About
Red Robin was founded on four Core Values: Honor, Integrity, Continually Seeking Knowledge and Having Fun. These Core Values are the foundation for every Red Robin decision from creating mouth-watering gourmet burgers to hiring energetic team members. They are also the foundation of how the company treats our team members, guests and communities. Red Robin’s Core Values are found embroidered on the sleeve of every team member’s uniform, and serve as a constant reminder of what makes the company unique and special. These Core Values are the basis of the Red Robin cultural atmosphere. You can see this culture when the servers go out of their way to provide a memorable experience for every guest, when the mixologists card any guest under the age of 39 ½, when the cooks make each smiling burger picture perfect, and so much more.
Red Robin also has an unparalleled and extraordinary approach to guest service known as Unbridled Acts. There are thousands of stories of Red Robin team members who live the company values through random acts of kindness they bestow upon restaurant guests, fellow team members and managers.
Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group, Inc. (LVRG; www.rrobinpa.com) is a Red Robin franchise covering the Lehigh Valley, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Philadelphia and Harrisburg regions. We are a franchise of Red Robin formed in 1991 by founder and former CEO, Stephen J. Hanzlik and a group of his friends. They opened their first Red Robin restaurant in 1993 at Tilghman Square in Allentown, PA. During 18 years of operation, LVRG has provided employment, memorable guest experiences and great food to thousands of people. In 2010, Steve passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Steve’s legacy, nevertheless, lives on in the four walls of the LVRG restaurants under new CEO Jim Ryan. LVRG currently has 19 Red Robin restaurants, with more to follow.
Executive Bios

Jim Ryan, CEO
Jim Ryan brings over 25 years of business experience with publicly held and privately owned firms. Jim has been a shareholder and business partner of Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group since it’s founding in 1992. Jim succeeded Stephen Hanzlik, the founder and the CEO, after his passing in January 2010. In his role as CEO, Jim provides the strategic leadership for the company inclusive of the ongoing growth and development plans. Read More…

Chris A. DeFrain, CPA
Chris graduated from Emmaus High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Muhlenberg College in 1999. He worked in the accounting department for Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group from 1994 through 1997. Chris joined Buckno Lisicky & Company, Certified Public Accountants in February, 1998. Read More…

Mike Axiotis, VP of Operations
Mike Axiotis’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry includes a career of over 25 years, 13 of which have been with Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group. Mike directs overall restaurant operations by executing strategies and efficiencies that impact business growth and maximize financial results. He is responsible for all operations, marketing and facilities management. Read More…




