“Hire for heart, train for skill, and give every team a clear scorecard.”
A narrative profile highlighting leadership philosophy, Sticky’s turnaround experience, and earlier growth roles.
Paul G. Tuennerman is a restaurant operator and growth leader with 40+ years in hospitality. His career spans front‑line operations to C‑suite roles, with a recurring theme: translate strategy into store‑level habits that win guests and strengthen unit economics.
Most recently, as Executive Vice President (and Board Member/Investor) at Sticky’s Finger Joint, Paul guided a pivotal repositioning. He introduced operating rhythms, standardized training, and a repeatable opening playbook—tools that made growth more predictable in dense urban markets.
Previously, as CEO at Dat Dog, he reset culture and leadership standards, centralized reporting for KPI visibility, and prepared the concept for regional expansion. Earlier, as SVP of Business Development at Raising Cane’s, he helped the brand expand from 7 to 21 states and led initial steps into the Middle East while growing non‑traditional channels.
Paul began in food service after U.S. Navy service in supply & logistics. He’s contributed to nonprofit leadership and disaster‑relief work and remains engaged in advising and selective growth projects.
Location: Diamondhead, MS · Phone: 504-402-0208 · Email: tuennerman@mac.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tuennerman