CEO, Habit Restaurants
WHY: Has led fast-casual burger chain on slow-and-steady pace for 10+ years, through 2014 IPO.
RECENT: OCBJ industry “Person of the Year” 2019; added CMO, named Innocean its new ad marketing agency for push. More than 270 locations in 12 states, overseas; $400M systemwide sales; eighth-largest OC-based chain. Son, Russ Jr., runs several local indie eateries.
QUOTABLE: “We have a responsibility to be good stewards,” he told the Business Journal.