Top Chef and San Diego Restaurateur Speaks to PLNU MBAs

Brian Malarkey – Top Chef Miami winner and executive chef and co-owner of famed San Diego restaurants Searsucker, Gabardine, Burlap, Gingham, and Herringbone – will speak to an exclusive group of 90 PLNU MBA students and alumni and Fermanian School of Business faculty and staff at the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute’s Executive Development Event tonight.

Cathy Gallagher, director of the FBEI, will serve as moderator for the evening, discussing with Malarkey his background; business experience; how he has made important business decisions; and how he chose the concepts, names, and locations for his restaurants. Malarkey will also share advice and wisdom for students.

“Attending the PLNU MBA Executive Development Events is valuable for our MBA students because it gives them the opportunity to meet extremely successful business men and women from the San Diego community and from throughout the U.S. and hear them speak about how they got where they are today,” said Claire Buckley, MBA enrollment advisor. “Having Brian Malarkey share about his accomplishments in the restaurant business in San Diego will energize and inspire our students to keep pressing on toward their goals – whether to start their own businesses or continue developing within their companies.” 

Steve and PJ Bothwell, long-term partners of PLNU and the FBEI, will host the event at their Point Loma home. Steve is a supporter of the work of the FBEI and has mentored many PLNU MBA and undergraduate students through the Entrepreneur Enrichment Program. He also sits on the FBEI Advisory Board.

FBEI Executive Development Events are held once a semester exclusively for PLNU MBAs and faculty, and provide a unique opportunity for MBAs to enhance their personal and professional development. At these events, MBAs and guests enjoy an elegant dinner at a partnering venue property.