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A. William Allen

Director at Gaucho Group

From 2005 to 2009, Mr. Allen was the CEO of Bloomin' Brands (and served as Chairman of its Board from 2009 to 2011). Mr. Allen managed Bloomin' Brands' $3.9 billion take-private successful initiative in 2007, sponsored by private equity firms L Catterton and Bain Capital, which occurred during his tenure. In 1998, Mr. Allen led the development of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, which he co-founded with famed restauranteur Paul Fleming, the co-founder of the P.F. Chang's restaurant group. Messrs. Allen and Fleming later sold the company to Bloomin' Brands for a majority stake in 2004. Mr. Allen was the President and CEO of La Madeleine French Bakery and Café before co-founding the highly successful Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar brand. Mr. Allen started his career working for The Marriott Corporation and Restaurant Enterprises Group, has extensive hospitality-related experience, and is considered to one of the most respected figures in the hospitality industry. Mr. Allen is a value-added investor, advisor, and board member for several developed and early-stage growth food service companies.