Conner Cupit
Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer
With over 25 years of leadership in the restaurant and foodservice industries, Conner Cupit brings deep expertise across operations, brand marketing, business development, and strategic planning. He’s worked with an impressive range of restaurant concepts and food brands—from scrappy startups to global powerhouses—giving him a unique ability to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful growth.
As Managing Partner and CEO of Greenbriar Partners, Conner leads all company operations and serves as the primary point of contact for capital partners, operating partners, and clients. His passion for the restaurant business runs deep, and he’s known for his relentless focus on delivering standout guest experiences. He brings a balanced perspective—understanding both brand and business imperatives—and works closely with teams to craft practical, tailored solutions that get results.
Conner’s leadership style is highly collaborative. Whether leading Greenbriar’s portfolio companies or advising its consulting clients, he’s focused on understanding the full picture—from the front lines of the restaurant to the boardroom—ensuring every strategy is actionable, sustainable, and aligned with long-term goals.
BACKGROUND
Conner’s career began hands-on in restaurants, then quickly grew into corporate roles at Brinker International, where he held brand marketing and corporate development positions across iconic brands including Chili’s Grill & Bar, Maggiano’s Little Italy, On the Border, and more.
In 2012, he founded Greenbriar Restaurant Holdings, which continues to own and operate Rusty Taco locations in the Dallas–Fort Worth market. Most recently, Conner led Greenbriar’s acquisition of Roost Chicken Salad & Deli, building on a highly successful consulting engagement. Prior to Greenbriar, he was a marketing executive at PepsiCo, where he led teams in brand strategy, innovation, and foodservice.
EDUCATION
Conner holds an MBA with concentrations in Finance and Consulting from SMU’s Cox School of Business, and a BBA in General Management from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.