A seasoned entrepreneur with experience in both the food service and technology sectors, Rick Tsakalios currently owns and operates Papa G’s Restaurant in Huntley, Illinois. Since 2019, Rick Tsakalios has overseen all aspects of restaurant management, including staff recruitment, training, inventory control, and customer relations. Under his leadership, Papa G’s has launched a loyalty rewards program, transitioned to a POS system, and implemented various cost-saving measures, reducing inventory costs by 13 percent.

Before his successful venture into the restaurant industry, Mr. Tsakalios honed his technological skills as a “Genius” at a prominent technology company. From 2011 to 2019, he provided top-notch tech support, focusing on customer satisfaction and efficient problem resolution. His contributions included mentoring new technicians, implementing customer journey improvements, and supporting new store openings. His efforts were recognized with awards such as the Best of Brand and the Credo Award.

Mr. Tsakalios holds a BS in psychology from Loyola University Chicago and an associate degree from McHenry County College, where he also earned certifications as an emergency medical technician and first responder. His interests include following advancements in medical and technological fields and exploring trends in the food service industry. He also enjoys podcasts and reading material related to business, technology, and health.

Rick Tsakalios