Phil Fox
Areas Of Specialty
Phil brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to hospitality and restaurant recruiting across the Chicago Tri-State Area, including Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. With a background in successful operations leadership, Phil combines industry knowledge, professional training, and a passion for people to connect top-tier talent with organizations seeking to build high-performing teams. His deep understanding of hospitality operations allows him to identify candidates who not only meet job requirements but also align with a company’s culture and long-term goals. Whether it’s executive recruitment or team-level staffing, Phil is a trusted resource for businesses seeking exceptional talent.
Phil began his hospitality journey in a corporate kitchen with Bennigan’s in Fargo, ND, starting as a production cook. Over time, he honed his culinary skills and worked his way up through various leadership roles including Supervisor, Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM), and Kitchen Manager (KM). Following a family move to Wisconsin, Phil transitioned into front-of-house management with Charcoal Grill, a local restaurant group, before joining The Cheesecake Factory. There, he spent nearly seven years opening new locations and training diverse teams nationwide, gaining a strong foundation in leadership and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). He later held key positions with Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants and other respected establishments, eventually serving in leadership roles at several private country clubs. His responsibilities included Food and Beverage Director, Clubhouse Manager, and Service Director, as well as serving on the Board of Directors and as a Clubhouse Committee Chairperson at Green Bay Country Club. These experiences ultimately led him to discover his true passion – recruiting.
Throughout his career, Phil has been driven by a deep appreciation for helping others succeed. His ability to build and mentor diverse, talented teams has been a consistent theme across every role he’s held. Today, as a hospitality recruiter in the Chicago Tri-State Area, Phil is passionate about matching the right people with the right opportunities – transforming careers and elevating businesses in the process. If you’re a company seeking top hospitality talent or a candidate ready for your next career move, reach out to Phil today to discuss how he can support your recruiting needs.
