National Restaurant Association Chairman Speaks at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Xavier Teixido, food management professional and chairman of the board of the National Restaurant Association spoke to faculty and students in The University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences on Nov. 12 in the College’s J.J. Doster Cafe.

Teixido presented information on the National Restaurant Association and gave insights to career opportunities in the restaurant industry.

Teixido was elected as chairman of the board of National Restaurant Association for the one-year term of May 2002-2003. Prior to working as chairman, he had served in numerous other positions in the association, including treasurer and vice chairman.

He also owns and operates Harry’s Savoy Grill in Wilmington, Del. His restaurant recently expanded to include a large banquet facility called Harry’s Savoy Ballroom.

Harry’s Savoy Grill has received many awards including the “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spector Magazine and “Best” and “Most Popular Restaurant” from both Delaware Today Magazine and The News-Journal.

Teixido is a member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the board of the Greater Wilmington Tourist Convention Bureau and is the founding member of the International Food and Wine Society in Delaware.

Through the years, Teixido has been involved with various charities that help hunger and children’s issues. He has received several notable accomplishments for his philanthropic work including “Outstanding Young Delawarean” from the Delaware Jaycees. He was also tapped as a University of Delaware HRIM Wise Executive-in-Residence.

Teixido was born in Paraguay and moved to the United States as a child. He began his involvement in the restaurant industry as a cook at the Brandywine Raceway where he worked to help pay for his education at the University of Delaware. In 1981, he worked as the managing director at the nationally renowned Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and was given the opportunity to work with Chef Emeril Lagasse. Three years later, he returned to Wilmington, Del., where he and a partner created the 1492 Hospitality Group.