Jean-François Chavanel is a seasoned executive whose journey from a French culinary school to the entrepreneurial heights of Las Vegas embodies a rare fusion of passion, precision, and perseverance. With a career spanning more than 25 years, Jean-François has not only excelled in the hospitality industry but has also redefined it through his unwavering dedication to quality and innovation. Guided by a deep belief that every detail matters—whether in the preparation of a gourmet dish or the creation of a strategic business roadmap—he brings an inspiring blend of artistry and acumen to every endeavor.
Born and raised in France, Jean-François began cultivating his culinary talents at the prestigious Lycée Hôtelier in Nice, where he earned both his CAP and BEP in Cuisine. He later studied telecommunications at the Air Force Academy in Rochefort, demonstrating an early aptitude for discipline and systems thinking. However, it was the kitchen—not the control room—where he found his calling. The dynamic environment of hospitality, the opportunity to craft experiences through flavor and presentation, and the ability to lead teams in high-pressure settings fueled his early ambition.
His international career took off in the early 2000s when he served as Directeur de Restaurant at Virgin Café, where he oversaw day-to-day operations, staff development, and customer satisfaction. His commitment to excellence and his intuitive grasp of team dynamics allowed him to lead with empathy while enforcing the high standards that would become his professional signature. These formative years helped shape his approach to leadership—one rooted in empowerment, consistency, and continuous improvement.
In 2007, Jean-François joined the renowned Lettuce Entertain You group in the United States, a company known for its culinary innovation and operational excellence. Over nearly five years, he held both front-line and managerial positions, including a significant role at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas, a landmark venue where fine dining and iconic views converge. As a manager, he was responsible for delivering world-class guest experiences while mentoring a multicultural staff to deliver consistently exceptional service. His ability to harmonize the front-of-house finesse with back-of-house efficiency solidified his reputation as a versatile and impactful leader.
But it was in 2011 that Jean-François truly stepped into his own. Alongside business partner Zelma Hulet, he co-founded Popped Las Vegas, a visionary take on an American staple: popcorn. What started as a creative experiment quickly became a local sensation. Merging his classical culinary training with Zelma’s deep love for popcorn, they transformed a casual snack into a gourmet indulgence. From sweet to savory, spicy to sophisticated, each batch of Popped popcorn is a culinary statement crafted with integrity, fresh ingredients, and a sense of playful luxury. Under his stewardship, the brand grew steadily, earning recognition for its bold flavors, quality craftsmanship, and community-first approach.
Jean-François’s success at Popped is not just a testament to his culinary expertise—it is a reflection of his entrepreneurial mindset. He has demonstrated an ability to forecast trends, adapt swiftly to market demands, and develop sustainable business models that merge creativity with financial viability. His involvement in all aspects of the business—from flavor development and sourcing to marketing and customer engagement—showcases his holistic understanding of how to grow and sustain a brand in a competitive landscape.
Though deeply rooted in food and beverage, Jean-François’s talents extend far beyond the kitchen. He is a strategic thinker with strong business development instincts, honed through years of navigating complex operational challenges and leading diverse teams. His leadership style balances vision with execution, encouraging innovation while upholding excellence. He believes that the guest experience is shaped not just by what’s on the plate, but by the culture, training, and strategic vision that guide a business from within.
An articulate communicator fluent in English and French, and conversational in Spanish and German, Jean-François brings a multicultural lens to his work. He understands the nuances of global hospitality and thrives in environments where diversity, collaboration, and respect drive success. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life—whether staff, partners, or patrons—has made him a trusted leader and an empathetic mentor throughout his career.
Jean-François is now seeking to broaden his impact by serving on corporate boards or advisory committees within industries that align with his values and experience, such as hospitality, food and beverage, and strategic brand development. His goal is to offer his extensive knowledge, unique insights, and leadership to companies looking to innovate, elevate their service standards, or expand their market presence. He views board service not as a retirement role, but as a new platform through which to contribute, learn, and open new doors for growth and collaboration.
Beyond business, Jean-François is an avid traveler who finds inspiration in discovering new cuisines, cultures, and stories. Travel reflects his core belief that hospitality is universal—it transcends language and geography, and at its heart, it is about connection. Whether crafting a dish or guiding a brand, Jean-François Chavanel leads with purpose, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
Character:
Jean-François demonstrates unwavering integrity in both business and personal dealings, building relationships on trust and transparency. His calm confidence and humility inspire loyalty and respect among peers and employees alike.
Knowledge:
He brings deep expertise in restaurant operations, culinary arts, and strategic planning, informed by decades of hands-on leadership and education. Jean-François continuously seeks to grow and evolve, staying attuned to industry trends and consumer behavior.
Strategic:
Jean-François blends long-term vision with tactical execution, enabling brands to innovate while maintaining operational excellence. He thrives on identifying growth opportunities and aligning resources for maximum impact.
Communication:
Fluent in multiple languages and gifted in team leadership, Jean-François connects authentically across diverse groups. His ability to clearly articulate goals and foster collaboration has been central to his success in cross-functional environments.
