Suggestions
Keith Davis
Founder/CEO at The Golden Pear Cafe & Catering Company
Keith Davis is the founder and CEO of The Golden Pear Cafe & Catering Company, a successful chain of cafes in the Hamptons area of Long Island, New York.12 Here's an overview of his background and achievements:
Career and Business Development
Keith Davis started his first Golden Pear Cafe on Main Street in Southampton in 1987.2 He expanded the business over the years, opening additional locations in East Hampton in 1991 and Bridgehampton in 1996.2 The Golden Pear Cafes have become a staple in the Hamptons, known for their exceptional breakfasts, lunches, catering services, and house-made bakery items.2
Early Experience
Davis began his career in the restaurant industry at the young age of 14, washing dishes and preparing food at a local seafood restaurant.2 During his college years, while studying electrical engineering, he worked for four summer seasons at the Dune Deck Hotel in Westhampton Beach, where he gained experience in various roles including bussing tables, bartending, waiting, and catering.2
Career Transition
After graduating college and briefly working in engineering, Davis returned to the restaurant industry. He worked as a sous-chef at The Barefoot Contessa in East Hampton, owned by Ina Garten, which provided him with valuable experience in gourmet food preparation and off-premise catering.2
Entrepreneurial Vision
Davis has ambitious plans for The Golden Pear. In the past, he announced intentions to expand the business through franchising, with a goal of establishing up to 150 franchises across the country.1 His long-term vision includes transforming The Golden Pear into a national brand over the next 25 to 30 years.1
Other Ventures
In addition to The Golden Pear Cafes, Davis has ventured into the beverage industry. He created a line of cocktail mixes called Nervous Breakdown, aiming to bring the flavors of his cafes into people's homes.34
Keith Davis's entrepreneurial journey showcases his dedication to the food service industry and his ability to grow a local cafe into a beloved Hamptons institution with potential for national expansion.