Hunter Pond | Official Profile on The Marque

Hunter Pond’s Biography

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Hunter Pond is the Founder, CEO & Chairman of Vandelay Hospitality Group.

Hunter is an acclaimed restaurateur, entrepreneur and leader in the hospitality industry. His passion for the hospitality industry was formed early in his life, and he founded Vandelay Hospitality Group after opening his first restaurant, East Hampton Sandwich Company, at the age of 24. Hunter strives to push the boundaries of innovation in the hospitality space, and has been at the forefront of setting new standards for culinary excellence.

Vandelay Hospitality Group focuses on providing customers a combination of rich American heritage, elegant settings and an eye for detail across all aspects of hospitality. The company operates several popular eateries in the Dallas area and has since expanded to other locations, which includes eight individual brands and more than twenty restaurants throughout Texas and California. Under the Vandelay Hospitality umbrella, Hunter has launched Hudson House, Drake's, DL Mack's, Brentwood, Anchor Fish Bar, Blues and Bar Sardine.

Hunter's success in the industry has earned... Hunter Pond is the Founder, CEO & Chairman of Vandelay Hospitality Group.

Hunter is an acclaimed restaurateur, entrepreneur and leader in the hospitality industry. His passion for the hospitality industry was formed early in his life, and he founded Vandelay Hospitality Group after opening his first restaurant, East Hampton Sandwich Company, at the age of 24. Hunter strives to push the boundaries of innovation in the hospitality space, and has been at the forefront of setting new standards for culinary excellence.

Vandelay Hospitality Group focuses on providing customers a combination of rich American heritage, elegant settings and an eye for detail across all aspects of hospitality. The company operates several popular eateries in the Dallas area and has since expanded to other locations, which includes eight individual brands and more than twenty restaurants throughout Texas and California. Under the Vandelay Hospitality umbrella, Hunter has launched Hudson House, Drake's, DL Mack's, Brentwood, Anchor Fish Bar, Blues and Bar Sardine.

Hunter's success in the industry has earned him numerous awards and recognition. His dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences saw him placed on the 2015 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2018.

Hunter earned a degree in Entrepreneurship from Texas Tech University. He is also a member of YPO Dallas. moreless

Hunter Pond’s Newsfeed

The Dallas Morning News

Kid-friendly restaurant Slider and Blues opened in Dallas’ University Park on June 3

Vandelay Hospitality Group's Hunter Pond has returned to a favourite childhood spot with the opening of a nostalgic kid-friendly restaurant called Slider and Blues in Dallas.

Hunter Pond’s Background

Vandelay Hospitality Group

Founder, CEO & Chairman

2012 - Present

Dallas, TX, USA

Vandelay Hospitality Group operates eight unique brands and more than 20 restaurants nationwide. Vandelay brands have earned multiple awards for their cuisine offerings and attractive ambiance.

Media

Sunset Strip’s New Power Dining Spot Leans Heavy Into Ice-Cold Shellfish

Jan 2023

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hudson House comes from Vandelay Hospitality as the group’s first entry into the LA market. Customers can expect an interior that transports one to New York City or Boston with heavy dark wood accents, plaids, and leather booths.

Owner of East Hampton Sandwich Co. Makes Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List

Article

Jan 2015

Dallas, TX, USA

D Magazine's article focuses on Hunter's achievement of being named on the Forbes '30 under 30' list.

Interviews

Hunter Pond, Founder & CEO of East Hampton Sandwich Co.

2019

Hunter Pond of East Hampton Sandwich Co. shares the early challenges that came with opening a restaurant brand with zero experience under his belt at the young age of 25.

Meet the Law School Dropout Who Started One of Dallas' Favorite Sandwich Franchises

Interview

Aug 2018

Dallas, TX, USA

Hunter shares his success story, which began with the difficult decision to leave law school. what followed was a path of success that started with a job washing dishes at Eno’s in the Bishop Arts District to founding and operating Vandelay Hospitality Group.

Features

A Master at his Trade: Hunter Pond The Restaurateur

Apr 2023

Dallas, TX, USA

This feature discusses Hunter's successful career in the restaurant business, beginning with the opening of his first restaurant, East Hampton Sandwich Co. The article also discusses key figures that served as mentors and partners and what the future looks like for Vandelay Hospitality Group.

Stacking Bread: How Hunter Pond Has Grown His Restaurant Empire

Mar 2020

Dallas, TX, USA

This article explores the growth of Hunter's Restaurant Empire, also mentioning the mentors he engaged with along the way.

Memberships

YPO

Member

Dallas, TX, USA

Hunter is a member of YPO Dallas. YPO is a leadership community of chief executives who encourage and support relationships, peer learning and life-changing experiences.

Awards & Recognition

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

Finalist

2018

New York, NY, USA

Hunter was a finalist on the shortlist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The Entrepreneur of the Year program has been celebrating the ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses.

Forbes 30 under 30

Honoree

Jan 2015

Hunter was owner of the East Hampton Sandwich Company and aged 27 when he was named as one of the 30-under-30 Food and Drink Champions by Forbes.

Hunter Pond’s Education

Texas Tech University

Degree in Entrepreneurship