Jamil Bouchareb, founder and CEO of Restaurantware, has always believed that “sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a responsibility.” This conviction has driven him to revolutionize the foodservice industry by pioneering elevated design, sustainability, and operational efficiency in foodservice supplies.His trailblazing vision goes beyond simply providing products; he is transforming the way chefs and operators work, serve, and present—blending form and function in ways the industry has never seen before.
From eco-friendly takeout packaging to high-end kitchen tools and equipment, Jamil collaborates closely with his team to develop supplies that chefs and operators don’t just rely on—but take pride in using. Every product is meticulously designed to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and elevate aesthetics, ensuring that sustainability and performance go hand in hand. His commitment to change extends beyond product innovation, launching impactful environmental initiatives like Plant One On Us— which has planted over 337,000 trees since 2021—and Power Lunch for a Purpose, which brings together industry leaders to drive both innovation and social impact. Most recently, Jamil spearheaded the launch of the Green Hero Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainability by reducing waste, protecting wildlife, and promoting the circular economy. The Green Hero Foundation stands as a dedicated advocate for conservation, sustainability, and a healthier planet for future generations.Jamil’s passion for food and business began early, shaped by time spent in his parents’ restaurant. That experience led him to pursue a Business degree from the University of Miami before returning to the food world with a fresh perspective. In 2010, he founded Restaurantware, bringing together his love for food, design, and business to reimagine what foodservice essentials could be.
Jamil takes a dynamic, hands-on approach to leadership, working closely with product development, sales, and marketing to ensure that every decision reflects Restaurantware’s values and its customers’ needs. His focus on forward-thinking design and technology-driven problem-solving has fueled remarkable growth, expanding Restaurantware’s catalog to over 15,000 meticulously crafted SKUs. Because of Jamil’s commitment to operational excellence, 98.6% of those SKUs are in-stock at any given moment, with next-day shipping available.
Recognized as a thought leader and disruptor, Jamil is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and events, where he shares insights on sustainability, product innovation, and the future of foodservice. An accomplished author, he has written extensively on sustainable business practices for Huffington Post and Packaging Strategies Magazine. His expertise and influence have been featured in Forbes, Valiant CEO, Hospitality News, and Yahoo Finance, solidifying his role as one of the most forward-thinking voices in foodservice today.
Beyond business, Jamil finds inspiration in interior design, real estate, golf, and travel—always seeking fresh ideas that fuel his passion for craftsmanship and hospitality.
Through vision, innovation, and relentless dedication to progress, Jamil continues to push the industry forward, proving that sustainability, design, and efficiency are not just ideals—but the future of foodservice.
Sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about responsibility.
“Praveen Bontu, Chief Operating Officer of Restaurantware, believes that “great strategy starts with great clarity.” With a career spanning investment banking, strategic advisory, and operational leadership, Praveen brings a rare combination of analytical rigor, cross-functional execution, and an innate ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions. At Restaurantware, he leads day-to-day operations across departments, ensuring the company scales efficiently while maintaining its commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
Before joining Restaurantware, Praveen spent nearly a decade in investment banking, where he served as an Associate in J.P. Morgan’s Investment Banking Division, focusing on healthcare M&A and capital markets transactions ranging from $500 million to $15 billion. Known for his command of complex deal execution, he led financial modeling, diligence coordination, and client communications for high-impact transactions such as the $2.7 billion sale of TriZetto Corporation to Cognizant and the $1.3 billion sale of Siemens’ Health Services segment to Cerner.
Earlier in his career, Praveen served as Assistant Vice President at Kaufman Hall and Associates, advising hospitals and health systems on integrated strategic and financial planning. His journey began at Applied Materials, where he worked in global internal audit, gaining firsthand experience in international compliance and operational efficiency.
Praveen earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he concentrated in Finance, Accounting, and Strategic Management. He also holds a BA in Economics, with distinction, from the University of Iowa. At Restaurantware, Praveen plays a central role in translating strategic goals into operational reality. He collaborates closely with logistics, procurement, technology, and customer service to streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and implement scalable systems. His ability to align cross-functional teams and drive measurable outcomes has been instrumental in supporting the company’s continued growth.
He led the planning, buildout, and seamless transition to the company’s expansive 300,000 square foot warehouse, overseeing all phases from site evaluation and layout design to systems integration and go-live coordination. In addition to his work on physical infrastructure, he has also overseen the strategic planning and development of Restaurantware’s proprietary software platforms. These systems span across critical business areas including product information management (PIM), finance, and accounting, and help to drive data accuracy, operational efficiency and business intelligence.
Beyond the office, Praveen enjoys travel, golf, and consumer technology. He brings the same curiosity and precision to his personal interests as he does to his professional endeavors.
Through disciplined leadership and a commitment to long-term value creation, Praveen continues to help position Restaurantware as a best-in-class brand—one built not just on vision, but on operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Great strategy starts with great clarity.
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