As President and COO of Union Square Hospitality Group, Chip Wade is responsible for further enhancing and evolving the company’s culture, driving an even greater experience for guests, and bolstering the profitability of its businesses. Most recently, Chip spent 17 years in leadership with  Darden Restaurants, where he oversaw all operating functions, drove best-in-industry people metrics,  and enhanced financial performance for a number of Darden’s high-growth brands. He also served as  Chief Operating Offer for Legal Sea Foods in Boston, Massachusetts, in which capacity he led all operations for the family-owned group’s 31 restaurants and oversaw the launch of the Legal Test  Kitchen concept. Earlier in his career, Chip spent 13 years with TGI Fridays where he progressed through various management positions, in Operations, Human Resources, and New Business Development. A  Pennsylvania native, Chip got his culinary degree from Johnson & Wales College, his B.S. from Widener  University, and his M.B.A. from The University of Texas at Dallas. In addition to his professional experience, Chip also serves on the following boards: Cracker Barrel, Johnson & Wales University, Share  Our Strength, a national organization working to end childhood hunger and poverty in the United States,  and Youth Villages, a non-profit offering services and support for families of children with emotional,  mental, and behavioral problems. He is also a senior advisor for Junzi Kitchen, a Chinese fast-casual restaurant and concept based in New York.