Our ExpertiseWe've been there!

Ben serves as Principal of The Optimum Group, his leadership and in-depth knowledge of the industry have been proven time and again over the last 30 years.

In 1975, Ben earned his B.A. from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, and received his Masters in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Florida International University in Miami Florida.

Ben spent his initial career as a multi-restaurant manager and executive chef. He later owned and managed a multi-unit concept company of full & quick service restaurants throughout the Washington, DC area. He has also served as senior vice president for a full service off-premises caterer and a contract food service company serving the business & industry market. Ben currently holds an Associate Professorship in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Virginia Community College and is a certified ServSafe instructor.

Ben is a featured guest on many of the local television networks and a frequent contributor to national and local publications for his expertise in the foodservice industry. Mr. Hiatt serves on the Board of Directors of Visit Fairfax, Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and is Past Chairman of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW).