Leadership

Kelly & Scott Breard

Kelly and Scott Breard bring a wealth of experience and passion to leading DiRōNA into the future. Since taking ownership in 2016, their combined expertise has played a crucial role in maintaining DiRōNA’s status as North America’s most esteemed restaurant award organization. Scott Breard, who studied Hotel and Food Administration at the University of Guelph, has a deep understanding of the hospitality industry. His extensive background includes managing several restaurants and a decade of traveling alongside DiRōNA co-founder John Arena, visiting some of the world’s most prestigious dining establishments. Kelly Breard complements this with her background in travel and tourism and over 25 years of exploring top restaurants with Scott. Their shared experiences have uniquely equipped them to support DiRōNA-awarded restaurants with the leadership, industry insight, and marketing expertise needed to thrive.

Under their guidance, DiRōNA has reached new heights in online marketing and community engagement. With a team of skilled content creators, web designers, social media managers, and graphic/video editors, Scott and Kelly have elevated the organization’s digital presence, ensuring visibility for award recipients. Their leadership was particularly impactful during the 2020 pandemic when they provided a platform for restaurateurs to connect and collaborate. Through facilitating virtual meetings and advocating for the industry, the Breards helped restaurateurs navigate challenging times and ensure a safe dining experience for patrons. Now celebrating DiRōNA’s 35th anniversary in 2025, Scott and Kelly Breard are eager to continue celebrating excellence in fine dining and supporting the community of outstanding restaurants across North America.

In addition to their leadership and marketing expertise, Scott and Kelly Breard bring decades of successful event planning and execution to DiRōNA. Their efforts have led to the creation of notable gatherings, such as the organization’s reunion luncheons held annually in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show. These events have become a cherished tradition, offering a space for DiRōNA awardees and industry experts to connect. The Breards have also been instrumental in organizing prestigious Hall of Fame Inductions, recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on the culinary industry.

Their commitment to creating memorable experiences extends to larger-scale events like “DiRōNA Weeks” in renowned culinary destinations such as Napa, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana. These events have provided unparalleled access to the best in food, wine, and hospitality, offering DiRōNA award recipients unique opportunities for networking and education. Attendees have been able to immerse themselves in curated culinary and wine experiences, gaining insights from industry leaders while forming lasting connections with fellow restaurateurs.

Looking forward, the Breards are eager to continue delivering events that excite and inspire the DiRōNA community. Future gatherings are poised to offer unmatched networking opportunities, exclusive dining experiences, and excursions that only DiRōNA, with its deep history and influence in the food and beverage industry, can provide. The Breards’ dedication ensures that these events will continue to be a hallmark of DiRōNA’s offerings, further enriching the experience of being a part of North America’s premier dining community.

Kelly and Scott Breard with Lidia Bastianich in Chicago, May 2023

The Breard’s with the Emad Yacoub, Black+Blue, Toronto, ON August 2023

Kelly Breard with Chef Bruno Serato, and Sylvano Ibay of The Anaheim White House Anaheim, CA October 2021

The Breard’s with Ralph Brennan’s at Brennan’s Restaurant New Orleans, LA September 2023

Scott Breard with Chef Orlando Amaro, Brian Culwell, and Thomas Perez at Plane and Level, Spring, TX September 2023

Scott & Kelly Breard with Alejandro Orozco at Cafe Central El Paso, TX September 2023

Scott & Kelly Breard with DiRōNA Co-Founders Ted Balestreri and Chef Bert Cutino The Sardine Factory Monterey, CA January 2020

Scott & Kelly Breard with Maricarmen Ramos and Alejandro Orozco at the West Texas Chophouse El Paso, TX September 2023

The Breard’s with Mark Bohanan and staff at Bohanan’s San Antonio TX September 2023

Scott, Joshua, and Kelly Breard with Chef Bert Cutino Chicago, IL May 2017

Scott Breard with the management of Pancho’s Backyard Cozumel, MX March 2019

DiRōNA Scholarship presentation Niagara College Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON September 2017

The Breard’s with Alex Litras, Buvette’s Burlington ON, November 2023

King Edward Hotel – Christophe Le Chatton, John Arena, Donald Ziraldo, Former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner, Scott Breard Toronto, ON June 2019

DiRōNA Conference – Napa, CA September 2018

DiRōNA Reunion Luncheon – Chicago, IL May 2017