Team
Dale Schwartz
Founder/CEO
Mr. Schwartz has extensive experience in the formation, financing and expansion of various companies. In 2006, he founded Pinstripes, Inc. and is currently CEO of this unique bowling/bocce/bistro venture. In 2000, he was Co-Founder, Co-CEO of Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Inc., a distinctive natural pharmacy retailer. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Schwartz was Chief Executive Officer of Infigen, Inc., a private biotechnology company developing its proprietary nuclear transfer/cloning and genomic technologies. From 1991 to 1996, he was Chief Financial Officer of Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company commercializing its Nobel prize-winning genetic engineering technology. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Schwartz was a Principal with Odyssey Partners, L.P., a private limited partnership engaged in leveraged buyouts, venture capital and recapitalizations. From 1983 to 1985, he was an Analyst in Morgan Stanley’s Mergers & Acquisitions department, and from 1979 to 1988 he was Founder and President of D & J Sealcoating, Inc., an asphalt sealcoating company. Mr. Schwartz has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University and a Masters in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.
Chris Soukup
Chief Operations Officer
Mr. Soukup has over 35 years of restaurant experience, including both front-of-house and back-of-house operations. He received extensive service training at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, and has managed many high-volume restaurant concepts throughout the United States. He started his management career with the Larimer Group, a collection of restaurants in Denver Colorado, and the majority of his career was spent on the West Coast with Hillstone Restaurant Group. Prior to Pinstripes, he was on the opening team for Cheesecake Factory’s concept: Grand Lux Café Chicago, one of the busiest restaurants in America. Mr. Soukup has been very instrumental in the development of Pinstripes and has been working to grow the brand from its inception in 2006. His passion and drive have helped shape some of the most successful restaurants in the industry.
Cesar Gutierrez
Chief Culinary Officer
Chef Gutierrez brings a strong background in Italian American comfort cuisine. He began his career with Maggiano’s, in the Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group working his way through the ranks and becoming Executive Chef. He then joined Cenitare Restaurant Group as Corporate Chef, opening and operating three concepts in the Westin Hotel in Wheeling: Osteria Di Tramonto, Tramonto Steak & Seafood and RT Lounge. He then became Executive Chef of Volare Ristorante Italiano at Oakbrook Terrace, and was also Executive Chef of Pete Miller’s Seafood-Prime Steak and Davis Street Fishmarket at Schaumburg and Wheeling. Prior to joining Pinstripes, he was Executive Chef for Francesca’s on Chestnut and DiSotto Enoteca Gold Coast.
Lida Ahn
Chief People Officer
Ms. Ahn has been a passionate teacher and has enjoyed watching others grow throughout her entire career. She began her career in the hospitality industry with the J. Alexander’s company where she advanced to a leadership role as Lead Trainer. She then joined the Cenitare Restaurant Group in Wheeling, IL, a high-concept restaurant group, where she participated in the opening of Tramonto’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant and the RT Lounge. Ms. Ahn joined Pinstripes as an opening team member and has had a lead role in creating and training staff in all front-of-house systems. Ms. Ahn has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College and studied at Trinity International University for her Masters of Arts.
Gary Wiggins
Vice President of Operations
Mr. Wiggins brings a strong background in front-of-house operations where he developed expertise in customer service, team management, and operational efficiency. Gary started his early restaurant management career with Stonewood Ale House in Schaumburg IL and joined Pinstripes in 2007 and has since progressed into numerous leadership roles from Manager, General Manager, Regional Director, and now serves as Vice President of Operations. He focuses on applying his hands-on experience to lead strategic initiatives, optimize operations, drive performance, push continuous growth, and accomplish team success across the organization.
Pam Szady
Vice President of Sales
Ms. Szady is a highly accomplished sales leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building high-performing teams. She joined Pinstripes in 2017 and has escalated her career from Event Sales Manager, Sales Team Trainer, Regional Sales Director, and Vice President of Sales. She oversees the development and execution of innovative sales strategies that fuel organizational growth and is dedicated to mentoring and empowering her team and fostering a results-driven culture that delivers exceptional value to clients.
Joe Talamantez
Vice President of Technology
Mr. Talamantez brings expertise in areas of software development, IT and cybersecurity, digital transformation, team management, marketing technology, and operational efficiencies. He has led technology initiatives for hospitality groups such as Hogsalt, Lettuce Entertain You, and Roti, and a variety of other hospitality brands with a focus in developing custom technological solutions to enhance guest experiences and streamline internal operations. As Vice President of Technology at Pinstripes, he drives innovation, optimizes digital systems, and ensures the security and scalability of the company’s technology platforms, leveraging his entrepreneurial mindset to implement cutting-edge solutions that support business growth.