Hotels & Hospitality Industry Expert Witnesses: 11

Michael J. Canaan, CPP CFLC, is a Premises Liability Expert Witness with over 45 years of experience in military and civil law enforcement, as well as corporate and private sector security and investigative positions.

Assignments have taken him from the Bering Sea to Southeast Alaska, across Canada and the United States, to countries in Central and South American in case venues ranging from educational settings, amphitheaters and stadiums, nightclubs and sports bars, ships, casinos, retail environments, food processing facilities, malls, and shopping centers.

Expert cases have involved evaluating failure to meet best practices, duty or standard of care in areas such as:

• Inadequate or negligent hiring, retention, training, supervision, staffing, and terminations
• Use of force or excessive force, threats, harassment, and intimidation
• Inadequate or non-non-existent policies and procedures, post orders
• Assaults, voyeurism, rape, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, stabbing, and homicide
• Security technology integration, improper or inadequate physical security infrastructure or systems installation
• Workplace violence

Mr. Canaan has worked over 35 expert cases, with testimony experience in both deposition and trial.

He is Board Certified in Security Management by the American Society for Industrial Security, International. ASIS is the largest professional security practitioner association with over 38,000 members worldwide, of which only 2200 have received this prestigious certification. Mr. Canaan is also a Certified Forensic Litigation Consultant with the Forensic Expert Witness Association.

View Michael Canaan's Consulting Profile.

David Rutecki's career spans 39 years of Restaurant and Hospitality related experience. Working in more than 20 restaurants and involved in the opening of more than a dozen, he has worked every position possible within this industry. Mr. Rutecki currently owns and operates Mountain Deli in Hendersonville, garnering the 2016, 2017 & 2018 Blue Ridge Growth Award. He is a Member of the North Carolina and National Restaurant Associations. Mr. Rutecki has been invloved in the following selected restaurants:

• Fancy’s Food and Wine, Gourmet Shop, Coral Gables, South Miami & Grove Isle, Fl.
• Susie’s Bagels, Breakfast Restaurant, South Miami, Fl.
• Pizzaria Uno, Full Service Restaurant, Miami, Fl.
• Baystreet, Full Service Seafood Restaurant, Miami, Fl.
• Rusty Pelican, Upscale Seafood, Key Biscayne, Miami, Fl.
• Rudolph's BBQ, Upscale BBQ, Miami, Fl.
• Signature Gardens, Upscale Catering Hall, Miami, Fl.
• Chart House, Upscale Seafood, Coconut grove, Fl.
• Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Coconut Grove, Fl.
• Gatsby’s, Upscale Billiards and Cigar Bar, Boca Raton, Fl.
• Prezzo, Casual Italian, Boca Raton, Fl.
• Maxwell’s Chophouse, Upscale Steakhouse, Boca Raton, Fl.
• Mountain Deli, Delicatessen, Downtown Hendersonville, NC
• Tabica Grill, Upscale American, Jupiter, Fl.
• Jonathon's Landing Marina Club, Upscale Boating Club, Jupiter, Fl
• Jetty's, Upscale Seafood, Jupiter, Fl.
• Austin Grill, Casual, Washington, DC.

Litigation Support - David Rutecki offers expert witness and litigation support for restaurant related issues in the United States. His services are available to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. Areas of Expertise:

• Restaurant and Kitchen Design, Menu Development
• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Bar Operations & Liquor Liability... Dram Shop
• Safety & Security - Slips, Trips and Falls
• Daily Operations & Management, Employee & Staffing Issues
• Retail Operations
• Staff & Mgmt Training Programs & Handbooks
• Business Plan Development

Preston Rideout is a Nightclub and Bar Expert with 25 years of experience. He is CEO of Rideout Hospitality and specializes in providing Expert Witness Testimony specific to bar operations, nightclub operations, negligence, intoxication, assault, use of force, mechanical bull operation, responsible alcohol service, and Dram Shop. 

Litigation Support: Preston Rideout is widely considered the leading bar operations expert in the United States. His engagements include a knife fight, a brass knuckles assault, negligent mechanical bull operations, negligent alcohol distribution, a casino assault, and negligent CO2 cannon operations.  

Preston Rideout's Nightclub and Bar client list includes Jon Taffer Bar Rescue, Absinthe Room, Ambhar Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Bar, Babalu, Carlos & Charlies, Cannery Ball Room, Crusens Bar, The Daiquiri Factory, Eastside Distilling, High Watt, Itta Bena Restaurant and Bar, Lafayette's, Longshot's, Lucille’s, Mercy Lounge, Park City Live Park City, Red Rock Bar, Twelve25 Sports Bar, The Alluvian Hotel, The Memphian Hotel, The Collegiate Hotel, Hotel Fenix, The Pink Shell Resort Hotel, The Millennium Hotel, and the Crown Plaza Hotel.

Preston Rideout's Nightclub Operating Experience includes Tangerine Nightclub, Pure Nightclub, Audigier Nightclub, LAX Nightclub, EVE Nightclub, Electric Cowboy, Luke's Ice House, Twelve25, Red Rock, and The Gin.

Preston Rideout's Bar Operating Experience includes Coyote Ugly, Noir Bar, Luke's Ice House, Electric Cowboy, Pussycat Doll Lounge, and The Gin

Preston Rideout's Casino Nightclub Experience includes working at Treasure Island Hotel Casino, Luxor Resort Casino, Caesars Palace, Aria Resort, New York -New York Casino, and The Hard Rock Hotel Casino.

Preston Rideout's Profesional Affiliations include providing Nightclub and Bar Consulting for The Hospitality Alliance and Cayuga Hospitality.

Preston Rideout's 2016 Preston Rideout Bartender Training Manual.pdf received over 100,000 downloads 

Operations Management Negligence Intoxication

Assault Use of Force Mechanical Bull Operations Dram Shop

View Rideout Hospitality's Consulting Profile.

Howard is one of America's most sought after Restaurant, Bar, Food, & Beverage Industry Experts in the country. With over 32 years of experience, Judges & Juries respect Howard's industry expertise in regard to his restaurant expert witness& restaurant litigation support services - having provided expert witness testimony, opinions, and reports in both State & Federal Cases for Plaintiffs & Defendants. 

• Federal Certification with 29 CFR 1910 from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration

• Certified Forensic Consultant (CFC)-the American College of Forensic Examiners 

• Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points Manager Certification (HACCP) 

• National Environmental Health Association Certification • ServSafe Food Safety

• On-Premise Alcohol - TIPs 2.0

Nationwide Services - NO CHARGE for Domestic Travel

250+ Litigation 

300+ Pre-Litigation

State & Federal Cases - Plaintiffs & Defendants

Restaurant, Bar & Hospitality Industry Matters - Since 1987

Highly-recognizable books, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting A Restaurant" (1st & 2nd Ed) and "Restaurant OSHA Safety and Security: The Book of Restaurant Industry Standards & Best Practices", found in 76 countries around the globe. 

Howard Cannon - Restaurant Expert Witness 

With 250+ Litigation and 300+ Pre-Litigation cases as a Restaurant Expert Witness, Food Safety & Contamination Expert, and Restaurant & Bar Safety & Security Expert, Howard provides Credibility, Integrity, and Unbiased Analysis & Reports. Howard is well-spoken - having given hundreds of restaurant, food service & hospitality industry speeches and seminars, and is quite comfortable in any court of law. He is a published author/experienced writer with books & articles published in dozens of markets around the globe - delivering clear & concise expert reports with an effective and efficient opinion & basis. Howard NEVER misses a deadline – his expert witness reports & opinions are always on time.

Areas of Expertise:

Slips, Trips & Falls Alcohol/Dram Shop Liability Forensic Analysis Lost Income Royalty Disputes Restaurant Discrimination Customer/Employee Injuries Wage & Labor Claims Trade Secrets Intellectual Property

Restaurant OSHA Americans w/Disabilities Act (ADA) Food Safety & Contaminations Landlord Disputes Premises Liability Training Neglect Restaurant Equipment Restaurant Safety & Security Management Neglect

Franchise Disputes Harassment Restaurant Human Resources Construction Tip Claims Restaurant Operations Partnership Disputes Customized Issues

Website:  www.RestaurantExpertWitness.com  

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RestaurantExpertWtns/videos  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RestaurantExpertWitnessServices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurant-expert-witness/

Consulting Profile: View Howard Cannon's Consulting Profile  

Richard A. Lazar is the nation’s leading Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program Compliance Expert. He and his company, Readiness Systems, design and document complete AED programs, remotely monitor AEDs, provide AED law and public policy resources and publish industry standards

An AED program consists of a design and supporting set of policies and practices that ready an organization for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) emergencies, suggest what actions should be taken if SCA is encountered and help manage the legal risks that come with owning AEDs. Industry standards and AED laws guide what to include in an AED program’s policies and practices.

Background Experience: For over 25 years, Mr. Lazar has designed and documented AED programs for AED programs nationwide. Examples include Microsoft, the Federal Aviation Administration, 24 Hour Fitness among many others. Earlier in his career, he practiced emergency medical services law, designed emergency medical services (EMS) systems, served as an EMS system administrator, and was an emergency medical technician. He also holds a law degree from Lewis & Clark School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs from the University of Oregon.

Mr. Lazar develops and publishes national AED Program Design Guidelines that describe industry standards for AED programs and the AED Law Center, the only comprehensive online information resource that helps AED owners learn about the AED laws for every state, understand the AED laws in plain English, and stay informed about pending AED legislation nationwide.

Litigation Support: As the leader in his industry, Mr. Lazar has provided both consulting and testifying expert services to lawyers in a variety of cases around the U.S. involving sudden cardiac arrest response in workplace and community (non-medical) settings. His deep understanding of AED programs has led him to testify before the U.S. Congress in support of the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, the FDA on AED over-the-counter and reclassification issues, and numerous state legislatures on AED public policy issues and immunity laws.

View Readiness Systems' Consulting Profile.

Dennis Gemberling, CHA, CFBE, FMP, FCSI, President and Founder of Perry Group International, has over 35 years of experience in the Hospitality Management industry. His experience includes managing, operating, and consulting on full-service, limited-service, extended-stay, all-suite, condo and timeshare hotels and resorts, casual, fine-dining, and quick-service restaurants, bars and nightclubs, catering and special event facilities, casinos, and mixed-use real estate. Mr. Gemberling has held prior positions for different owners, operators, and chains as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Director of Food & Beverage, and Restaurant Unit Manager. He has been retained on over 400 projects with typical values in the $1 million to $75 million range and revenues in the $1 million to $100 million range both nationally and internationally. His many clients have include among others Biscuits & Blues, Cantina’s, Chevy’s, Choice Hotels, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inns, Hilton, Holiday Inns, Hooter’s Casino, Hyatt, Marriott, McDonald’s, Microtel Inn & Suites, Outback Restaurants, Radisson, Residence Inns, Signature Resort, Sizzler, Sonic Drive-Ins, Starbucks, Starwood, Sheraton, Togo’s, Wendy’s, and Willie Mays Skybox Lounge. Litigation Support: Dennis Gemberling is a Certified Hotel Administrator, Certified Food and Beverage Executive, Certified Foodservice Management Professional, and Certified Food Safety Manager. He offers expert witness services to attorneys for plaintiff and defendant cases on a variety of Hospitality-related claims. He is a Professional Member of Foodservice Consultants Society International and the Forensic Expert Witness Association. Mr. Gemberling also provides expertise as a Court Appointed Receiver and Interim Property Manager and is currently the Past President and a Board of Director for the California Receivers Forum – Bay Area Chapter. Areas of Expertise:

Management & Operations Income Analysis & Valuation Employment, Hiring & Labor Issues Lost Profits & Future Earnings Business Interruption Planning & Feasibility Upkeep & Maintenance Customs & Trade Practices Standards of Care

Franchise, Management & Operator Contracts Brand, Franchise, Franchisee Apparent Agency Issues Safety & Security Contractor & Entertainment Use Food & Alcoholic Beverage Handling Costs, Economic & Marketing Impact Procurement & Purchasing Landlord / Tenant, Operator & HOA Issues Discrimination & Harassment Construction or FF&E Problems

View Dennis Gemberling's Consulting Profile.

Qualfied Expert Witness & Consultant in Hotel and Real Estate Industry Business Issues:

• Market, economic & financial feasibility
• Valuation
• Disputes between owner-operator, borrower-lender, franchisor-franchisee
• Management contracts
• Ground & building leases
• Partnership & JV agreements
• Concession contracts
• Development agreements and loan documents
• Expert witness testimony
• Litigation strategy, consultation and support
• Damage calculations
• Lost profits analysis
• Real estate appraisals
• Deal structuring & workouts
• New development
• Strategic planning
• Market demand assessment
• Acquisition due diligence
• Economic, financial & investment analysis
• Can estimate damages and appraise property values under multiple scenarios
• Trained Arbitrator & Mediator

Winner of the Creative Counselor of the Year for appraising the Grand Canyon.

Leonard J. Backer has over 28 years of extensive and successful Seating, Tables and Furniture Industry experience in all key areas. Mr. Backer has been directly involved in the design and development of 250+ seating and table collections. He specializes in Private Label Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Product Development expertise.

Mr. Backer provides aggressive Expert Witness and Litigation Support services to attorneys, insurers and businesses for Plaintiff or Defense. He performs site inspections, detailed product reviews and incident analyses. He has worked with law firms and insurance companies to develop and coordinate strategies for various types of legal actions and lawsuits. Very strong hospitality background.

Mr. Backer has extensive experience with hotel, restaurant, cruise ship, retail store and senior living incidents. Personal Injury and Product Liability Cases. He provides detailed analyses, written opinions, and expert witness reports for clients throughout the U.S. Strong proven deposition and court testimony.

Areas of Expertise:

Furniture Based Disputes, Claims, or Legal Actions Chair Failures Seating Product Liability Personal Injury Purchasing Disputes Seating Product Design / Performance Issues Design Knockoffs

Sales Rep. Commission Disputes Designer Royalties Exclusive Distribution Agreements Product Evaluation Warranty Issues Product Launch Failures Private Label Development Agreements Evaluation of Management Performance

View Leonard Backer's Consulting Profile.

Food Service & Restaurant Design Consultant. I have been involved in the design of restaurants and commercial kitchens for over 10 years. I have personally designed over 125 restaurants including front of house and back kitchen design, including project management. I have a B.A. in interior design. I have worked on projects throughout the United States and Phillipines, and Honduras.

Over the last 2 years I have owned my own company which has provided complete construction drawings for over 30 restaurants ranging from 1,500 sq. ft. to over 3,000 sq. ft. I have also been retained by architects and business owners to provide coordination drawings for commercial kitchen design for over 35 projects ranging in size from 1,000 sq. ft to 5,000 sq. ft. I have also worked on franchise restaurant projects for McDonalds, Chevy's Mexican Restaurant, Jamba Juice, Tahoe Joe's, Taxi's Hamburgers.

Gary Deel, Ph.D., J.D. has 10 years of experience in executive-level positions in the hospitality industry and 10 years of experience teaching hospitality management and law curriculum for some of the nation's top hotel schools.

Dr. Deel holds both a Ph.D. in Hospitality and a J.D. in Law, so he understands the nuances of expert witness testimony from the perspective of attorney strategy. He has also worked in a variety of different hospitality industry capacities including operations, sales, security and risk management, training and administration, and others. His services are available to help attorneys make the strongest possible arguments for clients in hospitality-related cases. Dr. Deel offers expert witness services nationwide in the areas of:

Hotels Resorts Restaurants Travel and Tourism Meetings and Events

Theme Parks Airlines Cruise Lines Casinos Golf Courses

Recent Cases:

• Suit against Miami beach resort involving catastrophic injury in the ocean and hotel duty to warn about latent hazards known to hotel and not obvious to visitors (plaintiff).
• Suit against Orlando city center convention hotel involving sexual assault of a minor guest by an employee and hotel duty to monitor employee whereabouts and activities (plaintiff).

Joel Feigenheimer, PhD is an industry expert with over 35 years of experience related to the Restaurant and Hospitality field. A graduate of the Cornell Hotel School, he holds an MBA in Hospitality and a PhD in Business from Northcentral University (attained 2018). Dr. Feigenheimer has been named the National Association of Concessionaires Eminent Scholar at The Chaplin School of Hospitality at Florida International University.

For the past three decades, Dr. Feigenheimer has served as both an entrepreneur and director for an International restaurant firm. He has corporate, independent, and franchise restaurant experience. Over his career he has consulted on three continents, excelled in the corporate environment, been a successful entrepreneur, and met thousands of industry leaders.

Currently on the faculty at Florida International University, he teaches Restaurant and Hospitality Management to tomorrow's hospitality leaders. His courses include Purchasing and Menu Planning, Concepts of Food and Beverage, Sustainability, Cost Control, Introductory Management Concepts, and Project Management, among others.

Litigation Support - Dr. Feigenheimer provides nationwide expert testimony relating to Food Service and Hospitality Operations. He has direct experience not only as a "legal expert" but also as an operational expert. This enables him to explain cases in a manner that juries understand, easy going yet direct and effective. Dr. Feigenheimer's services are available to attorneys representing both plaintiff and defendant.

Areas of Expertise:

Contractual Obligations Restaurant Lease Issues Restaurant Employee Concerns Food Safety Vendor Disputes

Hospitality Business Law Food Service Management Operator Liability Liquor Liability / Dram Shop Slip and Fall

View Joel Feigenheimer's Consulting Profile.