G.J. Hart ('84) has built his career in the highly interpersonal, “high-touch” world of hospitality. As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, how is it reshaping the way hospitality professionals connect with guests and deliver exceptional experiences?

Join Dean Michael Busing for a compelling conversation with this distinguished industry leader as he explores the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into hospitality—while preserving the human connection at its core.

Reception to follow at 6:00 p.m.

G.J. Hart ('84): Industry Leader and Philanthropist

For over 25 years, Shenandoah Valley native and James Madison University alumnus G.J. Hart has served as CEO of several national restaurant brands, including Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Torchy’s Tacos, California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse. A highly respected leader in the hospitality industry, Hart is known for his organizational leadership, commitment to profitable growth and ability to drive long-term shareholder value.

He currently serves as Chairman/CEO of SPB Hospitality Inc., managing partner at EMERGING and operating partner at Fifth Down Capital. He is on the National Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association, as well as the boards of Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO), Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE: BROS) and BarTrack.

In 2024, Hart received the Workplace Legacy Award from Black Box Intelligence, recognizing his exceptional leadership in balancing people-focused practices with operational excellence. In 2025, Newsweek named four restaurants associated with Hart—Red Robin, Portillo’s, Dutch Bros Inc., and Texas Roadhouse—to its list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America, based on an independent survey of 25,000 U.S. respondents.

In 2015, GJ and his wife, Heather, announced a gift commitment of over $3 million to James Madison University. Their donation led to the naming of the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management—the first named school at JMU.