David Knouse
owner
David began his career over 30 years ago while in college at Albright in Reading, Pennsylvania, where part of his scholarship required him to work in the school cafeteria. At that point in time, he never speculated that the food service industry was in his future, although he did garner new respect for the concept of “family-style” service. David transferred to Southern Methodist University in the middle of his sophomore year, as he felt such a move would provide a new dynamic for a focus in business. He graduated with a BBA in Organizational Behavioral Administration. Like so many people who subsequently made the restaurant industry their career, David caught the hospitality bug as a student working at Steak and Ale. At that time, he felt he was a natural to pursue a livelihood of taking care of people, both customers and employees alike.
David’s expertise ranges from conceptualization to consulting. His experience covers fast casual concepts to upscale white table cloth venues. In 1977, he began his career as the Operating Partner at Henderson County Restaurants, Inc., where he was solely responsible for developing two new concepts. Additional titles include Director of Operations, Vice President of Operations and General Manager. He has successfully changed the misfortunes of two Dallas-based restaurants, The Mustang Café and The Palm. His reclamation efforts focused largely on reestablishing what he likes to call “the basics”. David will always tell you he’s in the “repeat customer business,” not the restaurant business.
During David’s tenure as Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Café Pacific and Patrizio Restaurants, he provided hands on direction which ultimately lead to sales success and multiple accolades. Patrizio Highland Park experienced a 15% sales increase from 1999 to 2003 without the aid of a menu-pricing increase. In 1995, Café Pacific was recognized as a DiRONA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) recipient, which is an annual award that is still in place today. In 2001, Café Pacific was inducted into the Nations Restaurant News & American Express Fine Dining Hall of Fame. It was one of ten restaurants in the United States to be recognized. Café Pacific has been recognized by the Zagat Survey annually and has been voted as one of the top five most popular restaurants, as well as the number one restaurant for seafood.
David has been instrumental in creating two concepts, Tolbert’s Texas Chili Parlor and Javalato. He was responsible for all aspects of both creations.