phase of the concept growth process. Notably, Ron has previously served as the Director of Training for multiple companies, fine-tuning his ability to cultivate excellence within teams. His significant contributions also extend to his tenure as the Director of Operations for the Tavern Restaurant Group, showcasing his prowess in overseeing and optimizing operational efficiency.
What sets Ron apart is his unwavering belief in placing people at the forefront. He champions the philosophy that prioritizing individuals ultimately yields consistent, sustainable performance, increased profits, and heightened Guest satisfaction. This people-centric approach has been a cornerstone of his success throughout his career. Beyond the professional arena, Ron is a devoted husband to Julie for 26 years and a proud father of two. His commitment to family life is evident in his enthusiasm for shared moments and active participation in his children's sporting activities. As Ron eagerly embraces the next chapter in his life with the Endeavor Team, his wealth of experience and passion for people promise to be invaluable assets to the company's continued success.
Tavis Rockwell
Culinary Director
Tavis Rockwell serves as the Culinary Director of Louvino overseeing all 5 locations in KY, IN and OH, where he specializes in reinvented Southern-inspired small plates. A Midwest native, Rockwell’s love for cooking started during childhood when he would watch countless cooking shows and help his grandparents manage their small farm. From landing his first Sous Chef position at the age of 22 to now being an established Chef in the Louisville dining scene, Rockwell brings original flair and a knack for creativity in his role at Louvino.
Tavis completed his Culinary Arts degree from Sullivan University and went to work in a variety of Louisville’s favorite restaurants; Jack Fry’s, Corbett’s, and Equus & Jacks Lounge. He joined Louvino when it opened in 2014 and developed the menu since its inception. Notable achievements include cooking at the James Beard House event in New York, NY and featuring in national and local publications.
Tavis has earned Louvino numerous accolades including “The Souths Best Brunches” by Southern Living, “Best New Restaurant” by Louisville Magazine and “Best Wine Bar in every state” by Buzzfeed. In 2014 Rockwell was recognized by Louisville Forum as one of the top local Chefs under age 30.
Kelly Rains
Creative Marketing Director
Alaina Hatfield
HR Administrator
Alaina Hatfield serves as the Human Resources Administrator for Endeavor Restaurant Group. Prior to joining Endeavor, Alaina served as Manager Indianapolis Marriott, Manager at Stacked Pickle and Assistant Manager at Louvino with 17 years of Restaurant industry experience. Alaina also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.
While working at Louvino, Alaina pursued an interest in wine, facilitated by her vast wine exposure at Louvino. She earned her Level 1 Introductory certification with the Court of Masters and is now pursuing the Certified Specialist of Wine certification. For fun, she and Gracie Peter began a podcast called “Better with Wine” where they help listeners simplify the complexities of wine, so they can make informed purchases in restaurants and retail stores.
Alaina and husband, Bennett, reside in Louisville, KY with their first son, Ellis, their Australian Shepherd mix, Hazel, and two cats, Margot & Leo as their non-human children.
