RH Staff

Jon Ostrov
President, Bonanza Restaurant Co. and Rising Star Franchising Co., Dallas

Age: 45. Why he's rising: Not only does Ostrov have responsibility for Bonanza restaurants, he's behind efforts to franchise Rising Star, a mid-priced dinnerhouse concept he developed. Ladder climbing: 1990-93, vice president, marketing, Country Hospitality Corp.; 1993-94, senior vice president, marketing; 1994-95, executive vice president, concept head, Bonanza Restaurant Co. Schooling: B.S., Communications, Ithaca College; attended M.B.A. program at Cleveland State University. Wins praise for: Turning tired-looking Country Kitchen coffeeshops into mainstream family restaurants. Last book read: " Competing for the Future by Gary Hamil." Mentor: Frank Steed, senior v.p. of franchise development, Metromedia Restaurant Group. First job in foodservice: Director of Advertising, Brown Derby Restaurants in Cleveland, age 24. What the future holds: Ostrov's career should soar at Metromedia if he can expand Bonanza Family Grill and Rising Star Grill via franchising.