Bruce N. Davis, Executive Chairman of the Board
Bruce Davis has been a restaurant entrepreneur for twenty years. Prior to that, he served as Wall Street financial analyst and later as an executive at a publicly traded manufacturing company.
In 1993, he co-founded Jasper’s Food Management, Inc., which today operates a chain of deli-style restaurants in Oregon. Davis has served as Chairman of the Board since its inception. In 1995, he acquired a small restaurant chain, which continues to thrive today. In 1998, he and an investment group, including Blackhawk principal, David Connor, acquired a majority interest in publicly traded Elmer’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMS). Davis served as President and helped lead the expansion of Elmer’s Restaurants in the Northwest. In 2001, he led Elmer’s acquisition of Mitzel’s American Kitchen restaurant chain and the build-out of new Elmer’s. Following the enactment of Sarbanes-Oxley, Davis spearheaded the successful effort to take Elmer’s private in 2005. Today, Elmer’s Restaurants Inc. owns, operates, and franchises over 50 restaurants in four western states. Davis currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Elmer’s Restaurants, Inc., a position he has held since 1998.
Davis received his BA, from Williams College, graduating cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his MBA from the Yale School of Management.
David D. Connor, Chief Executive Officer
David has been an owner and operator in the hospitality industry for over 35 years. During this time, he has owned and managed restaurants and hotels in California, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii. In this capacity, David has served on a number of boards, including as President of the San Mateo County Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the San Mateo County Hotel and Restaurant Association, and Conference Center Board.
David owns the Salishan Spa & Golf Resort (rated Four Diamonds) on the Oregon coast. Both the hotel and its flagship restaurant have won numerous industry awards. David is also partner in and co-founder of Steelhead Brewery, which operates brew-pubs in Oregon and California.
In 1998, David and his investment group, helped finance the acquisition of a majority stake of publicly traded Elmer’s Restaurants, with Bruce Davis and his team. David also assisted in taking Elmer’s private in 2005. David and Bruce have been partners in the restaurant business for over 13 years. As CEO of Blackhawk, David will have day-to-day responsibility for all aspects of the business.
Michael Thiessen, Principal
Mike Thiessen has been a restaurant-bar owner for over five years with the successful turnaround of Adolph’s Grill and Bar. Prior to that Mike was a successful investment banker and currently enjoys a strong business consulting practice and is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University.
Additionally, Mike’s professional business management experience includes convention, sports and entertainment project development, financing and management. His background also includes extensive work within the political system including campaign management and congressional staff experience. Thiessen was recently an investment banker at a well-known, Chicago-based financial firm where he specialized in the financing of public/private partnerships and economic development projects.
Representative projects Mike has been involved include:
- The MAX, McCook, IL ; 110,000 sq. ft. sports and training facility
- Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL; $100 million MLS "Soccer Specific Stadium"
- Whataburger Field, Corpus Christi, TX; $24 million Double A baseball stadium
- Silver Cross Field, Joliet, IL; $30 million minor league baseball stadium
- CommunityAmerica Ballpark, Kansas City, KS; $15 million multipurpose stadium
- Lisle-Benedictine Sports Complex, Lisle, IL; $15 million multipurpose sports complex
- "The Corn Crib", Normal, IL; $13.5 million multipurpose stadium
In his position as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, Mike teaches Front Offices Operations, and Sports Facility Finance and Development, in the Masters of Sports Administration program.
As an Illinois native and someone closely involved in economic development projects throughout Illinois, Mike is spearheading efforts with municipalities and local agencies on the zoning and liquor licensing process for Blackhawk.
Cecelia "Midge" Hough, Director of Operations
Midge has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, serving in a variety of capacities in restaurants, bars, and with state-sponsored video gaming. Prior to joining Blackhawk Restaurant Group in July 2012, Midge served as the Director of Lottery Operations for Elmer’s Restaurants, Inc. and as President of Jasper’s Food Management, Inc. She and Bruce Davis have worked together since 1997 building the state’s largest video gaming retailers, with more than 50 locations.
With over 15 years involved in state-sponsored gaming at bistro and full-service restaurants, Midge is one of the nation’s experts on the operations side of this business segment with an impeccable record of sales growth, high guest satisfaction, and exceptional regulatory compliance. As shown in the accompanying Awards & Recognition section, Midge’s operations have been highlighted by the Oregon State Lottery in its state-wide newsletter and have received letters of recommendation from officials with the Oregon Lottery and Oregon Liquor Control Commission.
As Director of Operations for Blackhawk Restaurant Group, LLC she will have day-to-day responsibility for all operational aspects of the business. Hough strongly believes in hiring from within the communities in which the bistros are located. She is passionate about providing excellent customer service, which starts with providing an excellent employment experience and culture. Hough has incorporated that philosophy at Blackhawk by implementing flexible hours, an outstanding training program, a true team environment, and opportunity for advancement.