Michael G. Brizek, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
College of Hospitality, Sport and Retail Management

Education
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (HTM) M.H.R.T.A., University of South Carolina
B.S., University of South Carolina

Research Interests
Franchising
Strategic Management
Entrepreneurship / Small Business Management
Foodservice Operations

Awards and Honors
I-CHRIE Board Member (2005-2009)

Biography
Michael Brizek is Associate Professor within the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to his most recent appointment, Dr. Brizek’s past appointments as a faculty member were at the University of Massachusetts, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Baltimore International College respectfully. Dr. Brizek received a Bachelor of Science Degree and a master’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Brizek’s research agenda focuses on entrepreneurship, small business management, and strategic management issues dealing with the hospitality and foodservice industry.

Recent Publications
Brizek, M.G., Partlow, C.G., Nguyen, L.A. (2007).  S. Truett Cathy: From Young Entrepreneur to a Foodservice Industry Leader, Industry Pioneer Series Lead Paper, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education, In Press.

Brizek, M.G., Dozier, E. (2007). Case Study:  Another burrito place? Qdoba Mexican Grill Enters the Fast Growing, Fast-Casual Mexican Food Segment, Journal of Foodservice Business Research, Vol. 10 (2), In Press.

Brizek, M.G. (2007).  An Assessment of Organizational Development within the Privatization Process of Eastern Europe. Special Issue on International Foodservice Development. Journal of Culinary Science and Technology, Vol. 5 (4). In Press.

Brizek, M.G., Khan, M.A. (2007) An Empirical Investigation of Corporate Entrepreneurship Intensity within the Casual Dining Restaurant Segment. International Journal of Hospitality Management. Vol. 26 pp. 871-885.

Brizek, M.G. (2006). Case Study: Putting a Loaf of Bread in Every Arm Panera Bread Incorporated. Journal of Culinary Science and Technology, Vol. 5 (1). pp. 39-49.

Brizek, M.G. (2006). An Ethnographic Study of Small Business Owners / Operators within the Food Service Industry. Journal of Culinary Science and Technology, Vol. 4 (4). pp. 17-24.

Brizek, M.G., Khan, M.A. (2006). Ranking of U.S. Hospitality Graduate Programs: 2002-2003. FIU Hospitality Review, Vol. 24 (1). pp. 1-10.

Brizek, M.G., Poorani, A.A. (2006). Making the Case for Entrepreneurship: A Survey of Entrepreneurship / Small Business Management Courses within Hospitality and Tourism Programs. Journal of Hospitality, leisure, Sport and Tourism Education, Vol. 5 (2). pp.37-48.

Current Grants and Projects
“Principal Investigator: Research Grant, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, University of South Carolina.” USAID / EDC Cyprus-Educational Development, $150,000 (Unsecured)

“Principal Investigator: Research Grant, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, University of South Carolina.” CMAA Foundation Faculty Research Grant, $2,500 (Pending)

“Principal Investigator: Development Grant, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, University of South Carolina.” Miller Brewing Company Foundation, $2,000,000 (Unsecured)

“Principal Investigator: Development Grant, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, University of South Carolina.” Wendy’s International Foundation, $300,000 (Unsecured)

“Principal Investigator: Development Grant, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, University of South Carolina.” Darden Restaurants Foundation, $1,000,000 (Unsecured)

“Principal Investigator: Research Grant, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, University of South Carolina.” United States Department of Agriculture, $150,000. (Unsecured)

Professional Affiliations
International CHRIE
USABE
NRA