Mike Axiotis

Mike Axiotis

Chair

Mike Axiotis, CFE, is President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands (LVRB), a multi-brand restaurant company operating Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Wingstop restaurants. Axiotis has spent more than 30 years in the restaurant industry and built his career through hands-on operations and multi-unit leadership roles, maintaining a consistent focus on team member development, guest experience, and disciplined execution.

Since becoming CEO in 2018, Axiotis has led LVRB’s transformation into a scaled, multi-brand platform designed for sustainable growth. Under his leadership, the company expanded its Red Robin business into Texas and accelerated Wingstop development, opening 19 Wingstop restaurants over the past three years. He is known for building operating cadence, developing leaders, and strengthening systems that support consistent execution across brands and geographies.

Axiotis is a highly engaged industry advocate and volunteer leader. He serves on the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Board, the Red Robin Franchise Advisory Board, and the Wingstop Franchise Advisory Council—bringing a practical operator lens to brand stewardship, franchisee collaboration, and growth strategy. Within the National Restaurant Association, he has held increasing leadership responsibilities, including service on the Executive Committee and senior roles spanning advocacy strategy, finance oversight, and fundraising. His work has supported operator-focused advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels, particularly during the COVID era and the recovery period.

Axiotis is a Certified Franchise Executive, has completed franchise management and franchise operations studies at Georgetown University, and is ServSafe certified.