Ithaca, NY, The Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration has named Charles Mund ‘51, Bruce Reinstein ’79 and Larry Reinstein ’77 as recipients of the 2006 Hospitality Innovator Award. The award, launched this year, honors entrepreneurs who have created and built distinctly successful ventures in the hospitality field.

“The Cornell Hotel School is pleased to recognize these outstanding leaders for their innovation, leadership and business success,” stated Cathy Enz, associate dean for industry research and affairs at the School. “Our winners exemplify how entrepreneurial thinking and strategic execution can drive positive growth in the hospitality industry.”

Charles (Chuck) Mund is CEO of Mega Management, a Burger King franchisee operated in over 125 locations in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. Among Mund’s many entrepreneurial moves, he was one of the first U.S. franchisees to establish Burger King operations in overseas markets. In other entrepreneurial ventures, Mund co-owned several full-service restaurants, a contract food service firm, an accounting service company and a restaurant computer sales company.

Mund has also distinguished himself through more than 50 years of service to Cornell University, including a special life-time appointment as University Presidential Counselor. In 2005, he received the distinguished Frank H.T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award. In 2002, he was named Restaurateur of the Year by the New Jersey Restaurant Association. He was the founder of the New Jersey Restaurant Educational foundation and has served on the NJRA Board of Directors.

“Entrepreneurs started this industry, and even today this is an industry of entrepreneurs,” Mund said at the award ceremony held at the Cornell Hotel School on April 7.

In 1992, brothers Larry and Bruce Reinstein took over from their father the family’s Souper Salad business. In 1997 they introduced a new business – Fresh City – and a new category – blended foods. At 15 restaurants in the northeastern United States, Fresh City serves what is called “Fresh Fusion” cuisine. Using fresh and healthy ingredients, the restaurants mix ingredients, ideas and styles to yield a unique and delightful result.

Fresh City has earned numerous awards, including the winner of the “Hot Concept” award by Nation’s Restaurant News in 2002. Now with company-owned stores in multiple states and anticipating healthy growth, Fresh City is actively seeking franchisee relationships.

“Entrepreneurship is in our blood,” Larry Reinstein said. “It’s about dreaming big and having the passion to pursue those dreams.”

About the Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship - A unit of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship (IHE) supports and enables innovation and new business formation in the hospitality industry. The Institute provides students with guidance on entrepreneurship study, introduces students to hospitality entrepreneurs, and encourages students to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. The Institute is also a platform for knowledge about forming new hospitality businesses, managing small and family-run businesses, franchising, corporate venturing, new venture funding, and innovation. To learn more about the IHE, please visit: , or contact Joe Strodel, Jr. in the office of the Associate Dean for Industry Research and Affairs at 607.255.4646.

Cydney Peters
607.255.8698
Cornell