Brian Shecterle, owner of two area Culver's Frozen Custard restaurants, will be honored as Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year (OROY) at the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Milwaukee Chapter meeting on January 20 at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield.

Fellow members of the Milwaukee Chapter named Shecterle the OROY winner. The award is given based on success in business, dedication and service to the restaurant industry and community service. The Milwaukee Chapter is made up of Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties.

Shecterle has been involved in the foodservice industry as an owner of the quick-service franchise Culver's for the past eight years. Described as a high-energy leader, he had vowed to own his own business by the age of 30. After researching many franchises, Shecterle concluded that he and Culver's shared the same values, and in August 1995 he opened Culver's in New Berlin at the age of 31. In January 1998, he opened another Culver's in West Brookfield. Today, a third restaurant is under construction, scheduled to open in East Brookfield this June.

Known for supporting and believing in his employees, Shecterle has become an employer of choice in the area. He leads by example and rewards his team with bonuses, annual parties, gifts, and awards. Culver Franchising has named him Top Operator several times, and his store managers have been "Manager of the Year" candidates. Closely involved in Culver Franchising, Shecterle is an elected member of the Advisory Council, a committee that makes decisions on such things as new products and equipment, uniforms and growth of new stores.

An active participant at Wisconsin Restaurant Association chapter meetings and events, Shecterle has been a Milwaukee Chapter Board Member since 1999 and currently serves as the Secretary and 2nd Vice President of the chapter.

Dedicated to promoting the foodservice industry, Shecterle supports the Political Action Committee fund and has participated in association-run visits to Washington, D.C. two times to talk to lawmakers about issues facing the industry.

Shecterle strongly believes in giving back to the community that has made him a success. He participates in fundraising events throughout the community, donates 10% of Monday sales to various efforts, and donates a percentage of sales to Food for Families each November. Shecterle has set up a scholarship fund for all employees, and raised over $5,000 for the Culver's VIP Scholarship Fund at last year's Wisconsin Restaurant Association Annual Golf Outing.

Shecterle enjoys fishing and boating in his spare time. He and his wife Renee live in Brookfield with their two children, Jessica, 16 and Tyler, 2.

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