Modesto Alcala

Personal Bio

Modesto Alcala is a distinguished executive with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and retail sectors. Renowned for his expertise in business turnarounds, brand revitalization, and innovative concept development, Alcala has built a legacy of driving operational excellence and sustainable growth across global markets–experience he now channels as the Founder and CEO of Fork in the Road. 

Retail Career Highlights 

Alcala began his career in the retail industry with notable contributions to prominent organizations, including Dayton Hudson Corporation and Federated Department Stores.  His innovative approach became evident during his tenure at Barnes & Noble, where he spearheaded the ideation, development and expansion of the company’s café business.  Under his leadership, the operation scaled to over 600 units, establishing one of the earliest strategic partnerships with Starbucks and The Cheesecake Factory, setting a new standard for retail experiences.  

Restaurant and Hospitality Leadership 

Alcala held pivotal leadership roles at Brinker International, where he contributed to the success of Macaroni Grill, and transitioned to concept development for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide with the creation of Timpano Chop House, Samba Room, and Mignon French Steakhouse.   

In partnership with private equity firms, he served as President of Don Pablo’s Mexican Kitchen and Senior Vice President at Avado Brands, enhancing operational efficiencies and driving substantial growth. As President and Chief Operating Officer at Copeland’s Famous New Orleans Restaurant & Bar, Alcala further solidified his reputation as a transformative leader in the hospitality space.   

At Buca di Beppo, Alcala revitalized the brand as Chief Operating Officer, where he led the company’s turnaround, successfully restoring profitability and positioned it for sustained growth. His visionary leadership continued at Ignite Restaurant Group, where he served as Chief Concept Officer, creating and scaling the Brick House Tavern + Tap concept into a national presence. 

Global Impact at NBCUniversal Theme Parks 

In 2012, Alcala joined NBCUniversal Theme Parks, overseeing a $500 million food and beverage program. As Senior Vice President, he led the transformation of CityWalk in Orlando and Hollywood, enhancing guest experience, optimizing and master planning tenant mix, and boosting profitability. His leadership extended to management of a $1 billion Global Placemaking and New Concept Development strategy, overseeing groundbreaking initiatives under the Universal Parks and Resorts Creative organization. In this role, he was instrumental in developing innovative concepts across global locations, including Universal Studios parks in Japan, Beijing, Orlando, and Hollywood. His leadership extended to the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, set to open on May 22, 2025. Additionally, Alcala played a pivotal role in shaping the food and beverage experience for the first Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, further highlighting his influence on Universal’s global expansion and the diversification of its entertainment footprint. 

Industry and Community Engagement 

Beyond his corporate achievements, Alcala is deeply committed to advancing the hospitality industry and supporting his community.  He has served on the boards of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), the Illinois Restaurant Association, and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Additionally, he held positions as Vice Chairman of the Minnesota Restaurant Association and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.  

Currently, Alcala contributes his expertise as a board member of Global Imports and the Economic Advancement Foundation.  His dedication to community service is exemplified by his role as Board Chair for Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, supporting the organization’s mission to grant transformative wishes to children facing critical illnesses.  

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the industry and community, Alcala was honored with the prestigious Don Quijote Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. 

Alcala resides in Central Florida with his wife, Loren, where they remain actively engaged in both professional and philanthropic endeavors.