Dan Mesches brings a wealth of restaurant experience to his role as President and CEO of Sprinkles, which he has held since early 2017. He discovered his passion for the restaurant business while working his way through school at Union College in Schenectady, NY. He later attended the Masters of International Studies Program at the University of South Carolina.
Before joining Sprinkles, he served as President and CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar, where he led their expansion efforts into other markets and built a team from 100 to 1000 members, including the executive team. Prior to Hopdoddy, Dan was President, Founder and CEO of Star Restaurant Group responsible for some of Washington, D.C.’s most acclaimed restaurants including Red Sage, followed by Penn Quarter’s landmark, Zola. During this time, Dan also developed a multi-unit concept called, “Raku, an Asian Diner”. Under Dan’s leadership, the restaurants he has led have been the recipients of numerous awards and accolades including: Food & Wine’s “Best Burgers in America”, Esquire Magazine “Best New Restaurant” for Red Sage, and Conde Nast Traveler picked Zola as one the top 75 new restaurants in the world.
Prior to Star, Dan was successful in various positions for respected restaurant groups including Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, The Peasant Restaurant, The dinner house division of Marriott, and Gilbert/Robinson restaurants. As a consultant, he also worked with industry leaders such as: Bloomin’ Brands, Delaware North Companies, Guest Services Inc, Fleming’s Steakhouse, Harley Davidson Museum, The Hay Adams and the Ritz Carlton Company.
Dan believes in giving back to the community. He held multiple executive committee roles and served as Chairman for Destination DC (Washington D.C.’s Convention and visitors Bureau). He has also served on the advisory board for L'Academie de Cuisine, and on the Advisory Board and as Secretary for the Board of Trustees of the Marriott Public Charter Hospitality High School. He served two terms as Chairman of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. His special appointments include serving on the Mayor’s Emergency Task Force on Small Business Relief the Potomac Conference for Economic Recovery Work Group, Councilman Harold Brazil’s Economic Summit and on the Steering Committee for the Center City Taskforce.
