Dean's Advisory Board
Kevin Whattoff
Chief Operations Officer, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
In 2023, Mr. Whattoff was appointed Chief Operations Officer of Lazy Dog Restaurants, based in Costa Mesa, California. Prior to joining Lazy Dog, Mr. Whattoff served as Vice President of Operations at Bloomin’ Brands from 2013 to 2018. From 2001 to 2012, he held leadership roles at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, where he played a key role in operational development and brand expansion. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Whattoff served as a Joint Venture Partner for Outback Steakhouse, overseeing multiple locations and driving growth initiatives.
Mr. Whattoff began his career as an hourly employee in the restaurant industry and has since built a career marked by more than 30 years of operational leadership. He is known for his servant leadership style, operational excellence, and ability to develop and inspire high-performing teams across a variety of concepts.
Mr. Whattoff is a lifetime member of the Tucson Conquistadors, a philanthropic foundation dedicated to funding and promoting youth and special needs athletics in Southern Arizona.
Mr. Whattoff brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, operational execution, and team development, and has been a trusted partner to senior leadership throughout his career.