CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group named 2026-27 Conti professor

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Hospitality Management has named Darryl “Chip” Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, as its 2026-27 Walter J. Conti Visiting Professor.

The Conti Professorship program, now in its 38th year, brings hospitality industry leaders and scholars to serve as guest lecturers and mentors to students in the hospitality management program and connect with faculty members and researchers in the school.

“Welcoming Chip to our illustrious list of industry speakers serving in the spirit of the exceptional hospitality leader, Walter Conti, is an honor for the school,” said Donna Quadri-Felitti, Marvin Ashner Endowed Director of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management. “Chip’s career and cultivation of talent have created award-winning restaurant cultures culminating in his prestigious 2026 IFMA Gold Plate Award. We know our students and community will be inspired by his story and are grateful he is willing to share with Penn Staters his insights in sustaining business success.”

Wade will be in-residence at Penn State University Park, visiting during the 2026-27 academic year to teach and advise students and faculty in their fields of study or areas of expertise. He will also engage in virtual seminars with undergraduate and graduate students throughout the academic year.

"I am truly honored to be named the 2026-27 Walter J. Conti Visiting Professor," Wade said. "Hospitality has a way of teaching you something new every day, no matter how long you have been in it, and staying on the floor keeps that intellectual curiosity alive. That is really what makes me a student for life. I am as excited to learn from Penn State's students and faculty as I am to teach them, and I am looking forward to sharing some of the lessons I have picked up along the way from the many hospitalitarians who have shaped my own career."

As CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, Wade is responsible for enhancing and evolving the company’s culture, driving an even greater experience for guests and bolstering the excellence and growth of its businesses. He joined the executive team as president in 2019, following a 30-year career in operational leadership in the hospitality industry. In 2022, he was named CEO.

Before joining Union Square Hospitality Group, Wade served as executive vice president of operations for Red Lobster. As the senior leader of all operating functions, he was responsible for in-restaurant execution and driving strategy to maximize the guest experience and growth for 677 restaurants in the United States and 27 restaurants in Canada with average unit sales of $3.3 million and $2.4 billion systemwide.

Previously, Wade was senior vice president of enterprise operations for Darden, the world’s largest full-service restaurant operating company. Wade spent two years away from Darden when he served as chief operating officer for Legal Sea Foods, Inc., in Boston. In this role, he managed all operations for the family-owned group’s 31 restaurants. He also led as the senior vice president of development for Smokey Bones, a former Darden concept.

Earlier in his career, Wade spent more than 13 years with TGI Fridays where he progressed through various management positions in operations, human resources and new business development.

A Pennsylvania native, Wade received his culinary degree from Johnson & Wales College, his bachelor of science degree from Widener University and his M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Wade serves on the boards of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Share Our Strength, a national organization working to end childhood hunger and poverty in the United States. He previously served on the Board of Trustees for Johnson & Wales University and on the board of Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization offering services and support for families of children with emotional, mental and behavioral problems.

“We are delighted to welcome Chip to the legacy begun by Walter and continuing to grow each year through the Walter Conti Professorship, Walter Conti Faculty Fellowship and Conti Professors’ Scholarship,” said Leighan, class of 2003, hotel, restaurant and institutional management, and Mike, class of 2003, journalism, Conti on behalf of the family. “Each Conti professor brings diverse opportunities for student, faculty and industry connection — a cause our grandfather vocally championed. He would be thrilled to welcome a fellow restaurateur with such a passion for service and hospitality back to campus.”

About the Conti Professorship program

Walter Conti earned his bachelor’s degree in home economics from Penn State in 1952, becoming a well-known restaurateur and industry leader. He served on the Penn State Board of Trustees from 1974-92, achieving trustee emeritus status.

The Conti Professorship program was established by alumni and friends of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management in 1987 to honor Conti for his contributions to the school, Penn State and the hospitality profession. Beginning in 1988, industry leaders and hospitality’s best scholars have served each year as guest lecturers and mentors as part of this program. Conti died in 2016 at the age of 87.