Jeff Broadhurst – CEO of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group

Eat’n Park is a regional restaurant chain known for its family-friendly atmosphere, classic American comfort food, and iconic Smiley Cookies. Founded in 1949 in Pittsburgh, it offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on fresh, made-to-order meals. The brand emphasizes hospitality, community involvement, and sustainability initiatives.

Parkhurst Dining, a division of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, provides customized dining solutions for universities, corporations, and cultural institutions. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made meals, Parkhurst emphasizes hospitality, sustainability, and culinary excellence, creating memorable dining experiences tailored to each client’s needs.

Jeff said the decision to create Parkhurst Dining was rooted in the desire to focus on an industry that they knew well – food. 

Eat’n Park’s FarmSource program, launched in 2002, partners with local farms to source fresh, sustainable ingredients, supporting regional agriculture while delivering high-quality, farm-to-table meals.

In 2024, Eat’n Park celebrated its 75th anniversary and has nearly 60 locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.The restaurant has been a family business since the 1970s. 

Jeff Broadhurst is the President and CEO of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. He joined the company in 1996, became President in 2006, and CEO in 2008. Under his leadership, the company has expanded to include multiple dining concepts and emphasizes community engagement and sustainability. 

Jeff works side-by-side with his brothers, Brooks (Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage) and Mark (Vice President of Corporate Dining & Retail Development).

In the midst of COVID, Eat’n Park turned heads by opening a new location in Butler, PA. Jeff called the decision a “leap of faith” but said the decision showed employees and customers that Eat’n Park was strong and focused on growth. 

Eat’n Park’s Smiley Cookies debuted in the 1980s as a way to bring joy to guests, especially children. Originally hand-decorated with bright icing and a signature smile, these cookies quickly became a beloved brand symbol. Today, they are shared nationwide, spreading Eat’n Park’s message of kindness and hospitality.

QUOTES

“There are challenges (with working with family). There are challenges in any business, but there are a lot more positives.” (Jeff) 

“During COVID it was really nice having family there. Dealing with what we went through. That was the one thing that you really needed people that you trusted and respected and, in many cases, loved.” (Jeff)

“When new management comes in I always tell them one thing: You can never have too much fun in the role.” (Jeff) 

“My mother was always talking about treating people the way you want them to treat you.” (Jeff)

“(The Smiley Cookies) are all about creating a smile. That’s what it’s led into.” (Jeff)

“Community involvement is a big part of our culture and a big part of who we are.” (Jeff) 

“A lot of our focus right now is continuing to invest in the brand – a 75-year-old brand.” (Jeff) 

“What we have to do in the restaurant industry is anticipating the guest needs. What are they going to want tomorrow, next week, next year?” (Jeff)

“A lot of our innovation is about helping our team members have a more rewarding job and career. You can never forget about the importance of our team members.” (Jeff)