Our CEO

David Davoudpour

For more than three decades, CEO David Davoudpour has spearheaded exceptional, award-winning business ventures in the restaurant, food service and hospitality industries, as both a franchisee and franchisor. Widely considered a maverick and a visionary, and guided by principles of innovation, simplicity and community involvement, he is an active philanthropist and entrepreneur who is always proud to contribute to the communities he serves.

Since late 2006, Mr. Davoudpour has led Shoney's, applying these same principles to a brand he has long considered to be THE quintessential American dinner table. Actively revitalizing an iconic brand for new generations and markets, Davoudpour is bringing Shoney's to the forefront of fast-casual dining, with redesigned restaurants and new approaches to fresh, delicious food.

Philanthropist

David supports local organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Learning for Life Navigators Program, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and the National Restaurant Education Foundation Tennessee.

Executive Team at Shoney's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Entrepreneur

As a restaurateur and franchisee partner, David passionately believes in creating a family-friendly dining atmosphere.

Leader

David purchased Shoney's in late 2006 and has made it his mission to reinvigorate Shoney's across America with a fresh new look and a focus on delicious, fresh and healthy food.

Passionate About Giving Back

Shoney Boy Scout Navigators Scholarship Program Event

Shoney's Boy Scout Navigators Scholarship

Shoney's has already awarded more than $530,000 in 176 scholarships, as of 2016, to benefit the Boy Scouts of America Navigators program.

"Shoney's scholarship recipients live by a philosophy of determination," David Davoudpour said. "They inspire others to excel and give us hope and confidence in our future. Shoney's is very excited to continue our partnership with Boy Scouts of America to make dreams a reality for some very deserving future leaders."

Shoney's CEO and Chairman Leads the Chain's Post-Tornado Effort

In March 2020, when a tornado ravaged Shoney's hometown of Nashville, its fearlessly philanthropic Chairman and CEO David Davoudpour personally picked up the tab for Nashvillians impacted by the storm for three nights, providing comfort, assistance and a warm meal to hundreds.

To read more about how Mr. Davoudpour led Shoney's post-tornado efforts, read the full article by Caroline Perkins.

Shoney's 5k Family Fun Run & Festival

For eleven years, Shoney's hosted the 5K Family Fun Run & Festival in the spring to benefit the Metropolitan Nashville Police Support Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The 5K raised over $200,000 to fund the Department's ability to access the best in education, training, technology, communication, outreach, and community partnership.

My Future, My Way Career Exploration Fair

David Davoudpour was a founding member of the My Future, My Career Exploration Fair. Working alongside Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Director Dr. Jesse Register and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ralph Schulz at Nashville's Music City Center to host more than 7,400 high school freshmen for the 2014 "My Future, My Way" career fair.

"This annual event began in 2010 and continues to expose high school freshmen to vocations and professions available in Middle Tennessee for the purpose of helping them choose opportunities of interest to them," David said. "This experience should motivate each student to start along a positive and sustainable path, both in school and beyond, to achieve his or her career goals."

Other Community Initiatives

A strong supporter of the Equal Education Opportunity Group of Nashville, David Davoudpour has served as a keynote speaker at its annual fundraising gala and contributes to the Save-A-Student Leadership and Training Conference.
As a co-founder of the Buckhead Alliance, David helped establish the organization to strengthen economic development, communication, and culture within Atlanta's Buckhead community.
His commitment to public safety inspired David to co-found the Metro Atlanta Police Fund, which provides training and educational opportunities for officers beyond the city's budget.
David's fundraising efforts helped raise $50,000 for the Operation Confidence Competency Program, supporting the creation of a south central Los Angeles facility for physically challenged foster children to build essential life skills.
As a supporter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in Los Angeles, David provided financial assistance and helped organize town halls, job fairs, and community-focused initiatives.
Support from David for Greater Avenue for Independence (GAIN) in Los Angeles has helped expand motivational and job-readiness programs for high school dropouts seeking new opportunities.