Dave Shula is returning as president of Shula's Restaurant Group, the family-owned restaurant company founded by his father, Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula, in 1989. Shula previously served in the role for nearly 20 years before stepping away to pursue coaching opportunities. He brings a unique background that spans both professional sports and hospitality: he played for the Baltimore Colts in 1981, coached under his father with the Miami Dolphins starting in 1982, served as Offensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, and was Head Coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992 to 1996. After joining the family business in 1997, he spent more than two decades building the company before returning to football as a Wide Receivers coach at Dartmouth College from 2018 to 2023.

Expansion Plans Under Shula's leadership, the restaurant group will expand its six-concept portfolio across the United States. Planned openings include Shula's American Kitchen at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Executive Meeting Center in Palm Beach Gardens this winter, and entry into Thomasville, Georgia, in 2027. Additional expansion opportunities are under exploration nationwide. The company currently operates more than 30 locations spanning Shula's Steak House, Shula's American Kitchen, 347 Grille by Coach Shula, Shula Burger, Shula's Bar & Grill, and PRIME, A Shula's Steak House.

Leadership Philosophy "My family name is on this organization and each of our franchised locations, so it's important to me as an owner that the company reflects the goals my dad laid out for me when I first joined in 1997," Shula said. "He told me, 'I didn't get into the restaurant business to do anything but enhance the reputation I built as a football coach.' That sets the bar high and continues to guide how we operate today." Don Shula's legacy in sports is tied to the Miami Dolphins' perfect 1972 season, the only 17-0 campaign in NFL history. The principles that defined his coaching career—preparation, discipline, accountability, teamwork, and integrity—form the foundation of how Shula's Restaurant Group operates. As president, Shula will oversee team building and development within the corporate organization while reinforcing company culture across the franchise portfolio.

Why It Matters

For franchisees and operators in the casual-dining segment, Shula's return signals renewed focus on expansion and brand consistency across a multi-concept portfolio. The addition of new markets and concepts suggests the family business is positioning itself for growth during a period when many restaurant groups face operational complexity and franchise management challenges.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors