Serving Hospitality with Integrity

Matt Revord, Chief Legal Officer, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants

Matt Revord, Chief Legal Officer at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, brings a deep understanding of the hospitality industry shaped by years of experience across legal, operational and strategic domains. With a background in private equity and mergers and acquisitions at a major law firm, Revord transitioned into the restaurant space, drawn by the people-first culture that defines hospitality. Now serving as a key leader at Cooper’s Hawk, he oversees a legal function that touches every aspect of the business, from labor and guest relations to real estate, data privacy, and regulatory compliance.

In an interview with Food and Beverage Tech Review, Revord underscored the critical roles that strategic planning and strong leadership teams play in driving success within the hospitality industry.

What Does a Typical Day at Cooper’s Hawk Involve?

No two days are the same for the Chief Legal Officer at Cooper’s Hawk. The role involves navigating a wide range of challenges and opportunities common across the hospitality industry. These include team member and guest matters, real estate, regulatory compliance, and virtually any issue that can arise in a dynamic retail environment.

What Are The Most Pressing Legal And Regulatory Challenges In The Restaurant And Hospitality Industry?

Regulations are constantly evolving, often with significant variation across local, state, and federal levels. These changes can affect wages, hours, working conditions and compliance requirements such as license displays or menu disclosures, which can differ widely by location.

“Across cultures and geographies, gathering around food is a deeply human experience, and the hospitality industry is what makes that possible”

Shifts in presidential administrations over recent cycles have also led to notable changes in agency priorities, including the introduction of new regulations or the rollback of previous policies. This ongoing fluctuation creates uncertainty and adds complexity, particularly for human resources operations.

How Do You See Emerging Legal Trends And Increasing Customer Scrutiny Shaping Compliance Strategies Across The Restaurant Industry?

Staying ahead of industry developments is a team effort. At Cooper’s Hawk, we’re fortunate to have strong marketing, human resources, IT and legal teams, all working together to monitor changes in laws and evolving guest expectations that may impact restaurant operations.

For example, IT continuously tracks updates in privacy and data security regulations, while HR keeps pace with changes related to tip credits, minimum wage and required workplace postings. Managing these areas effectively requires close collaboration and we’re also supported by excellent law firms and business partners who help us anticipate and prepare for what’s ahead.

At the moment, many industry players are primarily focused on driving traffic and improving same-store sales. This is especially true given the volatility and shifts in consumer confidence during the first quarter of this year. That observation reflects broader industry trends and isn't specific to Cooper’s Hawk.

Across the sector, there's a shared focus on encouraging guests to come out and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends and family, sharing a meal and drinks, having a positive experience and feeling comfortable spending in ways they traditionally have.

Beyond that, ongoing challenges include the persistent stream of new regulations. Whether related to cybersecurity, human resources, food safety, or disclosure requirements, there's a continual influx of issues that demand attention and resolution.

How Has The Collaboration Between Legal, HR And Guest Services Teams Contributed To Recent Legal Initiatives And Enhanced Team Support?

I’m consistently impressed by the collaboration between our Legal and HR teams in supporting our team members. I’m also proud of our Member and Guest Services team, which focuses exclusively on assisting wine club members and guests. Their work helps alleviate some of the operational burden on our restaurant teams, allowing them to focus on delivering an outstanding hospitality experience.

Rather than highlighting a single accomplishment, I’d emphasize the strength of our collaboration and the culture we’ve built to effectively support our teams.

What Sage Advice Would You Offer To A Peer Or Aspiring Professional?

The hospitality industry is truly a rewarding space to be part of. Today, I’m fortunate to be part of the restaurant industry, where people are - quite simply - kind. It’s called the hospitality industry for a reason. Most individuals in this field genuinely enjoy being around others, serving guests and creating memorable experiences.

At Cooper’s Hawk, that sense of connection has been central to our mission since our first location opened in Orland Park in 2005. Our founder placed a strong emphasis on building community and creating an environment centered around fun, warmth and human connection. In a world where many are searching for meaningful interactions, restaurants offer a unique space to foster those connections.

We take pride in contributing to that effort through our distinctive culture, wine club and guest experiences, which are offerings that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. We believe in our role, however small, in bringing people together and nurturing a sense of belonging.

For anyone considering a career in hospitality, there’s a profound opportunity to work alongside people whose primary purpose is to unite others over a shared meal. Across cultures and geographies, gathering around food is a deeply human experience, and the hospitality industry is what makes that possible.