Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern announced the promotion of Jim Sauter from director of operations to vice president of the company. Sauter has more than 29 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

“Jim is a born leader and has been instrumental in facilitating the growth of the brand, which is now five times the size than when he first started,” says Gary Callicoat, president, Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern. “Not only is Jim known for his leadership and understanding of the brand, but he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure all associates have what they need and can deliver Rusty Bucket’s genuine hospitality to guests at all times.”

In his role of vice president, Sauter provides strategic direction for the brand and leads a team of managers and directors who oversee all restaurant operations – from identifying new site locations to overall expansion for Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern. Sauter joined the company in 2008.

Before Rusty Bucket, Sauter held numerous managerial positions within the restaurant industry, including kitchen manager, assistant manager, general manager, and regional director. Additionally, he is an active member of the National Restaurant Association and the Ohio Restaurant Association.

Sauter believes there are four key ingredients to be successful in the restaurant industry: choose a healthy environment that offers leadership development; work hard and learn from as many people as possible; when people step down, step up; and maintain a healthy work/life balance. Sauter is also a past recipient of the Bucket Life Award for his inspiring leadership.

Sauter is a graduate of The Ohio State University and currently resides in Dublin with his wife and two children.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Rusty Bucket, a sister company of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, was founded in 2002 and currently operates 23 locations in Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, North Carolina and Colorado.