NAPA, CA, April 14, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Thomas D. Douglas has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Douglas, born in Washington, has built a distinguished career in the restaurant industry, rising from humble beginnings to become chief restaurant officer and partner at Diversified Restaurant Group, LLC. His journey began at age 16 as a team member at Taco Bell while attending college in Pennsylvania. Driven by a desire to achieve more than his upbringing afforded him—his father was a coal miner in Southwestern Pennsylvania—Mr. Douglas worked diligently to put himself through school, securing loans and grants with his family's support.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California University of Pennsylvania, now known as Pennsylvania Western University, Mr. Douglas embarked on a professional path that would see him advance through every level of restaurant operations and management. He credits his success to being an attentive listener and remaining open to feedback, qualities that have shaped his leadership style and commitment to developing others.

His early career included roles with RTM Restaurant Group (now Inspire Companies), where he served as an area supervisor from 1999 to 2007. During this period, he gained extensive experience overseeing multiple locations and managing teams, which laid the foundation for his future leadership positions. He then joined Arby's as manager of human resources and training from 2007 to 2010, focusing on talent development and operational excellence.

From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Douglas held the position of director of operations at Arby's, followed by senior director of company operations from 2010 to 2013. In these capacities, he was responsible for driving performance across company-owned restaurants and implementing strategic initiatives. He continued his tenure at Arby's as senior director of franchise operations from 2013 to 2015, where he supported franchise partners in achieving operational goals.

In 2015, Mr. Douglas transitioned to GPS Hospitality as director of operations, where he contributed to the growth and success of one of the largest Burger King franchisees until 2017. His expertise in operational strategy and team building led him to Diversified Restaurant Group in 2017, where he became vice president. At that time, the company operated 85 restaurants primarily in Northern California. Recognizing the need for strong leadership in underperforming markets, Mr. Douglas relocated outside San Francisco to Napa and focused on hiring skilled operators and strengthening the team.

Under his guidance, Diversified Restaurant Group expanded its portfolio into Kansas City and Southern California and added Arby's restaurants. His efforts resulted in improved performance metrics and sustained growth for the organization. In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Douglas was promoted to chief operating officer in 2022 before assuming the newly created role of chief restaurant officer later that year. In this capacity, he leads a team of direct reports—including directors and vice presidents—overseeing operations support, field training, maintenance programs, marketing initiatives, communications and technology integration.

Mr. Douglas is responsible for organizing field operations and support teams, and for managing all new store builds and remodels in coordination with external partners. He reports directly to the president/franchisee of record. He plays a pivotal role in developing operational strategies aligned with both short- and long-term company objectives for continued expansion. Currently overseeing 366 restaurants with plans for significant growth, he remains committed to building trusted relationships with franchisors, vendors and stakeholders.

Throughout his career, Mr. Douglas has been most proud of his legacy in helping colleagues achieve their professional and personal goals. He places strong emphasis on goal setting and mentorship, qualities reflected in his involvement with industry organizations, such as serving on the advisory board at Seton Hall University.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Douglas is dedicated to civic engagement and philanthropy. He volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Junior Achievement, mentoring young people on business fundamentals and supporting their educational aspirations. Through Diversified Restaurant Group's charitable initiatives, including DRG Cares, he assists team members facing unexpected hardships. The company also sponsors college grants through its restaurants.

His commitment to community improvement has been recognized with honors, including the City of Pacifica's Beautification Award.

In his personal life, Mr. Douglas enjoys exercising and weightlifting, attending sporting events with his wife, traveling—including trips to Italy, Belize and Hawaii—and spending time at the beach. He values family deeply; his son from a previous marriage serves as human resources manager for Diversified Restaurant Group's Las Vegas market, having put himself through college and relocated from Pennsylvania.

Looking ahead, Mr. Douglas is focused on expanding Diversified Restaurant Group's footprint beyond its current portfolio by adding new brands and increasing the number of locations. Personally, he shares travel aspirations with his wife, particularly visiting Italy, and plans to invest in real estate by purchasing apartment complexes as part of their broader financial goals.

Mr. Douglas' story stands as an example of perseverance, leadership development and dedication to uplifting others within both his industry and community.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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