Who We Are
Independent Restaurant Consulting Services is a collective of restaurateurs, leveraging their knowledge and buying power to assist one another with efficiency and profitability, in an ever-changing foodservice landscape. By utilizing combined purchasing data across multiple concepts and locations, our team is able to contrast operating expenses to identify areas of over-spending and price manipulation by wholesale suppliers. The result is a tangible, significant saving to the bottom line that reflects the margins of national and chain restaurants, all with absolutely no cost out of pocket for an independent operator.
Our Team
Greg Campbell
Cooper C. Thurber, Jr.
Cooper C. Thurber, Jr.
As a young boy, Greg spent time in his French Grandmother Simone’s kitchen, where he learned to prepare food only one way, with love and bacon! He got his start in the restaurant industry at age 18, working as a saucier in a high-end Italian restaurant in his hometown in Georgia. His 35-year career took shape in several cities holding dif
As a young boy, Greg spent time in his French Grandmother Simone’s kitchen, where he learned to prepare food only one way, with love and bacon! He got his start in the restaurant industry at age 18, working as a saucier in a high-end Italian restaurant in his hometown in Georgia. His 35-year career took shape in several cities holding different roles, including his first General Manager position when he was 28. Now, Greg is the Executive Chef and Director of Operations at Bradenton’s landmark waterfront restaurant Pier 22 and its sister restaurant Grove in Lakewood Ranch. His position allows him to use his analytical and creative background to foster award-winning restaurants.
Greg also teaches cooking classes, performs sushi demonstrations, creates progressive wine dinners, and arranges special events that complement the restaurants' day-to-day culinary experience.
Cooper C. Thurber, Jr.
Cooper C. Thurber, Jr.
Cooper C. Thurber, Jr.
Cooper C. Thurber, Jr is a Hospitality industry veteran. He has extensive experience in food distribution and purchasing most recently as the Purchasing Director for a large independent restaurant group in SW Florida. Cooper has launched multiple corporate initiatives on both regional and national levels for a Fortune 100 company. Having
Cooper C. Thurber, Jr is a Hospitality industry veteran. He has extensive experience in food distribution and purchasing most recently as the Purchasing Director for a large independent restaurant group in SW Florida. Cooper has launched multiple corporate initiatives on both regional and national levels for a Fortune 100 company. Having a passion for Information Technology and Operational Systems Cooper has successfully helped hundreds of restaurants improve their bottom line and operational efficiency.
Cooper was born in Mobile, Alabama, and graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in education. He is married with 3 children and lives in Bradenton Florida. Cooper is an avid fisherman and musician.