Jenn Bonnell

Before she ever stepped into restaurant leadership, Jenn Bonnell was developing the kind of discipline and accountability that can’t be taught in a classroom—it was lived.

Growing up on a farm raising livestock, Jenn learned early that responsibility wasn’t negotiable. Each day began with caring for animals and ended only when the work was complete. “My father and grandfather instilled in me the importance of taking pride in your work and never leaving a job unfinished,” she reflects. Those lessons became the foundation of a career defined by consistency, resilience, and follow-through.

Her time in 4-H further shaped her approach to both work and leadership, and it was there that Jenn first learned the principles of servant leadership. Over eight years, she earned multiple Grand Champion titles through her livestock projects while also serving in leadership roles, including president and secretary. She also devoted time to teaching and mentoring younger 4-H members, helping them become stronger and more confident showmen. Through those experiences, she discovered early on the fulfillment that comes from helping others grow and succeed.

Through these experiences, Jenn learned that strong leadership was not about recognition or authority, but about supporting others, setting an example, and contributing to the success of the entire team. At the same time, she immersed herself in band, speech, and cheerleading—experiences that reinforced the value of discipline, accountability, and collective success within a supportive community.

Her path into hospitality, however, was not part of a long-term plan—it was a practical decision rooted in family.

“As a young parent, daycare costs were significant, so my husband and I worked opposite schedules,” she explains. What began as a necessity quickly became a calling. Jenn started as a shift manager with Donatos Pizza in Cincinnati, where she discovered not only her aptitude for leadership, but also a deep connection to the industry itself.

Equally impactful was the support and mentorship she received during those early years. The leadership team at Donatos Pizza played a significant role in shaping her into the strategic, servant-minded leader she is today. Through coaching, development, and high standards, they helped cultivate her ability to lead with both accountability and empathy—lessons that continue to influence her leadership philosophy decades later. Hospitality quickly became more than a career path—it became home.

It was during these early years that Jenn began to define her leadership philosophy—one grounded in servant leadership.

For Jenn, leadership is not about authority; it is about responsibility. “I serve my team. Every day, they deserve the best version of me,” she says. Her days often begin at 5 a.m., focused on planning and preparation, but the majority of her time is spent in the field—working alongside her team, not above them.

“I believe people need leaders who don’t just set expectations, but demonstrate them,” she explains. “You have to be willing to step in, support, and lead from within the team.”

This approach fosters both trust and accountability. Jenn empowers her managers to think critically and bring forward solutions, guiding them rather than simply providing answers. At the same time, she maintains clear and unwavering standards rooted in honesty, accountability, and guest safety.

Her leadership style strikes a deliberate balance—empathetic, yet firm. She understands that developing people requires both support and accountability, and she holds herself to the highest standard as a result. “Leadership is modeled. If my team sees me holding the line, they will too.”

Over the course of her 20-year career, Jenn has navigated both growth and uncertainty, including one of the most challenging periods the industry has ever faced: the COVID-19 pandemic. With no roadmap to follow, she leaned into adaptability and decisive leadership, learning how to pivot operations while continuing to support her teams.

“That experience changed the way I think,” she says. “It reinforced the importance of being able to adjust quickly and lead through uncertainty.”

Despite the operational challenges and business milestones, Jenn defines success through a different lens—people.

“The greatest accomplishment in my career is the individuals I’ve developed who are now leading teams of their own across the country.”

Today, as Director of Operations for a growing franchise organization, Jenn focuses on building the next generation of leaders. She invests intentionally in developing area managers, general managers, and assistant managers by aligning individual strengths with clear development plans and long-term opportunities.

Her goal is both simple and powerful: to build a team strong enough to sustain success beyond her own presence. “If I’ve done my job right, the business runs just as well when I’m not there.”

That philosophy shapes the culture she continues to build—one grounded in positivity, discipline, and growth. Wins are celebrated, challenges are addressed directly, and mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn and improve.

Looking ahead, Jenn remains focused on strategic growth—from developing future leaders to planning new restaurant openings and driving long-term financial success. Yet at the core of her work is a consistent commitment to service.

For those entering the hospitality industry, her advice is clear: “You have to genuinely love serving people—both your team and your guests. Without that, it’s difficult to build a lasting career in this industry.”

And for those aspiring to lead, she offers a defining measure of success: “What separates good leaders from great ones is what happens when they’re not in the building. Have you built a team that can execute with confidence and consistency in your absence?”

For Jenn, that level of leadership begins with a fundamental mindset shift—choosing to serve first.

“Servant leadership changed everything for me. It’s about giving to your team, not expecting from them.”

It’s a philosophy she brings to life daily—whether she’s coaching a manager, planning for the future, or stepping in to support her team in the moment.

Because for Jenn Bonnell, leadership isn’t about standing apart—it’s about standing alongside.